NEWS
Three memorable Bambisanani Partnership volunteering visits to South Africa in 2025
This year has seen 35 students and 10 members of staff, from St. Mary’s School, Menston; The University of Leeds and Newcastle College volunteer in South Africa as part of the Bambisanani Partnership. Over a three-month period, they delivered a range of needs led Bambisanani projects and programmes to 3,679 young people in 32 different schools including 7 schools that were completely new to the initiative. With the objective to: ‘To use sport & education to inspire, engage and develop young people and communities in both countries’ the visits have been a remarkable success in terms of both purpose and impact.
Each visit brought different strengths, fresh ideas and measurable impact to local schools and community projects, while giving both UK and South African students volunteers a hands-on, experience of cross-cultural learning.
St. Mary’s School: festival-style athletics and community learning
St. Mary’s returned to the Nkandla region with a group of student leaders and staff who organised the Bambisanani Schools’ International Athletics Challenge and community sports festivals. The St. Mary’s team led athletics events for multiple local primary schools, delivering coaching, officiating and leadership opportunities that engaged hundreds of young South African pupils. Beyond sport, the group ran literacy and early-years activities—visiting daycare centres and supporting reading sessions— bringing classroom skills into the community and reinforcing the Partnership’s “learning through sport” ethos. The visit was described as purposeful and hugely motivating for both visitors and hosts.
University of Leeds: cycling, girls’ programmes and award-winning delivery
The University of Leeds volunteer team built on several years of collaboration, focusing this year on cycling development and targeted programmes for girls. Their work linked into the Partnership’s emerging cycling hub initiatives — coaching local cycling sessions, supporting skill-building and discussing sustainability for future hubs — while also delivering leadership training and school-based sport sessions. The Leeds team’s impact was also recognised back home: their work with Bambisanani and the student volunteering programme (Gryphons Abroad) has been singled out in university awards and Partnership praise, underlining the quality and longevity of the Leeds–Bambisanani link.
Newcastle (Newcastle College): three weeks of sustained support and skills exchange
A group of students and staff from Newcastle completed a three-week placement in rural KwaZulu-Natal, part of their annual volunteering programme with the Partnership. Their visit combined sports coaching, classroom support and community outreach — from running inclusive coaching sessions and sports festivals to supporting literacy activities and mentoring local student leaders. Newcastle’s programme emphasised sustained presence: three weeks allowed relationships to develop, practical skills to be embedded, and local partners to co-design sessions that met immediate needs while planning for longer-term follow-up. The college reported that students returned inspired, better equipped for future careers and committed to ongoing fundraising and support.
“I have nothing but praise and admiration for the remarkable staff and students from St. Mary’s, University of Leeds, Newcastle College and all our partners in South Africa. Our needs led programmes in South Africa are making a real difference in the communities in which we work. Young people from both countries are working together and learning together in the most meaningful way. This is extremely difficult and challenging work but our team continues to respond providing the most powerful educational opportunities. Their commitment and enthusiasm know no bounds as all three institutions are now well underway in planning their 2026 visits to South Africa which will mark the 20th Anniversary of the partnership.”
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Pioneering Initiative Empowers 10,000 Young People Through Cycling
A pioneering collaboration between the Bambisanani Partnership, KZN Cycling, University of Leeds and the KZN Department of Education has reached an extraordinary milestone: teaching its 10,000th young person how to ride and maintain a bicycle. This remarkable achievement highlights the power of education, sport, and international cooperation to change lives.
In rural South Africa, access to reliable transport can be a daily challenge for young people striving to attend school, take part in community activities or seize new opportunities. Recognising this, the Bambisanani Partnership introduced its cycling initiative to equip learners with both the skill and confidence to ride, as well as the knowledge to maintain and repair their own bicycles.
Initiated by the University of Leeds and working closely with the KZN Department of Education, the programme has quickly become one of the most impactful elements of the partnership’s work. For many learners, this is their very first experience of cycling – a simple yet transformative skill that opens doors to independence, improved mobility and even future employment opportunities. Beyond the practical benefits, the initiative has also inspired teamwork, resilience, and leadership among young people.
Teachers and community leaders have praised the programme for bringing joy, freedom, and empowerment to children who might otherwise face daily struggles to travel long distances on foot. The cycling lessons are more than just physical activity; they are lessons in perseverance and problem-solving, as students also learn how to fix punctures, adjust brakes, and care for their bikes responsibly.
