NEWS
Teacher runs, swims, cycles and rows his virtual way to Africa to raise funds for Special School
During the St. Mary’s School, Menston visits to South Africa in 2023, as part of the Bambisanani Partnership, the students and staff had their first visit to Thembimfundo School– a school dedicated to children with Special Educational Needs.
During the St. Mary’s School, Menston visits to South Africa in 2023, as part of the Bambisanani Partnership, the students and staff had their first visit to Thembimfundo School– a school dedicated to children with Special Educational Needs.
A very special relationship was immediately created with the children relishing the opportunity to learn through movement and sound. Unfortunately, there was a lack of resources to promote these aspects of learning and a teacher on the visit, Matt Harvey, wanted to make a difference and ensure that additional equipment was provided. Tragically, over the summer Mr Harvey passed away and never had the opportunity to raise the required funds.
Mr David Farmer, Deputy Headteacher from St. Joseph’s Primary School, Pudsey, who was part of the Bambisanani team to visit South Africa took up the mantle and decided to travel virtually from Leeds to Africa to raise funds by running, swimming, cycling and rowing the equivalent distance.
To do this he:
Ran from Leeds to Dover – 274 miles
Swam from Dover to Calais – 31 miles
Cycled from Calais to Gibraltar – 1,442 miles
Rowed across the Gibraltar Straits to Africa – 9 miles
A remarkable total of 1,756 miles!
The journey has taken almost a year of visiting the gym and pool; recording distances meticulously throughout. Mr Farmer has raised approaching £1,000 with the Gift Aid included, which will enable the Bambisanani Partnership charity to purchase items such as a sound system, play parachutes, netball, football and boccia equipment and jingle balls for the blind. The children at Thembimfundo will enjoy using the equipment and no doubt Mr Harvey will be looking down with a smile on his face.
David Geldart from the Bambisanani Partnership said, “This is an absolutely amazing feat of endurance and commitment from David and indicative of his tremendous enthusiasm and commitment for the Bambisanani Partnership. We are now working very closely with the Principal, local community and other agencies in South Africa to develop sport and the creative arts at Thembinfundo Special School. This has become a major focus for the charity and will be a lasting legacy to Matt.”
Published 03/03/2024
Bambisanani Awards continue to inspire
The annual Bambisanani Awards are always a cause of great interest and excitement as they continue to recognise, reward and inspire young people in South Africa and the UK.
The annual Bambisanani Awards are always a cause of great interest and excitement as they continue to recognise, reward and inspire young people in South Africa and the UK.
At Vumanhlamvu Primary School, 3 Bambisanani Awards were presented in memory of Jordan Sinnott:
The Sports Leader of the Year was named as Philani Shezi, the football team captain for 2023
"I would like to thank the Bambisanani Partnership, my school and the Sinnott family for giving me this opportunity to participate in sports and show my leadership. I am so very happy to be announced as a winner of this big award. I thank the Bambisanani Partnership for donating sports equipment."
Sportswomen of the Year was Silindokuhle Mvela who was 100 meters District Champion in Athletics in 2023.
"The Bambisanani Athletics programme in our school has helped me to be a winner and to represent Nkandla at District level. Thank you, Bambisanani Partnership, for introducing the Athletics Challenge and donating equipment which has helped us a lot. I am very proud to lift the trophy in memory of Jordan.”
Sportsman of the Year was Simphilele Ngonyama who was the top goal scorer in the local Schools Football Tournament in 2023.
"l would like to thank my school and the Bambisanani partnership for the beautiful programme which has helped us to improve not only in sports but in our other school subjects as well. I am honoured to raise the Jordan Sinnott Award for Sportsman of the Year; I am inspired to do more.”
