NEWS
Alessandra completes the Great North Run for the Bambisanani Partnership
Alessandra completes the Great North Run for the Bambisanani Partnership
Well done Alessandra!
Back in 2011 whist a student at St. Mary’s Alessandra Valle-Metaxas visited South Africa as part of the Bambisanani Partnership volunteering programme organised by the School. As with so many students the visit had a most profound effect on her and Alessandra has remained in contact and supported the partnership ever since.
Most recently she embarked on extensive training programme to compete in the Great North Run Half Marathon in order to raise funds for the partnership. All Alessandra’s hard work paid off as on Sunday she completed the event in the very respectable time of 2hrs 59mins, raising over £300 in the process.
““The Great North Run is like no other event I’ve ever participated in. The people of the North East come out in all their glory to support the tens of thousands of runners who are participating for so many different reasons but many, like me, are running for causes that they feel close to.
The Bambisanani Partnership thrives on passion for sport and so running and fundraising for the partnership was a special opportunity for me not only to challenge myself (as I am no long distance runner) but to also spread the word about Bambisanani and the lives that are changing because of its work.
I truly believe that sport is incredibly powerful and changes lives, the Great North Run itself is testimony to that and so it just made sense to me that my 13.1 miles be used to help Bambisanani grow.
I’m thrilled and so very grateful to have been able to raise money and to continue to support the Partnership in this way and I encourage others to do the same!””
Photo: Alessandra was part of the St. Mary’s visit to South Africa in 2011
““ I am so very proud of Alessandra’s fantastic achievement and excited that the Bambisanani Partnership has had its first ever sponsored runner in such a prestigious race.
If anybody else is interested in running for Bambisanani, please don’t hesitate to contact me at c.chattoe@stmarysmenston.org or via St. Mary’s Menston to discuss further.””
Bambisanani Partnership team honoured to meet the Lord Mayor and Lady Mayoress of Leeds
The Lord Mayor of Leeds, Councillor Graham Latty, and the Lady Mayoress, Councillor Pat Latty recently met with members of the Bambisanani team at the Civic Hall to recognise the work of the Leeds based charity in South Africa.
The Lord Mayor of Leeds, Councillor Graham Latty, and the Lady Mayoress, Councillor Pat Latty recently met with members of the Bambisanani team at the Civic Hall to recognise the work of the Leeds based charity in South Africa.
Photo: LEFT TO RIGHT: Beth Ward, Andrew Lockwood, Karen Murgatroyd, David Geldart, Lord Mayor, Lady Mayoress, Barbara Pounder
David Geldart, founder of the charity was joined at the meeting by fellow trustees Barbara Pounder and Andrew Lockwood together with Leeds Trinity University student Beth Ward, who had just returned from volunteering in South Africa, and Karen Murgatroyd from International Relations Leeds who has supported the partnership from the onset.
The Bambisanani Partnership has gained international acclaim for it work in South Africa using the power of sport as a catalyst to promote education, health, global citizenship and leadership in one of the country’s poorest rural regions. The partnership originally began at St, Mary’s School, Menston but now also involves students from the University of Leeds and Leeds Trinity University in the volunteering programme.
David Geldart said “It was a great honour to have the work of the partnership recognised in this prestigious way. Leeds has a very special relationship with South Africa with the city providing tremendous support during the Anti-Apartheid era; a point which was recognised by Nelson Mandela himself when he famously visited Leeds in 2001. The Lord Mayor and Lady Mayoress have a long standing interest in the work of the Bambisanani Partnership and have been great supporters over the years. It was good that they had the opportunity to meet with representatives from the different organisations involved. They are genuinely interest in our work and were very keen to hear of our plans for the future that will help contribute to further developing the special Leeds-South Africa relationship”
At the meeting David Geldart presented a copy of the latest Bambisanani book (Bambisanani: Ten Years of Working Together and Learning Together) to the Lord Mayor as a gift to the city.
Lord Mayor recognises charity [BRADFORD TELEGRAPH & ARGUS]
Bambisanani book is special prize at historic Wenlock Olympian Games
The annual Wenlock Olympian Games have a unique place in the history of world sport
The annual Wenlock Olympian Games have a unique place in the history of world sport
Photo: LEFT TO RIGHT: Helen Cromarty, David Geldart, Vanessa Statham, Mike Mowling, Andrew Lockwood.
In the 1850’s William Penny Brookes, through his Wenlock Olympian Society (WOS), had the wonderful vision of providing annual competitions in sport and the arts ‘for people of every grade’. What started in the small Shropshire town of Much Wenlock extended regionally, then nationally, and now hosts international competitors from as far away as Australia. Ultimately, it was a major inspiration for the modern Olympics as we know them today.