Beyond the basic teaching programme some youngsters have also progressed to participating in competitive events with the opportunity to access Province wide High-Performance Pathways for talented cyclists.
The milestone of 10,000 participants is a testament to the long-term vision of the Bambisanani Partnership, which for nearly two decades has used sport, leadership, and learning as a force for good. What began as a collaboration between St. Mary’s School, Menston, in the UK and Mnyakanya High School in KwaZulu-Natal has now grown into an internationally recognised model of partnership and development.
As one participant put it: “When I learned to ride a bike, I felt free. Now I can get to school quicker, help my family, and teach others what I know.”
David Geldart Volunteer CEO of the Bambisanani Partnership, said:
“Reaching 10,000 young people is a landmark achievement for our cycling programme. This initiative is about so much more than learning to ride; it is about giving young people independence, confidence, and the ability to shape their own futures. Huge thanks must go to all the partner organisations and individuals who are making this important programme possible.”
Alec Lenferna, CEO of KZN Cycling added, “Our aim is to try and change people’s lives on a daily basis, whether this be by teaching someone how to ride a bike and thereby allow them to travel easier and further, or to just boost their confidence and give them a sense of belief in their abilities or to teach them to affect repairs and thereby give them a potential job skill that may allow them to feed their families down the line… Whatever it is, the more people there are in a programme allows for additional impact, and it is very evident that 10,000+ people means we are all going to be helping and impact positively many more people more often. It’s been a fantastic partnership thus far, and we look forward to the next 10,000.”
Local educators have also praised the scheme’s impact. One teacher from Mnyakanya High School commented:
“For many of our learners, a bicycle is life-changing. It helps them get to school faster, participate in activities, and even support their families. This programme has truly empowered our community.”
The success of the cycling initiative reflects the Bambisanani Partnership’s belief that small steps can create lasting change. By providing young people with skills for life, the programme ensures that the wheels of opportunity keep turning for generations to come.
As the organisation looks to the future, the focus will remain on providing young people with the skills and opportunities they need to thrive.
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The University of Leeds in South Africa: Exceptional work from a remarkable team
The 2025 team of staff and students spent a period of 4 weeks in rural Nkandla delivering a series of cycling clinics for beginners & improvers as well as a week-long sport & leadership festival for 3 schools in the township of Eshowe. Our team comprised two staff members Matty Walsh and Fenella Walsh (one from Leeds Sport and one from LUU, supporting our commitment to working in partnership) and eight students Muskaan Kapoor, Molly Blakemore, Pippa Hooper, Rosie Gibbins, Kate Gibson, Ryan Mellor, Mitchell Hale and Tom Cunningham from a range of disciplines, including one international student from India and 2 students from underrepresented backgrounds.
Cycling clinics are the main focus of the project and these are conducted alongside our long-term partner, KZN Cycling and their local development officer, Sonqoba. The clinics aim to introduce cycling to new audiences as well as further develop the skills of more competent riders. Students also teach bike maintenance skills to help keep the fleet on the road. Year-round talent ID, coaching & competitive opportunities are offered via KZN Cycling – an important pathway opportunity for young people in the area. In an average month, Sonqoba delivers 12 clinics engaging with 220 young people. In August 2025, our volunteer team were able to deliver 25 clinics in 8 schools, including 3 new ones, engaging 1,100 learners – a significant increase in scale and an introduction to cycling for some completely new learners. One week of the project was also spent delivering a sport & leadership festival for Grade 7 pupils at 3 schools. This involved daily rotations of leadership session, classroom sessions and sports activities with the week culminating in pupils leading activities for their peers. Students design their own classroom sessions, usually related to their degree, bringing a range of topics this year including a challenge in engineering the tallest tower, and a lesson in cell biology. Threaded throughout the project is a range of cultural experiences to support students to learn more about Zulu culture, including a visit to a traditional Zulu home, lessons in Zulu dance and a safari. The 2025 team have been our top performing team to date in terms of clinics delivered, and participants engaged. In 2025 we also won the award for ‘Global Impact’ at the University of Leeds partnership awards.
Summary of feedback from students, schools and pupils
A key focus for 2025 was improving our data collection and evidencing of impact on both the UK & SA side of the project.
On the UK side all students are skills audited at the start point, mid-point and end point of the project to assess their progress against 10 key graduate level skills. The highest scoring skills at the end point. They also write a reflective essay on the final week of their visit outlining their key successes, challenges and learnings from the project.