William Vilakazi, Principal of Vumanhlamvu remarked, "Having Jordan Sinnott Awards in our school inspires learners. The awards help learners from a young age to develop not only sporting skills but also the social skills to work with their teammates, make new friends and learn how rewarding it is to participate in team sports. It has also improved self-esteem of most learners in our school, learners are hungry to succeed in all sports activities in order to lift these prestigious awards. We thank the Sinnott family and we were so sorry to hear recently of the passing of Jordan’s Mum, Melanie, who was a great supporter of the Bambisanani Partnership and of our school; May she Rest in Peace with Jordan.”
At Mnyakanya High School, 8 Awards were presented to learners by Miss Charlotte Wood from St. Mary’s during the recent visit to South Africa by student volunteers:
Laurie McCauley Most Improved Footballer Award: Velani Mtshali
Laurie McCauley Creative Writing Award: Athandile Gumede
Helping Others Achieve Their Potential Award: Uyabusa Mvubu
True Spirit of Sport Award: Nombulelo Shangase
Sbonelo Magwaza Outstanding Leadership Award: Bayanda Gcaba
Sportswoman of the Year Award: Seluleko Nzuza
Sportsman of the Year Award: Luthando Mnqayi
The Sbonelo Magwaza Award for Outstanding leadership: Anna Ciesluk
A Sbonelo Magwaza Outstanding Leadership Award is also presented at St. Mary’s, Menston to a student volunteer from the school who has shown exceptional leadership in South Africa. Speaking at an Awards Ceremony Miss Charlotte Wood said, “I would just like to say that Mr Harvey, Mrs. Chattoe and I were and still are super proud of all of the St. Mary’s students who worked out in South Africa in July 2023. Whilst working on the project, the Bambisanani team are asked to nominate a student for this award. The team are looking for someone who has demonstrated an outstanding commitment to the work of the partnership. The recipient of this award knew they wanted to be involved in the work of The Bambisanani Partnership when they joined St. Mary’s in Year 7, and upon hearing they had a place on the visit, this student did everything they could to make sure they were fully prepared for their work in South Africa and were adamant they would do what it takes to get the best out of it. The winner of this award is very special. They truly encompass everything that the partnership is about. Compassion, Service Kindness. In the final blog of the visit, Mr. Harvey said this person was born to lead, always the first to volunteer, chatted with everyone an couldn’t be phased by any challenge. She is an exceptional young person. I am delighted to award The Sbonelo Magwaza Award for Outstanding leadership to Anna Ciesluk.”
The Heather Read Award for Outstanding Resilience goes to Ntuli Samkelisiwe
It was a great honour this year to unveil and introduce a completely new annual award at Mnyakanya School: The Heather Read Award for Outstanding Resilience. At the presentation ceremony Mrs Catherine Chattoe, Bambisanani Coordinator at St. Mary’s visiting South Africa said:
“Heather Read loved the Bambisanani Partnership and was a great supporter of the charity. The Bambisanani Partnership has a longstanding special relationship with Rotarians in the UK, South Africa and internationally and Heather was instrumental in so many of our joint projects that have transformed young people’s lives in South Africa. Heather was the first female President of the UK’s Aireborough Rotary Club in its history of more than 60 years. Heather was a volunteer at a charity shop for a cancer Hospice. She was a vice principal at a special school. A church warden at St Peter’s Parish Church in Rawdon. A school governor at St Peter’s Church of England Primary. She was also a Community Ambassador for a local cancer charity. Heather Read was ground breaking in her election as president, she challenged the rules of the society, she paved the way and made the society more responsive and inclusive. She showed compassion to everyone she met. She was the corner stone of her family and a support to all her friends. She spent her whole career teaching children and young adults who found life challenging. She helped people become the best that they could be.
The recipient of this award has, successfully coped with difficult or challenging life experiences. Shown mental and emotional strength when faced with problems, proved to be a good friend and team member, acting with compassion and understanding. This person always has a positive outlook. The Heather Read Award for Outstanding Resilience goes to Ntuli Samkelisiwe”
Additionally, at Mnyakanya three Bambisanani Awards were presented to educators, Mr SV Nugubane, Mrs PK Zondi and Miss M Langa for their outstanding contribution to the partnership.