The Bambisanani Partnership is a multi-award charity based in Yorkshire that works in one of South Africa’s poorest rural regions using sport as a catalyst to promote education, health, global citizenship and leadership. The charity’s latest book (Bambisanani: Ten Years of Working Together and Learning Together) has gained international acclaim, and the Partnership was pleased to donate a copy to WOS. The book was given as a special additional prize for the annual ‘Golfer of the Competition’ award at this year’s Wenlock Olympian Games, and presented to the very worthy winner, Vanessa Statham.
David Geldart, Founder and Chairman of the Bambisanani Partnership, said: “It is an absolute honour to be associated with the Wenlock Olympian Society. The pioneering work of William Penny Brookes in the 1850’s paved the way for the modern Olympics and indeed Physical Education and Sport for all children in school. The Wenlock Olympian Games are still held to this day and it was wonderful that the latest Bambisanani book was deemed worthy as a special prize this year. The work of the Bambisanani Partnership has very much been inspired by William Penny Brookes’s concept of ‘Olympism’ – using sport for the greater good.”
Helen Clare Cromarty, organiser of the Wenlock Olympian Games golf competition, said, “On behalf of the society, I’d like to thank the Bambisanani Partnership for their kindness in donating such a beautiful prize. WOS is run entirely by volunteers, and relies on the generosity of its patrons and donors to continue its work. It was great that David was able to present the book in person to Vanessa, and I’m certain it will be treasured.”
Mike Mowling, WOS Chairman, added, “It’s wonderful to see the valuable projects organisations such as The Bambisanani Partnership are accomplishing in South Africa, by using the power of sport to transform lives in disadvantaged communities. The latest Bambisanani book tells an inspirational story in both words and photographs. Dr William Penny Brookes would certainly have approved of this important work. We wish them every success in their future initiatives and hope that their continuing work will inspire other schools to follow their excellent example.”
For more information about the Wenlock Olympian Society visit www.wenlock-olympian-society.org.uk
South Africa Visit June 2018
Volunteering work in South Africa reaches new heights
Volunteering work in South Africa reaches new heights
South Africa Visit June 2018 gallery (695 photos)
The Bambisanani Partnership has gained international acclaim for its pioneering work in one of South Africa’s poorest regions, using sport as a catalyst to promote education, health, global citizenship and leadership. This summer has seen the multi-award winning charity take on its most ambitious volunteering project in its twelve year history. Students and staff from St. Mary’s School, Menston, the University of Leeds and Leeds Trinity University have recently returned from South Africa where both individually and collaboratively they extended and developed the work of the partnership.
Following eighteen months of preparation, planning and fundraising, sixteen students from St. Mary’s embarked on a mission to deliver a ‘Leadership Through Sport’ programme’ to students at Mnyakanya High School situated in the remote, rural Nkandla area. This year’s visit was led by Catherine Chattoe with support from Brad Dobson and Charlotte Wood.
The student team included Olivia Brady, Joe Gardner, Grace Darker, Orla Turnbull, Lily Humphreys, Libby Woffenden, Charlotte Walker, Rhiannon Boardman, Nicholas Brinkworth, Sylvia Cullen, Edward Fieldhouse, Aidan Joyce, Luke Barnes, Maeve Hendron, Lucy Hings and Lily Greenhalgh.
Throughout their visit St. Mary’s students were assisted by three students from Eshowe High School; Morgan Gray, Nokabongwa Mtembu and Sbongisiwe Ntuli who supported them with the delivery of the leadership programme and provided valuable assistance with English and Zulu language translation.
After four intense days of hockey, netball and rounders coaching, thirty Mnyakanya students were fully equipped and confident enough to organise and host a spectacular Sports and Reading Festival for over 120 children from Ntolwane Primary School. The success of the collaboration between the students from both countries was celebrated with a special presentation ceremony. South African students received leadership awards and annual awards as a way of recognising and celebrating their ability and potential as outstanding leaders.
Additionally as part of the visit, the St. Mary’s students delivered lessons in a wide range of curriculum areas. Enthusiastic staff and students from Mnyakanya High School experienced high quality lessons in English, Maths, Geography, Science, Music and Drama. In one lesson Mnyakanya students represented the components of the solar system and moved around the playground as a way of learning how the solar system works.
The final part of their visit saw the St. Mary’s students volunteering at uMlalazi Day Centre and Crèche, a centre for AIDS orphans and vulnerable children run by the Zulufadder Children’s Trust. This was a magical time for the St. Mary’s students where they loved bringing stories to life with the use of props and toys and, for the first time, helped with the centre’s gardening project by planting some vegetables.