On the SA side we conducted interviews with staff and pupils in 7 schools and sent an end survey to schools we had contact details for. Schools were asked to score the engagement out of ten to produce a Net Promotor Score (NPS).
Vision: ‘To use sport & education to inspire, engage and develop young people and communities in both Leeds and South Africa’
“I learned that not everything is in my control, and the best way to deal with challenges is to stay flexible and open. Over these weeks, I’ve developed leadership, adaptability, problem-solving, communication, teamwork, and organisation skills – things I’ll carry with me long after the programme ends. I’ve become more aware of my strengths and weaknesses, especially when leading, but also of how powerful it is when everyone supports one another. This has been life-changing for me – it’s made me more confident, adaptable, and aware of the world. I wish I could come back and spend more time with these incredible children, because they’ve left a mark on me that I’ll carry forever.”
“I think what I have experienced in this project has affected how I will act and see the world in the future. I hope to have a role in coaching football for girls to ensure they have access to the same opportunity I had when I was younger.”
“I loved every minute of the programme – everything forms part of the experience and I am so glad to have done it. It has helped me understand what I want to do when I graduate and I am sure I will go back to SA.”
“This programme is making a real difference in our school. I see the difference in the learners in school. They are interested and challenged and they’re learning. Kids really care about this programme. On day 1 some of the children knew nothing about how to ride a bike and now they are having a competition.”
“Our students come back from the sports festival so motivated and so positive. I love the connection they have with the Leeds students and they speak about them for months after they have left. So they really make a connection and I just love the positivity that they leave with our children.”
“This week was fun, competitive and funny. The teachers were fun and everyone loved it. I like rugby, soccer and athletics. I learnt about Middlesborough, Scotland and Wales.”
“The thing I liked the most was the leadership sessions because they taught you a lot – how to work with other people and how to communicate things. I also learnt about Spain and learnt some Spanish.”
“Cycling is fun & exciting. We learn and also get educated. I learnt a lot and I love it a lot.”
“We get to show off our talent.”
Key Objectives and Principles
Plans for 2026 and Next Steps
2026 will mark the 10-year anniversary of the Gryphons Abroad project and we hope to bring the 100+ staff members and students who have participated in the project, and stakeholders and funders together to celebrate this milestone
Project costs continue to rise and in response to this the 2026 visit will be a period of 3 weeks rather than 4. This balances the cost to students & staff commitment required from the service, with continued impact. We have successfully secured further support from the Footsteps Fund & Turing Fund to deliver the 2026 project. This will financially support students to access the opportunity; something that this year’s cohort expressed was vital to their participation alongside their other commitments. We are aiming to recruit 10 students, with 50% of these from underrepresented backgrounds. Financial sustainability will be a priority for 2025-26 and we will be seeking support from Student Opportunity & the FD project management office to progress this.
The initial 3 year cycling hub agreement between our charity partner, the Bambisanani Partnership & KZN Cycling comes to an end this year but the charity & NGO have indicated they are keen to continue working together. We will work alongside the charity & KZN Cycling to secure an agreement. Initial consultation with partners following this year’s visit has highlighted a need for more targeted interventions aimed at female pupils in the Nkandla region. Of the participants in the cycling project this year 73% were male and 27% were female. Although the number of male participants significantly outweighs the number of female participants, this ratio is a significant improvement on clinics delivered from April-July 2025 which engaged only 7% female participants. However, it does indicate a need for more targeted work in this area and we would like to support KZN Cycling in piloting this with the support of our female staff and students.
Key Facts
We thank our partners for their ongoing support in delivering this project:
The Bambisanani Partnership
“The University of Leeds has been a key member of the Bambisanani Partnership for almost ten years now, contributing significantly to the development of our governance and strategy as well pioneering outstanding operational work in South Africa. Andy Lockwood and Suzzi Garnett deserve considerable praise for their wonderful work and its resulting impact. Their support for other Bambisanani institutions and colleagues in both countries is fantastic: they lead the way in so many areas and are always willing to share ideas with others. They have lead on our groundbreaking Cycling initiative in partnership with KZN Cycling - an initiative that is truly transforming the lives of thousands of young people in the remote and rural Nkandla region. Next year will be the Tenth Anniversary of University of Leeds students volunteering in South Africa; these students can all articulate how this experience has benefited them in so many ways not least on their view of the world and their place in it. This all amounts to exceptional work from a remarkable team. Well done and Thank you.”
