NEWS
Donate to the Bambisanani House Project
Link to donate to the Zulufader JustGiving Page for this project.
Link to donate to the Zulufader JustGiving Page for this project.
Photo: St. Mary's Pupils visited Zulufadder Orphange, June 2016
"Help us give quality education to more children in Zululand, South Africa. We are building a hostel to house 50 children so that they can fulfil their dreams."
Sipho's story
4°C is cold. 12 years old Sipho slips out from the thin blanket on the mud floor that he shares with his three younger siblings. He washes his face with icy water from an old bucket and puts on his only school uniform. There's no food in the hut that is home to the children and their grandmother. His parents have long since succumbed to HIV and AIDS. Sipho puts on his worn school shoes, picks up his threadbare school bag, and sets out on the 4 kilometre walk to school. He's a good student but it's hard to concentrate on an empty stomach.
How YOU can help
Without accommodation Zulufadder cannot help these children, so the heart of our school, Gratton school, is the boarding facility where children can stay during the week after being bused in from the rural areas.
Together with you and our partner The Bambisanani Partnership (St. Mary’s Menston) we can provide a new boarding house for 50 disadvantaged children so that they can realise their dreams.
Diana Award for St. Mary’s Students
The Bambisanani Partnership is delighted to announce that fourteen St. Mary's Menston Year 13 students have been honoured with a Diana Award.
The Bambisanani Partnership is delighted to announce that fourteen St. Mary's Menston Year 13 students have been honoured with a Diana Award.
Photo: FROM LEFT TO RIGHT: BBC Reporter Danielle Hewson, Chris Chavez-Cronin, Niall Hogan, Jessica Carroll, Elliot Mulligan, Dominique Cunningham, Mitchell Lofthouse, Joseph Copsey, Lucy Tindale, Benedict Cheetham, Thomas Brady, Diana Award INSPIRE Leeds Event, 15 July 2016
INSPIRE Leeds Event gallery (197 photos)
Thomas Brady, Jessica Carroll, Chris Chavez-Cronin, Ben Cheetham, Marienn Collins, Joseph Copsey, Dominique Cunningham, Will Giles, Niall Hogan, Hannah Jowett, Mitchell Lofthouse, Elliot Mulligan, Rebecca Still and Lucy Tindale were awarded the Diana Champion Volunteer Award for their work in South Africa as part of the Bambisanani Partnership. The students visited the country during the summer of 2015 and were responsible for mentoring young leaders from Mnyakanya High School through the Bambisanani Leadership Award. In addition, they also taught at the school and together with Mnyakanya students, were responsible for organising community reading and sports festivals. The St. Mary’s students also worked at Ntolwane Primary School and Zulufadder Orphanage.
Since 1999, over 47,000 young people have been recognised with a Diana Award for making an outstanding difference in their communities’ across the globe and continuing Princess Diana’s legacy. With the support of HRH Prince William and HRH Prince Harry, the Diana Award aims to inspire and recognise social action in young people by going beyond its Awards programme with youth led initiatives that empower young people to achieve their full potential and make a difference.
““The Diana Award is proud to recognise incredible young people like the St. Mary’s students who have the confidence and courage to stand up for what they believe. The Diana Award is presented to inspirational young people who work to improve the lives of others in their schools and communities. With a growing network of over 47,000 Award Holders, we are building a force of young people who are committed to taking actions and improving the lives of others.”
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““We at St. Mary’s are extremely proud of the students. The Diana Award will encourage them to continue their fantastic work and will hopefully inspire others to make a difference in the community. The students were delighted to receive an award in recognition of their work.””
June 2016 St. Mary’s South Africa Visit
Read Miss Jackson's wonderful blog, and see photo gallery and tweets from South Africa
Read Miss Jackson's wonderful blog, and see photo gallery and tweets from South Africa
Photo: Visiting Ntolwane Primary School
Photos from South Africa Visit 2016
Fourteen St. Mary’s Menston students embarked on a journey to South Africa on 15 June to deliver a leadership programme to a high school in one of South Africa’s poorest rural areas. The Bambisanani Partnership, set up by Mr David Geldart, former Assistant Headteacher at St. Mary’s, has seen the school and Mnyakanya High School in KwaZulu-Natal, working in collaboration for the last ten years.