““The St. Mary’s students were outstanding ambassadors for the school and the charity. Their kind heartedness, emotional intelligence and energy were exemplary, I am incredibly proud of their work.””
““I genuinely believe The Bambisanani Partnership has a truly positive impact on every single person involved. It was inspiring to see the determination, comradely and support on display, from both countries.” ”
Alongside the St. Mary’s visit, and building on the outstanding work of Andy Lockwood this was the third year of volunteering in South Africa for the University of Leeds. Members of staff Tilly Hall, Tom Exeter and Lisa Naylor led this year’s visit of ten students representing a wide range of degree programmes. Natalie Donohue, Emma Sallis, Georgina Ellis, Charlie Vickers, Ava Martinez-Lambert, Francisca Darko, Aimee Christadoulou, Jessica Hole, Rachael Dickinson and Emily Bowden made up the ‘Gryphons Abroad’ team that successfully delivered two major projects over the two week period: Cycling for Success and Inspire through Sport and Leadership. Both of these projects were also supported by three students from Leeds Trinity University, namely Oorjitha Prem, Danielle Lawrance and Katherine Skelton.
The Cycling for Success programme was based at Mnyakanya High School where the team taught a group of thirty students how to ride and maintain bikes.
““The Cycle for Success week of the trip has been amazing. To see students who had never been on a bike cycle by themselves and know how to fix them when something went wrong after only three days of teaching is pretty unbelievable!”
”
By the end of the week all students could ride a bike, most of whom had never been on a bike before and nine students had all the skills and knowledge of road signalling to cycle on the main road. The skills the students have learnt are invaluable and many of them have already used the bikes to get to and from school, which for some was previously a two hour walk each way.
The South Africa school teachers also spoke about the impact of the project on the students’ motivation, confidence and desire to succeed, and how the bikes were being used in the community.
““It’s not only the school that is benefiting from these bikes, it’s also the community. Learners who have learnt these skills are now showing others how to do it at the weekend. They learn a lot doing this project, they become motivated and go on to be something outside of the community.” ”
The second week of the visit saw the students from the two Leeds Universities lead the Inspire through Sport and Leadership programme to over 160 primary school children from the town of Eshowe. Through a range of sporting activities and challenges, the primary students learnt a range of leadership skills based on communication, organisation and planning. This work culminated in the children themselves taking responsibility for leading sports sessions.
The Gryphons Abroad team also led a classroom sessions based around their degrees, where subjects as diverse as Maths and Mental Health were taught.
““The visit was a remarkable success and has had a huge impact on both the students from South Africa and the students from Leeds.””
In the Bambisanani spirit of ‘Working Together and Learning Together’ the University of Leeds team made a major contribution to this year’s programme by supporting staff and students from Leeds Trinity University who were making their first student visit to South Africa as part of the Bambisanani Partnership.
Led by members of staff Dr Chirs Rowley and Dr Nicola Arjomandkhah, seven students from Leeds Trinity University (LTU) travelled to KwaZulu-Natal, as part of the university’s landmark inaugural International Volunteering visit to the region as part of the Bambisanani Partnership. Oorjitha Prem, Danielle Lawrance and Katherine Skelton accompanied the Gryphons Abroad team in the delivery of the aforementioned Cycling for Success and Inspire through Sport and Leadership projects. This first collaboration of its kind between students and staff from the two universities was a great success, representing an exciting avenue for future combined work in the region.
Alongside these projects, four LTU Primary Education students spent their time in two South African schools as part of their ‘alternative teaching placement’ module. Amy James, Beth Ward, Hannah Page and Harriet Mackinney joined the university travelling party, with a view to extending the successful work of the Bambisanani Partnership into some of the Primary Schools within the KwaZulu-Natal region. Week one saw the students work across grades four to seven in Ntolwane Primary School in Nkandla, with class sizes averaging around 70 to 100 pupils. A range of subject areas were covered, including Geography, Maths, Physical Education and English, with the ‘Premier Skills’ resources (developed by the British Council in partnership with the Premier League) proving to be particularly useful in facilitating the delivery of English language lessons to Zulu natives. In week two the students were then allocated a specific grade to teach at John Wesley Primary School in Eshowe, presenting an opportunity to work alongside local teaching staff, and to learn more about the country’s education system and culture.
All of the LTU students involved in the project received academic credit towards their respective programmes of study, and stressed the personal and professional gains they had achieved throughout the two weeks. Harriet Mackinney said that she felt “privileged to share the ethos of the Bambisanani Partnership” with the primary school pupils she had worked with, and Oorjitha Prem poignantly suggested that the visit had been “an amazing learning experience for both parties, more so for us, in my opinion.”