University of Leeds Team Recognised with Award for Global Impact
Bambisanani Partnership collaborators at the University of Leeds have recently been recognised with a special award for ‘Global Impact’ for their Gryphons Abroad project.
The annual Partnership Awards at the university acknowledge staff, groups and programmes which contribute to making sure students have outstanding, positive and impactful experiences during their time at Leeds. The award for global impact celebrates initiatives with an international and intercultural focus.
The university of Leeds team were nominated for the award by a student volunteer (Tracy Campbell) who participated in their 2024 visit to South Africa. 2,749 nominations were submitted for the awards in total with Gryphons Abroad winning their faculty round (Professional Services) before scooping the University wide award at a gala dinner last month.
Last summer, a team of 7 students and 3 staff (including Tracy) delivered cycling clinics, sport and leadership across 4 fantastic weeks in Kwa Zulu Natal. Their work supported the ongoing interventions of the Bambisanani Partnership & KZN Cycling in the region. Across the four weeks, the team engaged with 12 partner organisations in the UK and South Africa, mobilising 1,387 participations in sport and cycling. Students created memories and friendships, as well as developing transferable graduate level skills. The staff team provided 486 hours of training and support to the students. You can read more about Tracy’s experience as part of the Gryphons Abroad team here.
“We were absolutely thrilled to be nominated by one of our students for the Global Impact Award. Since our Gryphons Abroad project started in 2016, more than 100 staff and students have been part of the programme, enabling 8,000 young people to learn to ride and maintain bikes in rural South Africa. Each individual has contributed in their own way, and we know from experience the lasting impact sport can have on the lives of our students. This award recognises that impact as well as the impact in South Africa.” Suzzi Garnett, Gryphons Abroad project coordinator, University of Leeds.
Tracy Campbell
David Geldart from the Bambisanani Partnership added, “As a member of the University of Leeds Alumni I receive regular updates regarding the amazing innovative work that the university is engaged in internationally so this really is an outstanding achievement to be selected above all others to receive this award. Huge thanks must go to Andy Lockwood and Suzzie Garnet who have led on this amazing work.”
The team are hoping for another win this awards season with Tracy also shortlisted for the ‘Great volunteer’ Award at the Yorkshire University Sports Awards this month. The Gryphons Abroad project will celebrate its 10-year anniversary in 2026 and the team are already planning something special to recognise all of the staff and students who have contributed to the project's ongoing success.
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Partnership with KZN Cycling goes from strength to strength
The pioneering Cycling Programme devised in partnership with Bambisanani, University of Leeds and KZN Cycling has gained international acclaim for its impact. More than 8,000 young people from the remote, rural Nkandla region have now been taught to ride and maintain bikes.
The Bambisanani/KZN Cycling partnership is transforming lives through cycling. Youngsters from the Nkandla region are now involved in competitive cycling as a result of this programme. Talented cyclists are emerging and are being given opportunities to participate in the KZN Cycling Community Series.
Alec Lenferna, CEO of KZN Cycling explained:
“The KZN Cycling Community Series is a new series of short course mountain bike races that was created to allow for maximum participation by young and not so young alike – and whether they are serious bike riders, or just people that want to become involved. The aim is to stage events in areas that have been traditionally under serviced by event organisers, and while the core focus of the events is on learners in local schools under the age of 19 years old, there was also an open category event for all members of the community that have wanted to take part. Apart from ensuring that more cycling events are staged across the different districts in the province, the series has also allowed for the KZN Cycling High Performances coaches to be able to identify any potential talented riders that may be out there that have as yet not come to the fore.
Despite the thumping rain in the lead up and intermittent bad weather on the day, the final event in the KZN Cycling Community Series was able to be staged at the Umhlathuze Sports Complex in Richards Bay. Even though the fields and surrounds were wet and muddy, the staff and course designers were still able to set up a race venue and circuit that was challenging enough to test the riders at the front of the packs, while also providing an element of fun for the not so serious contenders that joined the event. Sixty riders from the programme in the area were selected to take part in the event, including twelve riders from the Nkandla Hub. These are amongst the riders that have shown ongoing progress and development in the area, and who are now “on the radar” for more involvement.
