NEWS
Rotary International Honour for Bambisanani Partnership
The Rotary Foundation of Rotary International Certificate of Appreciation presented to St. Mary's Menston on September 29, 2015
The Rotary Foundation of Rotary International Certificate of Appreciation presented to St. Mary's Menston on September 29, 2015
Photo: LEFT TO RIGHT:
Bill Hudson, Rotary Club of Aireborough International Committee, David Geldart, Founder of the Bambisanani Partnership, Marilyn Harbage wife of Keith, Keith Harbage, President of the Rotary Club of Leeds, Hazel Haas, District Governor of District 1040 of Rotary in Great Britain and Ireland, Tony Scaife, President of the Rotary Club of Aireborough, Mrs C Chattoe, Bambisanani Partnership Co-ordinator
Rotary International have honoured St. Mary’s ground-breaking work in South Africa with one of its highest award, the Certificate of Appreciation. Known as the ‘Bambisanani Partnership’, the schools work in South Africa has gained world-wide acclaim for its work using sport to promote education, health, global citizen and leadership in one of South Africa’s most deprived rural areas.
The special Awards Dinner was organised by the Rotary Club of Aireborough with representatives from Rotary clubs throughout the region attending. The prestigious award was presented to the Founder of the Bambisanani Partnership, David Geldart and Mrs Catherine Chattoe, the partnerships Coordinator at St. Mary's, by Mrs Hazel Haas, District Governor of Rotary International.
The District Governor explained the background of the award and praised the exceptional humanitarian and educational work of the Bambisanani Partnership
“When the Rotary charity, the Rotary Foundation was created, it was decided to create a Paul Harris Award in recognition of the Founder of the organisation. The Certificate of Appreciation is the equivalent award when given to an organisation of which St. Marys School and its Bambisanani Partnership are such worthy recipients. Led by David Geldart the amazing partnership has achieved remarkable outcomes and epitomises the Rotary motto of ‘Service above Self’. The Bambisanani Partnership demonstrates just what can be achieved even in the most difficult of circumstances. It is wonderful to hear that the partnership has recently become a registered charity and I am sure it will go from strength to strength and inspire others in the process.”
In his acceptance speech David Geldart said “It is a wonderful honour to receive this prestigious award from Rotary International. We began the Bambisanani Partnership nine years ago and we have worked closely the Aireborough Rotary Club and Eshowe Rotary Club in South Africa from the very beginning. The help, advice and genuine interest in the project from the two Rotary clubs has been nothing short of amazing. We would not have achieved all that we have achieved without their help and I would like to thank all the Rotarians involved for their tremendous support and guidance.”
Aireborough Rotary gives award to school [WHARFEDALE OBSERVER]
The Bambisanani Partnership gains Charitable Status
Founded nine years ago by David Geldart the Bambisanani Partnership has gained charitable status from the Charities Commission.
Founded nine years ago by David Geldart the Bambisanani Partnership has gained charitable status from the Charities Commission.
The partnership has gained international acclaim for its work in one of South Africa most deprived areas using sport to promote education, health, leadership and global citizenship.
Photo: Working together, learning together at Mnyakanya High School, June 2015
““Quite rightly it is a long and rigorous process to become a registered charity but our new status will enable us to have an even greater impact in the future and ensure our long term sustainability. Our proven track record and ambitious plans for the future were important factors in us gaining charitable status; special thanks must go to all those that have been involved in the partnership over the past nine years. This is a really exciting time and all of us involved cannot wait to get started on developing our work further both here in the UK and in South Africa. I would like to take this opportunity thank Kevin Emsley, Duncan Milwain and Jack Irwin at Solicitors, Lupton Fawcett Denison Till in Leeds for not only their long term support of the partnership but specifically for helping us with the legal aspect of becoming a charity.””
““I am delighted that The Bambisanani Partnership has become a registered charity. This is further recognition for the hard work and commitment of all the staff and students who have been involved in the partnership, both at St. Mary’s and also Mnyakanya High School.
We see this as the beginning of a new chapter for the partnership and this is a further demonstration of our commitment to Global learning, bringing together young people from different countries, promoting education, health, global citizenship and leadership.””
There was also national praise also for the achievement:
““It is wonderful news that the Bambisanani Partnership has become a registered charity. For the past nine years staff and students at St. Mary’s and Mnyakanya have worked tirelessly to create an amazing partnership that has used the power of sport to promote wider educational goals in a genuine international collaboration. Becoming a charity demonstrates the commitment of both schools to global learning which will now lead to further opportunities to involve more schools and young people in both countries in this inspirational work.”