Three Bambisanani Awards were also presented for Ntolwane Primary School:
Sportswomen of the Year Award: Luyanda Magwaza
Sportsman of the Year Award: Thobani Mhlongo
Sports Leader of the Year Award: Samkelisiwi Geada
Mr Moses Xulu, Bambisanani Coordinator at Ntolwane said, “I wish to highlight the importance of Bambisanani Awards in our school. Bambisanani Awards at Ntolwane play a pivotal role in ensuring that our learners do participate in a wide range of sporting activities. In short, the awards are a motivator and encourager to all participants who love sports; at Ntolwane they have created more interest in sports which benefits the entire curriculum."
David Geldart from the partnership said, “Congratulations to all the recipients of this year’s awards. Many thanks also to the teachers in all of our schools that continue to provide learners with the opportunities, encouragement and support that enables them to shine and to be recognised. Special thanks to Monsignor Vladimir Felzmann (Father Vlad) for his tremendous support with these awards. We remember especially at this time the awards in memory of Laurie McCauley, Sbonelo Magwaza, Jordan Sinnott and Heather Read; we know that these awards, that motivate and inspire others, bring strength and comfort to their families. What we also know is that many students already have an eye to the awards in 2024!”
Published: 21/12/2023
Chocolate Hamper raises funds for the Bambisanani Partnership
The annual Bambisanani Chocolate Hamper raffle was a great success this year with tremendous support from within the school community and beyond.
The annual Bambisanani Chocolate Hamper raffle was a great success this year with tremendous support from within the school community and beyond.
The hamper was won by St. Mary’s Headteacher and Vice Chair of the Bambisanani Partnership, Miss Hattersley. Miss Hattersley immediately donated the hamper back and it was re-raffled as smaller prizes which meant that more money was raised for the charity and many more students went home with some chocolates! Thank you to Miss Hattersley and to all those who supported this popular fundraising event which will help us make a difference in South Africa.
Wonderful Christmas Messages between the Two Bambisanani Founding Schools
The wonderful Christmas messages between St. Mary’s school in Menston and Mnyakanya High School in Nkandlda epitomise the very special relationship that exists between the two schools – two schools that have been committed to working together and learning together for 17 years.
The wonderful Christmas messages between St. Mary’s school in Menston and Mnyakanya High School in Nkandlda epitomise the very special relationship that exists between the two schools – two schools that have been committed to working together and learning together for 17 years.
Message from Mnyakanya to St. Mary’s
As the joyous season of Christmas approaches we find ourselves thinking of each and every one of you at St Mary’s Menston. Although we may be physically separated by 9,000 miles, know that you are always close in our hearts, especially during this magical time of the year.
Christmas is a time for celebration, love and togetherness. It is time to reflect on the blessings we have received and share warmth and happiness with the people we hold dear. Even though we cannot be physically together with one another, our partnership transcends distance and time.
We want St. Mary’s to know that you are always in our thoughts and your presence is felt even from afar. The memories we have created together, the laughter and the shared experiences are etched in our hearts and bring a smile to our faces, no matter where life takes us, the bonds we've formed remain unbreakable.
Mnyakanya High School and St. Mary’s cannot gather around the same table or exchange gifts at this time of year but we would like to express our heartfelt appreciation for our partnership. Thank you for bringing light into our lives and enriching it with your presence, we will be forever grateful and eternally thankful.
May the spirit of Christmas fill your hearts with peace and happiness. May the twinkling lights and cheerful melodies remind you of cherished moments we've shared and bring a sense of warmth and familiarity.
We wish you all a very Merry Christmas filled with love, laughter and beautiful memories. May the coming year bring you boundless opportunities, success, and happiness. Know that you are cherished and loved.
With warmest wishes
The Mnyakanya Community
Message from St. Mary’s to Mnyakanya
Please find below a Christmas blessing to the Mnyakanya community from St. Mary's.