This was a final event that was a fitting culmination of this new series that has now been established, and will be grown and staged again going forward. The primary difference in the new series will be that the format will allow for a final event with the best riders from all 11 districts able to win a spot to compete, and this will be one of the cornerstone elements of the progression elements for the 25/26 time period. I don’t doubt that the ‘Nkandla kids’ will be in the mix.”
David Geldart, CEO of the Bambisanani Partnership added, “The partnership with KZN Cycling is having remarkable impact on so many levels. Together we have brought cycling, with all its opportunities, to over 8,000 young people. As a means of transport, the bikes transform the 2 hours walk to school leading to improved punctuality, attendance and academic achievement. The programme is now providing opportunities for youngsters to participate in competitive cycling and from this we are ‘discovering’ some really talented cyclists who can potentially access High Performance Pathways. It is only a matter of time before one of our cyclists from Nkandla is on the podium! Huge thanks must go to Alec and all the team at KZN Cycling and indeed to Andy Lockwood and Suzzi Garnett from The University of Leeds for pioneering some outstanding work in area where bikes were rarely seen three years ago!
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Global Impact Award Nomination
Congratulations to the fantastic team of students and staff from the University of Leeds (UoL) who have been nominated for a prestigious Global Impact Award.
The University of Leeds is a key member of the Bambisanani Partnership team that has gained international acclaim for it work using sport and education to create social change in one of South Africa’s most remote regions. For over ten years, the university has developed life changing programmes through its student volunteer programme in South Africa – Gryphons Abroad.
The university has pioneered cycling and leadership programmes that have had a significant on those involved. The remarkable cycling programme delivered in partnership with KZN Cycling has seen more than 8,000 young people learn to ride and maintain bikes. Each year, hundreds of primary school learners develop leadership skills through a unique sports programme delivered by UoL and students and staff.
The Global Impact category of award celebrates members of the UoL community who work with a global focus. Nominations recognise groups or initiatives which have actively engaged in the promotion and maintenance of international intercultural educational activities.
The award winners will be announced at a ceremony on 6th May 2025.
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A new adventure — volunteering abroad as a mature student
Reflections on my time volunteering in KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa as part of the University’s ‘Gryphons Abroad’ project in August 2024.
By Tracy Campbell
Reflections on my time volunteering in KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa as part of the University’s ‘Gryphons Abroad’ project in August 2024.
By Tracy Campbell
Building meaningful connections
Tracy embraces this new adventure.
As I reflect on my time volunteering in KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa this summer, the depth of the relationships I built during this experience is hard to convey. Beyond the initial excitement and challenges of venturing into an unfamiliar environment, the true heart of my journey lay in the connections I formed with the children, fellow students, KZN cycle coaches and the teachers and school principals we worked alongside. Every interaction, whether through cycle clinics, classroom sessions or insightful casual conversations, became a source of inspiration and personal growth.
A special bond: Mrs Pk Zondi and the Bambisanani Partnership
Mrs Pk Zondi at the KZN Schools Cycling Competition.
One relationship that stands out is my bond with Mrs. Pk Zondi, the Bambisanani Partnership Coordinator at Mnyakanya School. The Bambisanani Partnership, a charity linked to over 40 schools and universities in both the UK and South Africa (including the University of Leeds), aims to use sport as a tool to promote education, health, global citizenship and leadership. Mrs. Zondi’s passion for education and her unwavering dedication to her students was inspiring, and her leadership went far beyond the classroom.
Our conversations often focused on the challenges her students face and her dreams for their future. It was particularly exciting to learn that Mrs. Zondi is planning a visit to Leeds with two of her students! I’m eager to welcome them to my hometown and show them the cultural richness and diversity that Leeds has to offer. This exchange will not only deepen our cross-cultural connection but also give me a chance to return the warmth and hospitality we received in KwaZulu-Natal.
Global perspectives: connecting students to real-world issues
Volunteering in South Africa was more than just a practical experience — it was a deeply educational one which brought global issues like poverty, gender inequality and social mobility into sharp focus. Looking back, I realise how well the modules I’ve studied as part of my Professional Studies degree with the Lifelong Learning Centre — particularly ‘Global Perspectives’, ‘Exploring Diversity’ and ‘Employability in a Changing World’ — prepared me for this experience.