”
““I am delighted that The Bambisanani Partnership has become a registered charity. This is further recognition for the hard work and commitment of all the staff and students who have been involved in the partnership, both at St. Mary’s and also Mnyakanya High School. We have been honoured to work with the Bambisanani Partnership over the past five years, helping shine the spotlight on over one hundred incredible young people who have selflessly dedicated their time to improving the lives of others in one of South Africa’s poorest rural communities. We are delighted that the Partnership have been granted charitable status and we look forward to celebrating many more young people, who continue in the footsteps of Diana, Princess of Wales.””
Bambisanani Partnership Registered Charity details [CHARITIES COMMISSION]
The Founding Trustees of the partnership are:
- Mrs Katie Campbell
- Mr Darren Beardsley
- Mr Duncan Baines
- Mr David Geldart
- Mrs Diane Maguire
- Mrs Barbara Pounder
Additionally the school has recently appointed Mrs Catherine Chattoe to coordinate the work of the partnership.
St. Mary's, Menston - Charitable Status for work in South Africa [DIOCESEOFLEEDS.ORG.UK]
Bambisanani Partnerhsip well represented at National Global Learning Conference
St. Mary’s Menston's internationally acclaimed Bambisanani Partnership in South Africa was afforded two sessions at a national Global Learning Conference at Leeds Trinity University in Leeds.
St. Mary’s Menston's internationally acclaimed Bambisanani Partnership in South Africa was afforded two sessions at a national Global Learning Conference at Leeds Trinity University in Leeds.
Mr David Geldart, Assistant Headteacher at St. Mary’s and founder of the project, spoke about the partnership’s work in using sport in one of South Africa’s poorest communities to promote education, health, global citizenship and leadership.
Five St. Mary’s students who were volunteers and leadership mentors in South Africa last year also spoke at the conference. Karl Verspyck, Megan Haskins, Eleanor Thompson, Myles Hanlon and Caroline Turnbull outlined the impact of their work in South Africa with the focus of two schools from very different parts of the world ‘having worked together and learned together’ for over nine years, creating an equitable and sustainable partnership.
Photo: David Geldart and Diane Maguire with St. Mary’s students Megan Haskins, Eleanor Thompson, Myles Hanlon, Caroline Turnbull and Karl Verspyck
““St. Mary’s made a most significant contribution to the conference. The students were so articulate and passionate about their remarkable work in South Africa; truly inspirational.””
Unique Items on Offer to Support The Bambisanani Partnership
The following unique items have all been donated to raise money to support The Bambisanani Partnership.
The following unique items have all been donated to raise money to support The Bambisanani Partnership.
The Bambisanani Partnership has gained international acclaim for its work using sport as a catalyst to promote education, health, global citizenship and leadership in one of South Africa’s poorest communities.
The best offers received by midday on Monday 13 July over the guide price will secure the items. Please email your offer through to j.ash@stmarysmenston.org
1. Unique Manchester United shirt signed by the treble winning team of 1999 (framed)
Offers over £500 suggested
2. Celtic FC shirt signed by the 1999 team – the famous Henrik Larsson era (framed)
Offers over £150 suggested
3. Trevor Brooking signed shirts from 1975 and 1985 Cup Finals. Both shirts in same frame with photographs from the finals. Donated by Sir Trevor Brooking
Offers over £150 suggested
4. Golf – 4 Ball at Mottram Hall, Wilmslow Road,
Macclesfield SK10 4QT
Offers over £120 suggested
5. Ascot – 2 Grandstand tickets for Horse Racing at Ascot Saturday 8 August 2015, Dubai Duty Free Shergar Cup
Premier Admission is our premium ticket on all racedays outside of Royal Ascot providing race goers exclusive access to Level 4 of the Grandstand. From the balconies on Level 4, race goers can enjoy spectacular views of both the thrilling action on the track and the Winners Enclosure in the Parade Ring. Racegoers will also be able to enjoy an even wider selection of bars and restaurants, as you escape from the hustle and bustle of Grandstand Admission. On our premier race days, race goers will also have exclusive access to the lawns in front of the Winning Post
Offers over £50 suggested
6. Superbikes – 2 VIP Tickets to a British Super Bikes Event (left in the year are Brands Hatch, Thruxton, Cadwell Park, Oulten Park, The Netherlands, Silverstone, Brands Hatch)
Offers over £150 suggested
7. British Touring Cars – Family hospitality ticket
(left in the year are Snetterton, Knockhill, Rockingham, Silverstone, Brands Hatch)
Offers over £150 suggested
8. Walk on role in for the comedy series ‘Stella’
Likely to be end July/beginning of August. Scripts are still being written. Two weeks’ notice will be given, offering a couple of dates. Venue will be 15 miles radius of Cardiff where the series is shot
9. Two tickets for the play ‘Fungus the Bogeyman’
This will be a screening event of the first episode in a small cinema in central London. Date and time tbc. Late November / early December. Evening, mid- week event. Only just started filming so lots of tbc's still
Connecting Classrooms Visit to the UK June 2015
We we were recently lucky enough to have 3 visitors from South Africa and 2 from Ghana come and visit us in Leeds.