Our dearest friends-
'In praise and thanksgiving,
Lets us rejoice as we await our Saviour
Christ the Lord,
God within us,
Prince of Peace'
In this season of advent our hearts reach out to you across the miles.
Our partnership consolidates that mutual warmth, happiness, laughter and shared experience.
Those unbreakable bonds of friendship and brotherhood are felt never so strongly as at this time of year.
We wish you all the joy of Christmas and every blessing in the new year to come, with new challenges, new opportunities and endless possibility.
With our love and warmest wishes
All your friends…
Charity leader praises work of volunteers in South Africa
Following a break of three years due to Covid 19 restrictions, 2023 has proved to be a remarkable year of volunteering in South Africa for the Bambisanani Partnership.
Following a break of three years due to Covid 19 restrictions, 2023 has proved to be a remarkable year of volunteering in South Africa for the Bambisanani Partnership.
41 students together with 11 members of staff from St. Mary’s School, Menston, University of Leeds, Leeds Trinity University and Newcastle College spent more than three months in South Africa delivering Bambisanani programmes using sport to promote education, health, global citizenship and leadership in one the countries most deprived and challenging areas. In four separate coordinated visits the volunteers worked with 3,631 South African students from 33 different schools of which 17 were new partner institutions. 3,151 students from primary and secondary schools were involved in sports festivals and coaching activities and 1,135 children experienced Bambisanani Leadership through Sport programmes.
David Geldart, CEO and Founder of the partnership said, “I have nothing but praise for the remarkable students and staff from St. Mary’s, Menston, The University of Leeds, Leeds Trinity University and Newcastle College for their outstanding work in not only reintroducing volunteer student visits to South Africa after Covid but also for having such an enormous impact in doing so. Our work puts great store in creating learning opportunities for young people from both countries; Europeans and Africans ‘working together and learning together’ in a spirit of Ubuntu. All four institutions worked extremely hard with the local communities involved to establish what was needed on the ground then worked tirelessly in partnership to extend existing programmes and indeed to introduce new ones. These are four institutions that are prepared to ‘live their values’ in terms of Global Learning. They are helping to pioneer exceptionally powerful learning opportunities for young people in both countries. This work is far from easy. Despite the considerable challenges and hard work involved they are committed to ‘real education’ that is enabling young people to take a broader view of the world and their place in it. By any standard this is phenomenal educating that is helping to make the world a better place. Massive thanks to our wonderful team from South Africa and the UK for making all this happen and making a difference.”
The work of the partnership has been highlighted at conferences throughout the world, most recently at the Global Sport for All Summit held at the Vatican and at the International Olympic Academy in Ancient Olympia. The Bambisanani Partnership was named as International Sport and Physical Education Charity of the Year 2023.
Also see related:
St. Mary’s School raise the bar with two remarkable visits to South Africa this year (14/11/2023)
University of Leeds Gryphons Abroad programme engages over 2,000 children in South Africa (22/09/2023)
Newcastle College joins the Bambisanani Partnership with pioneering work in South Africa (01/09/2023)
St. Mary’s School raise the bar with two remarkable visits to South Africa this year
St. Mary’s School, Menston have made two visits to South Africa this year involving 25 students as part of the Bambisanani Partnership.
St. Mary’s School, Menston have made two visits to South Africa this year involving 25 students as part of the Bambisanani Partnership.
A group of fifteen Year 12 students and four staff, Catherine Chattoe, Charlotte Wood, Matt Harvey and David Farmer, Deputy Headteacher from St. Josephs Primary School in Pudsey, made the first visit to rural KwaZulu-Natal. The St. Mary’s student volunteers were Sean Billington, Joe Brooks, Ruby Grant, Oscar Thorning, Florence Greenhalgh, Lily Durkan, Andrew Diamond, Amy McIlroy, Carys Delahy, Freddie Falkingham, Katie Newman, Tess Yeardley, Ben Fletcher, Eleanor Rock and Louie Dooling.