“One of the best weeks ever”
The academic frameworks provided by these modules challenged me to critically examine ethical and cultural diversity and what it means to be a global citizen. For example, the leadership styles discussed in the ‘Employability in a Changing World’ module — clear communication, adaptability and the ability to engage with different learning styles — were particularly relevant to my work with children in South Africa. Hearing one student say that it was the “one of the best weeks ever” was immensely rewarding and reaffirmed my belief in the power of education and leadership to create lasting change. I carried the lessons from these modules into every aspect of the project — whether teaching, coaching or collaborating with teachers and volunteers.
Empowering girls: breaking barriers through cycling
Female students breaking through cultural barriers.
One of the most memorable aspects of the project was the cycle clinics. In Zulu culture it’s uncommon for girls to ride bicycles, so teaching them to cycle was not only a physical challenge but also a cultural one. Watching their confidence grow as they mastered the skill of cycling was deeply gratifying. But this was more than just learning to ride a bike — it was about empowerment, independence and breaking through cultural barriers.
Through these cycle clinics we also had meaningful discussions about gender equality, women’s rights and the societal norms the girls face in their communities. Their excitement and newfound sense of freedom through cycling were infectious, serving as a reminder of how sport can transcend cultural differences and foster social change.
Empowerment and building trust at Mnyakanya High School.
Building trust: the foundation for learning and growth
University of Leeds Gryphons Abroad 2024!
Building relationships with the children was vital to the success of the cycle clinics and leadership activities. Establishing trust and creating a supportive environment allowed the children to feel safe, engaged and motivated to learn. Their growing confidence, whether in cycling or during leadership exercises, and their sense of accomplishment was one of the most rewarding parts of the trip. The positive feedback they shared reaffirmed the importance of trust and strong relationships in any educational setting.
As a mature student, this experience also came with its own set of personal challenges. Living in a new environment, far from my family, wasn’t easy. Adjusting to a group dynamic where most students were in their early twenties required adaptability, resilience and an open mind. However, I soon realised that our differences in age and life experience enriched the journey for all of us. We each brought unique perspectives and strengths, and this diversity helped us grow together, fostering a deeper sense of collaboration and understanding.
A journey of personal growth: overcoming fears and finding confidence
Through this journey I’ve learned so much — not just about the world, but about myself. Overcoming my initial fears, from wondering if I’d fit in with younger students to navigating the logistics of leaving my family behind, has given me a renewed sense of confidence. This experience has reaffirmed that it’s never too late to pursue a long-held dream. The rewards of stepping outside of our comfort zones are often far greater than we can imagine, and I’m proud to have taken this leap.
Welcoming the future: a cross-cultural exchange in Leeds
As I prepare to welcome Mrs. Zondi and her students to Leeds, I’m reminded once again of the profound impact of cross-cultural exchange. The warmth and generosity we received in South Africa has inspired me to ensure that their visit here is just as meaningful. I look forward to showing them the diverse communities of Leeds, introducing them to new perspectives and continuing our journey of mutual learning.
Lessons learned: embracing global citizenship
This adventure has taught me that — regardless of age, background or personal circumstances — we all have something valuable to contribute as global citizens. I’m incredibly grateful for the opportunity to have participated in this project, and I’m excited to continue exploring what it means to be part of a global community. Each experience, each connection, adds richness to our shared human story — and I look forward to seeing where this journey will take me next.
Volunteering abroad as a mature student has been one of the most rewarding experiences of my life. It’s reaffirmed my belief in the power of education, the importance of cross-cultural understanding, and the limitless possibilities that arise when we step out of our comfort zones and embrace the world with an open mind and an open heart.
Tracy also wrote about how she found the process of applying to and being accepted onto the ‘Gryphons Abroad’ scheme and the preparations for her trip to KwaZulu-Natal earlier this year — you can read that piece here.
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University of Leeds volunteers use the power of sport to excel in South Africa
A team of seven students and three staff from the University of Leeds and Leeds University Union have returned from a life changing visit to South Africa to deliver Gryphons Abroad 2024, our ongoing cycling and sport development project. Our programme sees volunteers deployed for a period of four weeks in rural Kwa-Zulu Natal to teach cycling, leadership and sport in hard-to-reach communities. Members of staff Lauren Havercroft, Fenella Walsh and Matty Walsh were joined by students Euan Taylor, Tracy Campbell, Madhiya Hussain, Maria Roxo-Marques, Harvey Renshaw, Freddie Ankers and Will Rawlings.