We we were recently lucky enough to have 3 visitors from South Africa and 2 from Ghana come and visit us in Leeds.
They visited St. Mary’s Menston for two days where they had the opportunity to take part in lessons, tour the school, meet the staff and students and attend after school activities. On an evening, staff from St. Mary’s were on hand to show them the sights of the local area, visiting Ilkley and then Bolton Abbey on the final day. To end the trip Mr Dobson organised an array of musical performances from our students. The visitors were very impressed with the talents of our students and Eunice even got up to sing the South African National Anthem for our students. The visitors definitely brought the good weather with them and the sun shone for their whole visit. They really enjoyed their visit to the UK and we all look forward to meeting up with them again next year in Ghana.
June 2015 South Africa Visit
Read Andy Lockwood's wonderful blog, hear about the visit in our pupils' own words and a gallery of photos.
Read Andy Lockwood's wonderful blog, hear about the visit in our pupils' own words and a gallery of photos.
South Africa Visit June 2015 photo gallery (400 photos)
Andy Lockwood's Blog
A great part of this year's visit has been Andy Lockwood's blog andyinafrica.co.uk which has enthralled Bambisanani supporters with daily updates from South Africa.
One of many fantastic posts brought us the thoughts of the St. Mary's pupils during the visit:
Tom Brady – “The enthusiasm which students bring to the school each day, despite the circumstances in which they are forced to live, is an inspiration and an attitude I will look to take with me.”
Lucy Tindale – “It is clear that the people here make the most of every opportunity, despite the lack of appropriate resources. This is shown by their excitement to participate on the school’s sport field – which is covered in glass.”
Dominique Cunningham – “The maturity and commitment shown by the people we have worked with so far is inspiring, the partnership has shown me just what can be achieved when we all work together.”
Mairenn Collins – “I’m sorry: I would try to put something into words but I can’t – words wouldn’t do justice to how this place and these people have affected me.”
Rebecca Still – “I have made friends with people I never thought I would- African and English alike. I knew this trip would change me but I could never have guessed how much, from having new Zulu style dance moves to having more confidence in myself being with unknown people and in a completely new environment, I have grown from being in this country and with such inspiring people.”
Joe Copsey – “It’s incredible the impact one small act of kindness can have on the South African students. Something as simple as giving a bracelet can make them smile from ear to ear. It really puts things into perspective.”
Will Giles – “From meeting the students for the first time to see them becoming such great leaders, and forming profound and long lasting friendships, is something I am honoured to say I have been a part of.”
Niall Hogan – “I can’t believe I have been given an opportunity such as this. The happiness all the students exude shows me just how much they value the partnership. I am honoured to say I am a part of the Bambisanani project.”
Elliot Mulligan - “The perseverance of the students to learn under difficult circumstances is truly inspiring. What hit home the most was the fact that they carry 1 small cloth with them at all times, using 1 side to clean their face and the other to clean their shoes. This dedication should inspire us all.”
Mitchell Lofthouse - “Having experienced the dedication of the students to succeed and do well, I am truly inspired by the work that they do. I believe we need to be more appreciative of all we have at home and take less for granted.”
Andy Lockwood's Photos
Andy Lockwood's Fantastic Photos [FLICKR.COM]
Bambisanani Tweets
Thanks to Mr Wilkes and Mrs Chattoe, there have also been many tweets on our Bambisanani Partnership Twitter account.
The tweets generated a surge of Bambisanani Twitter interest 1100% greater than ever before!
We will add photos and more from the 2015 visit on this website over the summer. Look forward to it!