““I am delighted that Leeds Trinity is part of the Bambisanani Partnership. It’s a fantastic partnership that shows the impact that sport and education can have on communities and individuals. For our students it is an amazing volunteering opportunity where they can make a real difference to the lives of children and young people in South Africa.” ”
David Geldart, Founder and Chairman of the Bambisanani Partnership praised all those involved in the recent visits:
““My challenge to all those volunteering on this project is to ‘stand on the shoulders of those that have gone before and take the partnership to a new level’ – the students and staff involved this year’s visits to South Africa certainly achieved that developing and refining existing programmes and introducing new initiatives. Over forty young people from three institutions in Leeds worked with almost 500 hundred Zulu youngsters over the course of two weeks in the most challenging of circumstances. For all those involved their lives will have been changed in some way. These young people are an inspiration. The innovative collaborative work between St. Mary’s School and the two universities is incredibly positive and is now a real strength of the partnership. All the staff involved have my utmost admiration for the opportunities that they are providing for their young people; they too are an inspiration. It is wonderful to be working so closely with three organisations who are willing to ‘live their vision and values’ in providing these remarkable life changing experiences. This is real education and long may it continue.”
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Please sponsor Alessandra Valle-Metaxas in the GNR!
Please support former St. Mary's student Alessandra Valle - Metaxas who is running the Great North Run in aid of the Bambisanani Partnership ✨🎽
Please support former St. Mary's student Alessandra Valle - Metaxas who is running the Great North Run in aid of the Bambisanani Partnership
JustGiving link:
https://www.justgiving.com/crowdfunding/alessandravmgnr2018
Bambisanani Runner!
— The Bambisanani Partnership (@BambisananiPart) September 5, 2018
Former St. Mary's student Alessandra Valle-Metaxas is running the @Great_Run in aid of the Bambisanani Partnership ✨🥇🌟🎽👟 pic.twitter.com/SfKz0OD6Bf
Alessandra writes:
‘Sports have the power to change the world. It has the power to inspire, the power to unite people in a way that little else does. It speaks to youth in a language they understand.’ (Nelson Mandela)
Sport and exercise has always been a key and fundamental part of my life whether its diving, swimming, athletics, fencing, netball, OCR, you name it, I’ll ‘volunteer as tribute’ (I’m always down for a game of Rounders).
It’s taught me how to be part of a team, to be confident, a leader, passionate, determined and a fighter. I think that sport can do this for everyone and it doesn’t matter if you are a world class athlete or just someone that enjoys a kick about; sport is for everyone and bring us together.
With that being said, I hate running. Hate it. ‘But you do Obstacle Course’s all the time!’ I hear you proclaim. And that would be correct however, if you ask any of my lovely OCR pal’s whether I enjoy the running part of the OCR’s well… I know what they would say! I do however love a challenge and will always look for new ways to push myself and what better city to embark on my next challenge than my favourite city of Newcastle upon Tyne!
Having lived in Newcastle for 4 years, I’m so excited to be able to finally run this half marathon and cross that South Shields finish line! Sport and exercise are powerful and can help people achieve things they never knew they could and this is exactly what The Bambisanani Partnership does.
I was lucky enough to go to South Africa with The Bambisanani Partnership in 2011 and be part of the wonderful project which has only strengthened in me the belief that sport can bring out the best in everyone. I witnessed young adults lead a sports day with young primary school children, come out of their shells, lead with passion and defy anyone that says they can’t achieve their goals.
The Bambisanani Partnership started in 2006 and is a unique collaboration developed by St. Mary’s Menston in Leeds, UK and Mnyakanya High School in KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa. The partnership uses sport as a major catalyst to develop international understanding, education, health and leadership.
Mnyakanya High School is situated in the rural and remote Nkandla region of KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa. The school, in the heart of traditional Zululand, was opened by Nelson Mandela in 2004 and is located in one of the most deprived areas of South Africa with one in three adults infected by HIV/AIDS, 90% unemployment and an adult illiteracy rate greater than 60%. The school serves a vast area and many students walk two hours to and from school each day. The area has many AIDS orphans. Class sizes are in excess of 60 and the school has very limited resources.
The Partnership has grown so much since 2006 and I want to continue to support The Bambisanani Partnership and taking part in this physical challenge is the perfect way for me to be able to to help this charity grow and grow and continue its fantastic work.
If you want to learn more about the charity and their current fundraising goals, please do visit the charity website here >>> https://www.bambisananipartnership.org/.