Through partnership work with KZN Cycling, the KZN Department of Education and Menston based charity, the Bambisanani Partnership, our student team supported the ongoing activation of a regional cycling hub in the Nkandla area. The cycling hub is basically a shipping container which houses a collection of bikes and a trailer which subsequently tours local schools teaching and coaching cycling. Alongside KZN Development Coach, Sonqoba Ndlovu our students delivered 15 cycling clinics and a cycling festival for talented riders in August 2024. The spectrum of learners involved in the programme included complete novices, improvers and competent riders. The team were particularly keen to teach cycling to young women and girls, who would not traditionally learn this skill in Zulu culture. Riders also received cycling jerseys and water bottles, plus helmets in the hub were restocked thanks to the kind support of Chevin Cycles and Otley Cycling Club.
One week of the project also sees students deliver a sport and leadership week for grade seven pupils from three primary schools in the township of Eshowe. Pupils participate in sport, leadership activities and classroom sessions culminating in them being challenged to lead their own game or activity for their peer group at the end of the week.
Tracy Campbell, University of Leeds Professional Studies student commented;
“A particularly moving aspect of the project was the cycle clinics. In Zulu culture, it is uncommon for girls to ride bicycles, so this initiative was culturally sensitive. The girls’ excitement and newfound empowerment through cycling were deeply fulfilling. The ability to bridge cultural gaps and foster dialogue about women’s rights was a significant learning experience for me emphasising the power of sport as a tool for social change.”
Across the region our students and staff also participated in a range of cultural experiences, being welcomed by singing and dancing in every school, as well as observing a charity music event and workshops on Women’s Day which is a public holiday in South Africa.
Vision ‘To use sport & education to inspire, engage and develop young people and communities in both Leeds and South Africa’
Across the four weeks the team engaged with 12 partner organisations in the UK and South Africa, mobilising 1,387 participations in sport and cycling. Parallel to the impact on pupils in Kwa-Zulu Natal, our student team created memories and friendships to last a lifetime as well as developing transferable graduate level skills. The student volunteers participated in a full programme of training, fundraising and mentoring in the eight months leading up to the visit which included a Level 2 coaching qualification, first aid training, bike maintenance training, teaching skills and more. The staff team provided 486 hours of training and support for our students to prepare them for the role.
Teachers and students in South Africa were positive about all aspects of the programme:
“I think there will be a great impact – you can see the pupils are excited to be on a bike and trying some new sports which are less familiar to them. This is the first of its kind at our school. We wish our pupils to be able to enter competitions. We would be excited to welcome KZN Cycling and University of Leeds volunteers back again.”
“The sports leadership festival is informative, inspiring and interactive. The involvement learners have in the activities enhanced their confidence levels. It had a positive impact on our pupils and helped them develop their skills. Next year it would be great to invite more schools”
“I enjoy the cycling – I was scared but now I can do it. We have new friends, and we are enjoying it very much”
“This has been the best week of my life. I’ve learnt so much about being a leader in these sessions”
University of Leeds Sport Science student Freddie Ankers added;
“I learnt a lot about myself. I can do things and I definitely do want to teach. It has really helped shape me as a person – I am leaving Leeds now and what a way to finish.”
Key Objectives and Principles
David Geldart CEO of the partnership praised the work of all involved, “Huge congratulations to the team from the University of Leeds who yet again have raised the bar in terms of volunteering in South Africa. The students have been exemplary ambassadors for the university using the power of sport and education to change lives in one of the most challenging parts of the country. The learning that ensues for students from both country’s is most powerful indeed. Such global encounters broaden horizons and create more expansive world views. The University of Leeds has made an outstanding contribution to the Bambisanani Partnership for more than ten years, leading on a variety of programmes. The university team deserve great credit for their commitment, dedication and vision which, year on year, provides the most wonderful opportunities for its students in South Africa. My special thanks must go to Andy Lockwood and Suzzi Garnett at the university for making all this possible.”
Key Facts
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Wheels in Motion for Bambisanani Partnership and KZN Cycling
For the past 18 years, the Bambisanani Partnership has operated in the most challenging rural areas of KwaZulu-Natal (KZN) in South Africa using the power of sport to transform lives. During that time more 20,000 young people from the UK and South Africa have engaged in the charity’s various projects and programmes.
For the past 18 years, the Bambisanani Partnership has operated in the most challenging rural areas of KwaZulu-Natal (KZN) in South Africa using the power of sport to transform lives. During that time more 20,000 young people from the UK and South Africa have engaged in the charity’s various projects and programmes.