This year’s visit was led by Mr Giles Wilkes, supported by Mr Tom Pringle and Miss Eleanor Jackson from St. Mary’s. Mr Chris Mullarkey, Primary Education Tutor at Leeds Trinity University also joined the group.
St. Mary’s students Aidan Conlon, Oliver Armitage, Chris Ginty, Ryan Smith, Ben Hings, Sean Moorby, Leah Delahey, Amy Collins, Elizabeth Westhead, Jayda Etienne, Megan Lupton, Sophia Lenik, Joanna Ciesluk and Amelia Walsh used sport and literacy to develop and promote education, leadership, health and global understanding to the school children in the Nkandla region of KwaZulu-Natal.
This year was a special year for the partnership as not only did it celebrate its 10th anniversary, but for the first time, Leeds University were also involved. Led by Andy Lockwood, the University students assisted a group of South African second year university students in delivering a series of Leadership Courses as well as a cycling award.
As part of the programme, St. Mary’s students prepared curriculum lessons for the Mnyakanya learners. Varied lessons were delivered, including how the heart works, the great fire of London, Geography, English and a French lesson which included a rousing version of ‘Heads, Shoulders, Knees and Toes’ - in French of course. All lessons were engaging and interactive; delivered brilliantly by St. Mary’s students.
Throughout their ten day visit, the St. Mary’s team taught South African students how to organise and deliver a mini Olympics, inspired by the forthcoming 2016 Olympic Games in Rio. This culminated in Mnyakanya High School hosting a Sports and Literacy Festival for one hundred local primary school children. This was a tremendous success. Developing leadership and inspiring students through sport and education was the initial aim of the Bambisanani Partnership. The young South African learners were empowered and they learnt a range of skills which will help them as they continue their school lives.
As part of the annual Leavers’ Awards Assembly, Mnyakanya High School was presented with 14 football shirts donated by The John Paul II Foundation 4 Sport. The John Paul II Foundation 4 Sport was launched by Pope Benedict XVI on his visit to the UK in 2010. The Foundation is inspired by Pope John Paul’s own vision of sports’ unique potential to develop individuals and communities.
Mnyakanya High School is the first school in South Africa to be invited to join the prestigious John Paul II Foundation.
During their visit, the St. Mary’s team also worked at an orphanage. The Zulufadder Orphanage and Day Care Centre supports and cares for HIV/AIDS orphans and vulnerable children throughout KwaZulu-Natal. St. Mary’s students spent time singing, dancing and reading with the children. The visit to Zulufadder was a hard-hitting reminder of the disparity between the two countries but it reinforced to all involved that the good work of the Bambisanani Partnership must continue.
““The Bambisanani Partnership allowed me to fully embrace a new culture where appreciation for all you have, counteracts the desperation that is so prevalent in some areas. I feel as though I developed an understanding for the different behaviours and ways of life and the process of tackling the language barrier has enabled me to deliver information more effectively to certain audiences. A truly humbling experience.”
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““The visit to South Africa was an eye-opening experience. It made me realise how lucky we are and how we take so many things for granted. I felt so touched that they have such big dreams and are willing to do everything in order to live out these dreams. This experience changed me as a person as I constantly consider my actions and their effects on others locally and globally.””
““Bambisanani has had a huge impact on many things such as the way I will go about helping others. I now appreciate the smaller things as I have experienced the hardships the South African learners go through.”
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““Now in its tenth year, this remarkable project continues to inspire young people from both countries to work together and learn together. The power of sport has been utilised very successfully to promote education, health, leadership and global citizenship. The Bambisanani team and its network of supporters deserve enormous credit for their work that is truly changing lives.””