The St. Mary’s team headed straight to Mnyakanya High School which was responsible for founding the Bambisanani Partnership back in 2006 with St. Mary’s. A very special relationship exists between these two schools and following a three-year break in annual visits due to Covid restrictions the team received the warmest of Zulu welcomes with a considerable amount of singing and dancing.
The St. Mary’s students, together with support from students from Eshowe High School, delivered the Bambisanani Sports Leadership Programme to 30 students from Mnyakanya. In between delivering the sports leadership programme the St. Mary's students delivered curriculum lessons including Maths, Biology, Geography and Chemistry.
The work at Mnyakanya High School culminated with students from all three High Schools working together to plan, organise and deliver both a Sports and a Reading Festival to students of Ntolwane Primary School. 60 students enjoyed a morning of rounders, tennis and netball led by the Mnyakanya Sports Leaders. Sean Billington praised the newly qualified Sports Leaders from Mnyakanya: "We felt like proud parents watching them lead the festival, our work with the leaders had been successful and the field was full of enthusiasm."
After the morning of sport, the students were split into small groups and participated in a Reading Festival. The students enjoyed reading and discussing story books together. Literacy has been identified as a key focus area in the region.
In addition to the work at Mnyakanya High School the team brought some new ‘firsts’ for the Bambisanani Partnership. On a sunny but windy Monday morning the team travelled to rural Nkandla where they organised an Athletics Festival for 11 local primary schools. Impressive times and distances stunned the UK student leaders given that South African learners were barefooted and running on difficult terrain. The festival was such a success that it will now become an annual event with primary schools back in Yorkshire also participating in a parallel festival that will connect schools in both countries.
No St. Mary’s visit to KwaZulu-Natal would be complete without spending some time the Doremi Daycare Centre where the student volunteers worked with the kindergarten learners on sports, literacy and singing. A wonderful time was had by all with the St. Mary’s students also getting the opportunity to meet the inspirational and incomparable Mrs Popi Buthelezi who runs the centre.
The second St. Mary’s volunteer visit to South Africa involved ten Year 13 students: Rory Southern, Iggy Burrows, Charlotte Rawstron, Anna Ciesluk, Hannah Byrne, Daniel Sykes, Rebecca Shaw, Ruby Adcock, Lucy Charlton and Reya Wilks. The group began their work at the remarkable the Doremi Daycare Centre for orphans and vulnerable children. In addition to sports, reading and singing activities the group organised a Bear Hunt and Teddy Bears picnic.
They went on to spend three days at Mnyakanya High School training another group of 30 Sports Leaders. This again culminated in both Sports and Reading Festivals being provided for local primary school children. This was a wonderful success with Mnyakanya students being praised highly for their ‘exceptional leadership skills’ in delivering the festival. In a celebration event, student leaders from both countries were congratulated on their collaborative work and were encouraged to develop their leadership potential further.
A great highlight of this visit for everyone involved was another ‘first’ for the Bambisanani Partnership: a visit to Thembimfundo Special School for children with a wide range of different disabilities. The team ran the school’s first ever Sports Day for the children, which included activities such as dancing, high jump and netball. Teacher Charlotte Wood said, “It was moving, rewarding and insightful to see how positively the children responded to the various activities. The parachute games were a particular success where they joy on their faces was a sight that will never be forgotten.”
Mr Dlamini,the Principal of Thembimfundo Special School said,
“I really couldn’t believe what I was seeing. The excitement, the smiling faces and participation of all our children with different life challenges in the activities conducted by Bambisanani team was amazing. This left us with a lesson that we need to improve the element of inclusivity to make all our children to be happy in the school. I’m was surprised to see that all our children understand instructions when entertainment is involved. Mr Harvey and his team taught us different strategies to deal with challenges of different learners so that all of them feel important.”
Such was the impact of the visit to Thembimfundo on all concerned that the Bambisanani Partnership charity will now work hard with the school community to develop a more permanent and sustainable link.