Key Bambisanani partner, The University of Leeds, introduced a pioneering cycling programme ten years ago which had a significant impact in an area where young people routinely walk 2 hours to and from school each day. The work led to discussions with KZN Cycling and a formal partnership which aims to train up to 5,000 young people a year how to ride and maintain bikes.
KZN Cycling has wholeheartedly embraced the provincial and national government’s mission of being able to transform the sport and recreation environment through integrated, sustainable mass participation, development and high-performance programmes at all levels by ensuring equitable access, as well as aligning to government outcomes to improve the quality of life of all the citizens of KwaZulu-Natal.
The KZN Cycling Development Programme which was started in earnest in 2018 with the support of the department has grown and matured into an internationally recognised project of excellence. It is recognised as the most expansive development programme on the African Continent and certainly one of the top sports development rollout plans worldwide. The programme is not only about developing young riders in all 11 districts in KZN, but also staging numerous capacity building programmes in key linked elements such as training mechanics, race officials, marshals and course and track builders alike with the express aim being for these courses to lead to job creation opportunities for the attending candidates.
Many excellent programmes are in progress in KZN and the rest of the country, but a major downfall of many elements is due to the “silo effect” that many organisations and bodies employ where good work continues to be done, but by embracing work being done by others in the area or the sector, the positive benefits can be increased significantly. This was the underlying desire in creating the ground breaking arrangement between KZN Cycling and the Bambisanani Partnership whereby with the support of the UK based charity, KZN Cycling was able to establish a cycling hub in Nkandla that started operating fully from July 2023.
New bikes and helmets, a storage facility, a new bike trailer to transport the bikes to the surrounding schools and equipment to be able to run the training clinics were all put in place and a development coach from the community was trained and installed to carry out the clinics in the broader Nkandla area. By the end of June 2024, a total of 161 training clinics have been staged at more than ten different schools in the area with 4,034 learners being involved during the course of the year. Local competitions have also been staged that have seen the youngsters being able to test themselves against their peers from the region, and apart from earning bragging rights, this process serves as a valuable tool to be able to identify talented riders with potential who then start being fed into the system to received additional and advanced training from the HP coaches that visit the area on a regular basis.
The programme has been extremely well received, and Priscilla Guliwe, Circuit Coordinator for the KZN Department of Education said, “The cycling development programme that is now in place in the area has created a lot of excitement and interest and in fact, all 26 schools in my circuit want to be part of the project - they are so interested. Hopefully we can arrange for the plans to be expanded in the following years” which is indeed encouraging and proves that through small beginning, hard work and foresight, great things can come about.”
Alec Lenferna, CEO of KZN Cycling had this to say, “We are really happy at how things have started to develop in Nkandla. Every area that we operate in is different and has its own characteristics and some challenges, and Nkandla has been no different at times. But, in conjunction with the local role players and Priscilla and her team from the Education Department in the area, we have been able to navigate through the challenges and we believe that now that we have put down the roots, we can really start driving things forward at an even greater pace in the area. We have an open and honest association with the Bambisanani Partnership that have been part of the discussions to find solutions to challenges when they have arisen, and this is what positive and embracing partnerships should be and we look forward to developing and evolving the programme collectively as time goes on”.
David Geldart from the Bambisanani Partnership added, “This is a really exciting programme that brings together local communities, KZN Cycling, KZN Department of Education, KZN Department of Sport, Arts & Culture and ourselves. We all have a great commitment to working together and learning together for the benefit of bringing all that cycling can offer to remote rural communities. The international research on bringing cycling to such areas is incredibly powerful: increased school attendance, reduced school lateness, increased school attainment, increased accessed to employment and healthcare as well as well as being a safer means of transport for women and girls. Add to this the fun, enjoyment and freedom that cycling can offer. Our collaboration is highly motivated to develop and extend this programme.”
Considering that this work has never been done before in this area, Year One of this joint programme has gone very well; not without some challenges, but these are far outweighed by the huge number of successes that have been achieved. Happy, smiling and healthy youngsters on bikes are all positive side effects of efforts that have been put in by a number of people this year, and success often breeds success and the next phases of the project promise much. Later this year, student volunteers from the University of Leeds will spend a month in South Africa supporting this ambitious and impactful programme.
Published: 03/07/2024
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)