Chance to see the Singing Children of Africa perform
A concert of The Singing Children of Africa takes place in Bradford on 12 June 2015. This special event will be held at The University of Bradford in the Great Hall, Richmond Building.
An Educate the Kids charity concert of The Singing Children of Africa takes place in Bradford on 12 June 2015. This special event will be held at The University of Bradford in the Great Hall, Richmond Building.
There is also an additional invitation to another slightly different even with the choir, An Evening With The Singing Children Of Africa to be held on Sunday 14 June at 6.30pm at The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, Wheatlands Crescent, Heaton, Bradford, BD9 5JP. This will not only feature music by the children but also talks from some of the choir members, teachers, and sponsors, about their experience of life in Kenya and how Educate The Kids has changed this.
The Singing Children of Africa have toured the UK previously to great success and raised enough money to build new classrooms and an orphanage that houses 14 children. The main purpose of this tour besides fundraising is to promote educational sponsorship. 100% of sponsorship goes directly to the school and the children's education. The charity is run by volunteers as we have no paid staff here in the UK. The funds raised are to be split between a university/college fund and a new water campaign (Every Drop Is Precious) as we have wells and pumps that are in urgent need of repair and there is a need to dig new wells in the village.
The children, aged between eight and twelve years old, are from a small village in the outskirts of Mombasa called Utange. They are some of the poorest children in the area and this will be their first experience outside of their tiny village.
Miss Burton Connecting Classrooms Visit to South Africa
Miss Burton's recent Connecting Classrooms visit to South Africa.
Miss Burton's recent Connecting Classrooms visit to South Africa.
In March I and Miss Hobson from Beachwood Primary School were fortunate enough to travel to South Africa as part of the British Councils connecting classrooms project. For 7 days we had the amazing opportunity to explore the region’s natural beauty, immerse ourselves in local cultures and work with some fantastic educators at a number of schools in the Nkandla region.
Day 1
After settling well into Eshowe we took the opportunity to enjoy the warm South African weather. A real treat compared to the cold harsh British weather we had left behind. That morning we drove out to Mnyakanya High School and we met the teachers and students there. First of all we were introduced to the school principal and then many students went off to their classrooms to begin exams. Mr. Mbambo introduced us to his class and we showed the students some of the work that has been taking place on the environment project at St Marys and Beechwood primary school. Next we were very lucky to hear the Gospel choir sing for us. They had fantastic, powerful voices and we could have listened to them sing all day! Members of the school council gave us a guided tour of the school, including the school grounds where many of the students were taking a break in the shade. It was very interesting to see that the students could buy their own lunch and snacks from ladies at the tuck shop. In the afternoon we were accompanied by teachers and students who showed us around their local area. We drove past President Zuma’s house which is very close to Mnyakana High School. In the distance we could see a large cliff face. Eventually, after crossing Tulega River, we arrived at an incredible viewpoint called Ntunjambili. We could see for miles across the beautiful South African countryside! Later on we arrived back at school just before 3.00pm, which was also home time for the students. Before leaving school some of the girls performed some traditional Zulu dances. These were very entertaining and everybody was had a fantastic time.
Day 2 Ntolwane Primary School
We spent the morning at Ntolwane Primary School, this is the link school for Beechwood primary. On arrival we met with the principal and were introduced to some of the teachers. After that we met some very helpful students in Grade 8 that took us in to all of the different classrooms. Many classes had lots of children in them. In grade 2 there were around 60 pupils. The students at Ntolwane were a little shy to begin with as their first language is IsiZulu and they learn English at school. They were all speaking lots more to us as the day went on! In Grade 2 we watched the children learning IsiZulu and we tried our best to pronounce some tricky Zulu words! In the next class we saw the children reading books out loud in English. They were learning about living and non-living things. It was great to hear the children reading with very confident voices!
We joined the children during break time. They have 45 minutes break for the day. Lots of the children enjoy ice pops in the shade, whilst others roam around the school field. There were also goats and geese sharing the playground with the children. After break we were able to watch the children perform for us. We heard some fantastic singing, watched incredible Zulu dancing and also listened to the children’s poems about their rights.
My favourite part of that day was learning IsiZulu phrases from the students. I think many of the students enjoyed taking photos with the iPad as well as being able to show us some of their super talents!