Whilst in South Africa the St. Mary’s team presented a range of Bambisanani Annual Awards at both Mnyakanya High School and Ntolwane Primary School:
Mnyakanya High School
Laurie McCauley Most Improved Footballer Award: Velani Mtshali, Laurie McCauley Creative Writing Award: Athandile Gumede, Helping Others Achieve Their Potential Award: Uyabusa Mvubu, True Spirit of Sport Award: Nombulelo Shangase, Sbonelo Magwaza Outstanding Leadership Award: Bayanda Gcaba, Sportswoman of the Year Award: Seluleko Nzuza, Sportsman of the Year Award: Luthando Mngavi, Heather Read Award: Samkelisiwi Ntuli, Ntolwane Primary School, Sportswoman of the Year Award: Luyanda Magwaza, Sportsman of the Year Award: Thobani Mhlongo, Sports Leader of the Year Award: Samkelisiwi Geada
Ntolwane Primary School
Sportswomen of the Year Award: Luyanda Magwaza, Sportsman of the Year Award: Thobani Mhlongo, Sports Leader of the Year Award: Samkelisiwi Geada
Three educators from Mnyakanya School were honoured with The Bambisanani Partnership Award for their Outstanding contribution to the partnership: Mr SV Nugubane, Mrs PK Zondi and Miss Langa
Speaking about both visits to South Africa, St. Mary’s teacher Matt Harvey said, “Yet again we have blown away by the amazing educational possibilities that the Bambisanani Partnership offers young people in both countries. The work of both groups of students from St. Mary’s has been superb this year. Nothing was ever too much trouble and every challenge was dealt with utter professionalism. These students really do have a good understanding of Ubuntu (‘I am because you are’) which will hopefully serve them well for the rest of their lives.”
The visits had a significant impact on students from both countries:
“I heard about this programme before I came to Mnyakanya School. Meeting the UK team was very exciting and brought a huge change of my life for the better. I liked the way they appreciated each and every one of us as young people to make us feel recognised for every effort we made. They developed a positive self-esteem for each and every individual. I will therefore take my positive self-esteem back to my school work and to all school and social activities. They were all friendly, approachable and never looked at the negative side of anything. I liked this approach and I wish to practise to be that kind of a person. I miss them a lot.” Noxolo Ngobese
“We had a precious time with the UK groups. I never thought that my interaction with them would change my life like this. Sharing our life experiences with people from another part of the world made me feel as if a new page of my life was opening. I felt important in my school and in my community as if I was a famous person. The activities that we were engaged on made us to become one group with a common understanding.” Simphiwe Mbambo
“I can’t believe I have a friend overseas. That makes me feel important. I was very proud to be recognised as an outstanding young leader. I hope that I will be a good future leader.” Bayanda,Gcaba
“Volunteering in South Africa allowed a deeper cultural experience. It has introduced me to new customs, traditions, languages and ways of life. This experience broadened my understanding of the world and challenged preconceived ideas. One of the most rewarding aspects of volunteering in South Africa was the chance to directly engage with local institutions like Mnyakanya High School and Doremi Day Care Centre. I built unforgettable relationships with a number of people and learned from their resilience and resourcefulness. Working at Doremi provided valuable opportunities for personal growth and learning. I developed patience, empathy and the ability to adapt to different situations. I learnt to prioritise the needs of others and become more compassionate and understanding, these skills extended beyond the Day Care Centre and will positively affect other areas of my life. The Bambisanani Leadership Programme is not just a one-time experience but rather a catalyst for ongoing learning and growth, it will inspire participants to continue seeking opportunities for personal growth.” Amy McIlroy
“I gained so much from the experience. My leadership skills have improved massively. My ability to overcome challenges became progressively better throughout the experience. Overall, if given the opportunity again, I would take it in a heartbeat. Hopefully in the future I will go back to south Africa as I fell in love with the country and its people.” Freddie Falkingham
“Being a part of The Bambisanani Partnership has been one of the best experiences of my life and the people I have met have taught me so much about resilience and hope.” Eleanor Rock
Mrs Pk Zondi, Bambisanani Coordinator at Mnyakanya added:
“All the students who participated in the Bambisanani young leadership training are showing a great enthusiasm and self-confidence. They had their first experience in communicating with people from another part of the world; their horizons have changed. They show a strong willingness to practise their leadership skills. The visit of the four different UK groups in South Africa this year had a positive impact in the lives of many. The visits had a remarkable impact on the Mnyakanya students who were part of the various programme. They became very active after their training. They work closer to their teachers, showing self-confidence and willingness to initiate new programmes in the school. We as a school have a great confidence and hope to these young people. We hope that their experience in Bambisanani will change their lives forever. At Thembimfundo Special school the UK team led by Matt Harvey left the teachers and the principal of the school speechless, when they saw their challenged students, who were known to be inactive, becoming active, dancing, and showing understanding of instructions given to them. The smiles and excitement on their faces was a surprise to many. The Bambisanani team brought hope to those thought hopeless. Thembimfundo children were so excited to see themselves participating in different games, like everyone else.”
The principal of Mnyakanya High School, Mr SV Ngubane, is relatively new to the school and experienced the Bambisanani visits programme for the first time:
“I was so surprised to see the impact that the Bambisanani Partnership had on our young people in such a short time. The excitement in the faces of our students clearly told me that this programme is doing something in their minds. The sorrow and tears in their eyes when their UK friends left them to go home deeply touched me. This helped me fully understand how they enjoyed the programme and how quickly this programme changed their mindset and their behaviour. I wish that the Bambisanani Partnership may continue to change the lives of young people in both countries for the better.”
David Geldart, CEO and Founder of the partnership said, “The teachers and students from St. Marys never cease to amaze and inspire me. Their two fantastic visits have raised the bar in terms of both impact and future expectations. This is remarkable work that is educating young people from very different parts of the world that they are part of the same world. Here we see the power of sport and education bringing people together and transforming their world view. This is real education that positively changes lives.”
Published: 14/11/2023
St. Mary's Menston Year 12 South Africa Visit 2023 Blog
St. Mary’s Menston Year 12 South Africa Visit 2023 Team
Read the blog here:
Bambisanani Partnership will deliver its most ambitious volunteer programme in South Africa
This summer will see the most ambitious Bambisanani Partnership volunteer programme in South Africa to date.
This summer will see the most ambitious Bambisanani Partnership volunteer programme in South Africa to date.
In June, July and August volunteer teams from St. Mary’s School, Menston, the University of Leeds, Leeds Trinity University and Newcastle College will work in partnership with schools and other organisations in the rural Nkandla region of KwaZulu-Natal to deliver a range of existing Bambisanani programmes as well as introducing new ones. In total, 58 students and members of staff have volunteered to work with local communities and schools in one of South Africa’s most challenging and deprived rural and remote areas.
Over the past 17 years, the Bambisanani Partnership has gained international acclaim for its work using sport as a catalyst to promote, education, health, global citizenship and leadership. Based on needs identified by local communities the partnership is committed to a range of collaborations that create learning opportunities for both students from South Africa and the UK under the banner of ‘Working together and learning together’.
The Bambisanani Partnership volunteer visits to South Africa were suspended during Covid and their reinstatement has been welcomed by all concerned: “It is wonderful that the visits will be starting again. Over the years they have made an incredible impact and changed the way that young people from both countries see the world and themselves. The visits enable special human connections to be made that change lives for the better and forever.” Mrs PK Zondi, Bambisanani Coordinator, Mnyakanya High School.
During the three years of Covid the charity demonstrated great resilience, determination and creativity in not only sustaining many of its ongoing activities but actually introducing some new projects with students in both countries. Much time was spent on maintaining the international relationships but also developing new ones. As a consequence, these visits will involve new schools, colleges and other organisations.