Tweets from South Africa Visit 2016
Mission Statement for our 2016 Visit to South Africa
St. Mary's Menston pupils have written a Mission Statement for what they aim to achieve and how they will achieve it during the forthcoming visit.
St. Mary's Menston pupils have written a Mission Statement for what they aim to achieve and how they will achieve it during the forthcoming visit.
Photo: Preparations continue for the '10th Anniversary' 2016 Visit to South Africa
““Our work in South Africa will demonstrate our school values: tolerance, dignity and respect.
This will be done through the sharing of knowledge, exchange of kindness and forming of friendships.””
Bambisanani 'Spirit of Ubuntu' Concert 2016
Friday evening (22 April 2016) saw another great night at the annual Bambisanani music concert. There were performances from the St. Mary's & Cardinal Heenan Jazz Band, the St. Mary's Ukulele Orchestra and the Leeds Youth Jazz & Rock Orchestra.
Friday evening (22 April 2016) saw another great night at the annual Bambisanani music concert. There were performances from the St. Mary's and Cardinal Heenan Jazz Band, the St. Mary's Ukulele Orchestra and the Leeds Youth Jazz & Rock Orchestra.
The night showcased individual talent from St Mary's students with solos, duets and small group ensembles.
The concert raised much needed funds which will go towards supporting The Bambisanani Partnership and the good work of The Leeds Youth Jazz & Rock Orchestra out in South Africa.
““It was a most enjoyable evening with some fantastic musical performances.””
Many thanks to Roger Livesey for the photographs.
Simphiwe Ndlovu Update April 2016
As a result of our continued fundraising particularly the Fairtrade cake sale at the end of last term, we are still able to provide sponsorship for our South African friend, Simphiwe Ndlovu and help him achieve his ambition to qualify as a teacher.
As a result of our continued fundraising particularly the Fairtrade cake sale at the end of last term, we are still able to provide sponsorship for our South African friend, Simphiwe Ndlovu and help him achieve his ambition to qualify as a teacher.
The Bambisanani Partnership has recently provided Simphiwe with a laptop, textbooks and stationary equipment that he requires in order to complete his studies. Simphiwe has sent us some photographs and asked to pass on the following message:
“Mrs C Chattoe and St. Mary’s team
I would like to take this opportunity to sincerely thank all of you for the kind donations towards my dream of becoming an outstanding teacher.
I am deeply humbled by your generosity of supporting me as a needy student, every year. As I want to be an educator, I value education as a way of improving the living standards of those who are not financially covered.
I really appreciate the fact that you always take your time out of your busy schedule in giving me assistance for making my dream come true. I wish God to Shower you with lots of blessings and of course, I hope you will manage to cover all the costs for my equipment.
Once again, thank you and I am looking forward to continue having a working relationship with you.
Many thanks to you all
Simphiwe Sibani Ndlovu”
10 Year Anniversary of Bambisanani Logo Competition
During 2016 we are celebrating 10 years of the Bambisanani Partnership. Jack Lynn's (7 Gwyn) design was chosen.
During 2016 we are celebrating 10 years of The Bambisanani Partnership. Jack Lynn's (7 Gwyn) design was chosen.
Photo: Jack Lynn with his winning design
Before Christmas we asked students to design a logo for us.
We had many great designs which meant it was very difficult to pick a winner. Jack Lynn (7 Gwyn) produced a winning design that will be included on Bambisanani communications during this special year.
The result was announced in assembly when Jack received a framed copy of his winning logo.
Well done Jack!
The Winning Logo
It is a successful logo design because it works well:
At different sizes
In colour and also in black and white
Both with and without a background colour
On screens and when printed out
Bambisanani Quiz Night
The first ever Bambisanani Quiz Night will be held at St. Mary's Menston on Friday 11 March 2016 in the Main Hall from 7pm–9pm
The first ever Bambisanani Quiz Night will be held at St. Mary's Menston on Friday 11 March 2016 in the Main Hall from 7pm–9pm
Photo: Mr Wilkes with pupils from both the 2015 and 2016 Visits to South Africa
- To enter, you will need a team of eight.