Day 3 Zulufadder
Wednesday was another fantastic day. By far the best experience of the trip. In the morning we visited Zulufadder, a day care centre set up for orphans and vulnerable children. Popi was a very happy lady and the children were very lively and clearly loved spending time at the centre. We were able to play games outside and the children showed us their super writing and excellent songs!
The afternoon was spent at Dlinza Forest-an aerial boardwalk that takes you through the forest and above the canopy layer, then up into the emergent layer. It was a little bit scary standing so high up but the view across the forest was definitely worth it.
Day 4
We were being accompanied by Mr. Mbambo and another educator from Mnyakanya High School. We drove out a long way to Nkandla forest and eventually were greeted by two rangers that were ready to guide us through the largest forest in South Africa. It was a steep journey down as we scrambled deeper into the forest. As we began our journey the air was dry with a cool breeze and the further we trekked into the forest the more hot and humid the air became. It was very exciting and we were was busy looking out for birds and animals. I spotted a huge millipede coiled around the trunk of a tree! The baboons could be heard in the distance but we did not manage to spot one! Our walk took us over rivers that we crossed carefully by leaping over the rocks! It was very exciting and we certainly got lots of exercise that morning.
The afternoon was spent watching a fast paced netball match. I was particularly impressed by the standard of play as the principal explained that the girls were not coached and that they had only taught themselves how to play the game and practiced together as a team to improve their skills.
Before we left the whole school gathered outside and pupils performed traditional songs for us. Once again I was very impressed by the high standards of the pupils and how talented they are. It was soon time to leave so we thanked everybody involved in helping to organise such a fantastic visit.
The Connecting Classrooms project continues
Bambisanani Album Announcement
Next year will see the release of a Bambisanani Partnership Album, and this creates great opportunities for students of St. Mary’s.
The Bambisanani Partnership is always looking at excellent ways to collaborate within our two wonderful schools, St. Mary's Menston and Mnyakanya High School. In 2016 we celebrate the 10th anniversary of the partnership and we plan to celebrate it with something big.
“Next year will see the release of a Bambisanani Partnership Album, and this creates great opportunities for students of St. Mary’s.”
The album will feature 12 originals tracks:
- 4 composed by students of St Mary’s
- 4 composed by students of Mnyakanya High School
- 4 collaborative compositions between both schools.
The album will be professionally produced/mastered with copies being manufactured to sell and raise some vital funds for the Bambisanani Partnership. The album will also be added to iTunes, available to purchase worldwide as well as on Spotify.
MUSIC COMPETITION
On Monday June 8 and Tuesday June 9 at lunchtime, we will be holding auditions in school for students to showcase their own compositions, either as a solo or composed in a group, with the chance to win a place on this album. You will work closely with the music department to produce your song to a professional standard.
ALBUM TITLE COMPETITION
In addition to a competition to have your composition feature on the album, there will be a competition running in parallel to name the album.
MEETING
There will be a meeting in H3, Wednesday 20 May, to provide further details of this exciting opportunity (both competitions).
Poster
Bambisanani ‘Spirit of Ubuntu’ Concert 2015
Ubuntu means human kindness and concern for others
Ubuntu means human kindness and concern for others
Bambisanani 'Spirit of Ubuntu' Concert 2015 (71 photos)
Students and staff from St. Mary’s last week hosted an evening of musical entertainment to raise money for the Bambisanani Partnership, a unique partnership with Mnyakanya High School situated in one of South Africa’s poorest rural areas which uses sport to promote education, health, global citizenship and leadership.
The ‘Spirit of Ubuntu’ concert featured musical ensembles from St. Mary’s, Cardinal Heenan, the Madrigal singing group and the Leeds Youth Jazz Rock Orchestra (the co-hosts of the evening, raising money for their own projects in South Africa).
The quality of the music was truly outstanding and the evening was thoroughly enjoyed by a large and very appreciative audience.
“It was a wonderful evening of music which really captured the spirit of Ubuntu (human kindness and concern for others). The young people involved in the evening from the two initiatives are truly inspirational. They want to make a difference to the world and are prepared to use their amazing talents to do so. There is something special about music and sport in being able to connect people in meaningful encounters, long may this continue.””
Bambisanani Concert 2015 YouTube playlist (6 videos)
Photographs and videos by Roger and Petrona, © menstonvillagewharfedale.com
St. Mary’s Menston Bambisanani concert 2015 – a wonderful evening [MENSTONVILLAGEWHARFEDALE.COM]
Another great Bambisanani Concert at St. Mary’s, Menston