This year’s programme of varied activities will see Bambisanani volunteers work with over 1,000 Zulu students in primary, secondary schools and in the wider community. More than 200 students will participate in Bambisanani Sports Leadership programmes. Students from St. Mary’s and Newcastle College will collaborate with Zulu students to jointly deliver Sports and Reading Festivals for over 400 primary school learners. Students from the University of Leeds and Leeds Trinity University will deliver a Sports Leadership Festival for primary school learners in the town of Eshowe. The university teams will also work on the Bambisanani and KZN Cycling initiative that will launch this summer and see the collaboration teach 5,000 young people a year how to ride and maintain bikes. Considerable sports coaching will also take place as well as the teaching of other subject areas in all schools. All four UK institutions will work in collaboration with the Norwegian charity, Zulufadder, at the Doremi Day Care Centre for orphans and vulnerable children.
Newcastle College is the latest UK institution to join the Bambisanani Partnership and are clearly delighted to be taking students to South Africa for the very first time. Brogan O’Connor from the college said. “Newcastle College is honoured and excited to be joining the Bambisanani Partnership and will commit to representing the partnership with positivity and pride to uphold the values and standards set by both organisations. We recognise the amazing work that has been done over the last 17 years and we commit fully to this, aiming to add further value to the partnership by the continued involvement of Newcastle College.”
St. Mary’s School will have two groups working in South Africa this summer involving 34 Sixth Form students and staff. Miss Charlotte Wood from St. Mary’s said: “It is just wonderful that we are very much ‘back to work’ with the volunteer visits. It will allow for students to work hand in hand with their South African counterparts and explore the programme which has brought so much success over the years. It will hopefully, make the St. Mary’s students more aware of how valuable the work of Bambisanani is, allowing them to pass on their experiences to younger members of the St. Mary’s community and in doing so inspire the next generation of volunteers.”
Suzzi Garnett from the University of Leeds added: “The joint University of Leeds and Leeds Trinity University visit this summer represents a great chance to build on the projects of the past as well as look to a sustainable future for the Cycling to Success project. This group of students will deliver new things in new ways and help determine the next steps for the project'.
David Geldart, Founder and CEO of the Bambisanani Partnership was full of praise for all those involved in both countries for organising the volunteer programme: “The commitment and dedication of our team to create such amazing learning opportunities is simply remarkable. We created a fantastic platform during Covid to massively extend our work further and this is a great example of that. The encounters that will result have the potential to influence young people from South Africa and the UK that will be responsible for shaping society in the future. This is real education for a better world and we are indebted to the very special individuals and institutions that enable this to happen.”
Beyond the Bambisanani volunteer programme the charity also has an extensive range of initiatives that operate throughout the year including its Cycling programme in partnership with KZN Cycling, International Athletics Challenge that links primary schools in both countries, joint training of Physical Education and Sports Coaches linking universities in both countries, Bambisanani Awards that promote Global Citizenship, Leadership and Volunteering for secondary and primary school students in both countries and a Bursary scheme supporting South African students into university and college.
Good luck to Mr Harvey and Mr Keefe who will be running the Rob Burrow Leeds Marathon on 14 May 2023
He will be running to raise funds for The Bambisanani Partnership.
They will be running to raise funds for The Bambisanani Partnership. We wish them well.
Mr Harvey will be taking two groups of St. Mary’s Sixth Form students to South Africa in June and July 2023, to continue the fantastic work of the partnership.
Find out more about the Rob Burrow Leeds Marathon
Below is a link to donate:
The Bambisanani Easter chocolate hamper at St. Mary's Menston has raised £365.08
Thank you to everyone who took part.
Thank you to everyone who took part.
Winner, Luke Mace Year 8
Joe Brooks Year 12 student who will be working in South Africa in June 2023
Mrs Harrison also won a smaller hamper
Carys Delahay Year 12 student who will be working in South Africa in June 2023