- Tickets cost £5 per person and are available from Pupil Reception each lunchtime.
- The ticket price includes cheese and a glass of wine.
New Fundraising Ideas for The Bambisanani Partnership
Marienn Collins (Year 13) and Amy Collins (Year 12) have both taken on the role of fundraising seriously
Marienn Collins (Year 13) and Amy Collins (Year 12) have both taken on the role of fundraising seriously.
Amy Collins, Year 12
Marienn Collins, Year 13
Amy Collins has instigated the design and purchase of collecting tins in order to raise money for The Bambisanani Partnership. Collection tins will be distributed to local businesses as a way for people to donate any spare change to the Partnership.
Moreover, Marienn Collins has also seized upon a fundraising opportunity. Marienn has designed and sold Bambisanani Partnership lanyards. Sixth form students at St. Mary’s now have to wear an identification badge. Marienn is hoping the staff and sixth form students will purchase the lanyards for £3 in order to display their badges.
Marienn worked in South Africa in June 2015 and Amy will be delivering a sports leadership programme to the students of Mnyakanya High School in June 2016.
Anyone wishing to support the Bambisanani Partnership can contact Catherine Chattoe at c.chattoe@stmarysmenston.org
Karl Verspyck receives the Sponela Magwaza Outstanding Leader Award
St. Mary's Menston's Year 13 Presentation Evening saw the presentation of the Sponela Magwaza Outstanding Leader Award
St. Mary's Menston's Year 13 Presentation Evening saw the presentation of the Sponela Magwaza Outstanding Leader Award
Photo: Mr D Beardsley, David Geldart, Mgr Paul Grogan, Karl Verspyck, Mrs C Chattoe, Mr R Lavery
Karl Verspyck visited South Africa In June 2014. From the onset Karl did everything that he could to ensure that he was fully prepared for his work in South Africa. He was adamant that he wanted to get the most out of his visit.
Karl was keen to share his educational experiences with students living in KwaZulu-Natal. He knew that he wanted to share Mr Priestley’s plate tectonic lesson and teach the students of Mnyakanya High School the geography he had so enjoyed learning.
Way in advance of the visit Karl set to work producing lesson plans and resources. He knew that he wanted to bring the students out of the classroom to teach his geography lesson. Karl worked hard to ensure that the students from Mnyakanya High School had the privilege of an all action, dynamic lesson on plate tectonics.
It is without doubt that Karl and his lesson made a massive impact on the students in South Africa. When St. Mary’s returned a year later the students and teachers both asked, “What was Karl was doing now?”
Photo: Karl in South Africa, June 2014
““It is such a privilege to receive such prestigious award for the work I did in South Africa. I had a really fun time working with Mnyakanya and fellow St. Mary’s students. The trip itself was rewarding enough so to be honoured with the Sbenelo Magwaza Award for outstanding leadership its truly humbling. The whole trip has affected my outlook on life and I am so grateful I had the opportunity to go out to South Africa.
I look forward to keeping involved with the partnership I am excited to see it grow and become a real force for change both in the UK and internationally.””
In June 2015, the same award was presented in South Africa to a young student called Magwaza Standiwe.
Photo: Mr T Pringle, Magwaza Standiwe, Mr G Wilkes
Magwaza Standiwe was given this award because he had demonstrated that he had a positive attitude, good communication skills, new ideas, was good at listening, great at sharing and making decisions, but above all was someone who is keen and able to help others.
Like Magwaza Standiwe, Karl has all of these qualities and always uses them to good effect. Along with his unforgettable lesson it is without doubt that Karl Verspyck is very deserving of The Sponela Magwaza Outstanding Leader Award.
Well done Karl your work had a massive impact on the people in South Africa!