13 miles running may not seem far for some, but for me, it’s going to be a tough looong road and so any help to get me over that finish line in September (and also any playlist recommendations!) will be greatly appreciated!
Ngiyabonga! (Thank you!)
Follow the Bambisanani Partnership South Africa Visit 2018
Read our daily blog posts direct from KwaZulu-Natal and social media
Read our daily blog posts direct from KwaZulu-Natal and social media
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https://ukusebenzaafrika.wordpress.com/
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Bambisanani Chairman praises Leeds Trinity University at book presentation
Bambisanani Chairman, David Geldart, recently visited Leeds Trinity University to present a copy of the partnership's latest book Bambisanani: Ten Years of Working Together and Learning together.
Bambisanani Chairman, David Geldart, recently visited Leeds Trinity University to present a copy of the partnership's latest book Bambisanani: Ten Years of Working Together and Learning together.
Leeds Trinity University has been involved with the Bambisanani Partnership for the past three years with Senior Lecturer, Diane Maguire being a Founding Trustee of the St. Mary’s based charity.
Vice-Chancellor Professor Margaret House OBE said “We are delighted that Leeds Trinity University is working with the Bambisanani Partnership. It is an exciting international volunteering opportunity for our students which makes a huge difference to the lives of children and young people in South Africa.”
David Geldart said “Leeds Trinity University is a key member of the Bambisanani Partnership and has played a fundamental role in developing the work of the charity in one of South Africa’s most deprived areas. This involvement reflects Leeds Trinity’s vision and values of commitment to social justice and providing world class opportunities for students and staff. Indicative of this is the personal commitment to the partnership demonstrated by the Vice-Chancellor Professor House and Deputy Vice-Chancellor Lloyd. It was a great pleasure not only to present Margaret and Ray with a copy of our latest book for the university but also to discuss, at length, development opportunities for the future which will students and staff engaging in work in South Africa.”
Seven students from the university are currently fundraising to raise money for their trip to South Africa in June to develop the work of the Bambisanani Partnership. The students, Oorjitha Prem, Daniel Lawrence, Katherine Skelton, Hannah Page, Harriet Mackinney, Beth Ward and Amy James will join lectures Chris Rowley and Nicola Arjomandkhah who have coordinated the visit.
David Geldart added “The commitment of the university to the partnership is exceptional. What is particularly interesting and indicative of this is that the experience in South Africa will form part of the students’ degrees. It is wonderful working with an organisation that is prepared to put its values into action.”
Leeds Trinity welcomed into the Bambisanani Partnership [LEEDS TRINITY UNIVERSITY]
The British Council visit St. Mary's Menston and praise Bambisanani Partnership March 2018
On Thursday 29 March, St. Mary’s welcomed Mr John Rolfe MBE from the British Council who presented the school with the International School Award.
On Thursday 29 March, St. Mary’s welcomed Mr John Rolfe MBE from the British Council who presented the school with the International School Award.
Photo: LEFT TO RIGHT: Mr D Beardsley (Headteacher), Mrs C Chattoe, Miss D Neale, Tadhg Collins, Laurence Patterson, Ewan Copsey, Mrs M Hayes, David Geldart (founder of the Bambisanani Partnership), Mr John Rolfe MBE
The International School Award is a badge of honour for schools that carry out outstanding work in international education, such as through links with partner schools overseas. Fostering an international dimension in the curriculum is at the heart of the British Council’s work with schools, so that young people gain the cultural understanding and skills they need to live and work as global citizens.
In addition to the Bambisanani Partnership with Mnyakanya High School, Leeds University and Leeds Trinity University, St. Mary’s international work includes long standing annual exchange visits to France and Germany, World Challenge expeditions (this year’s expedition to Costa Rica and Nicaragua involves 38 students), the Connecting Classrooms project, a global programme run by the British Council which creates partnerships between groups of schools in the UK and in other countries.
““We are delighted to be working with such an outstanding place of teaching and learning as St. Mary’s Menston and are thrilled to be part of the inspirational 10 year partnership between the school and Mnyakanya High School in South Africa. This partnership has had enormous positive impact and is a very powerful example of the wide values and benefits of international collaboration and fantastic mutual learning.””
““It was great to welcome John to St. Mary’s and to have him meet people involved in the partnership. I cannot thank John enough for his kind words and encouragement. Quite simply there would have been no Bambisanani Partnership without the British Council. The Bambisanani Partnership has it’s origins in a British Council/Youth Sport Trust programme called ‘Dreams and Teams’ that linked schools all over the world through sport. We have also been heavily involved in the British Council ‘Connecting Classrooms’ programme and more recently with the British Council and Premier League ‘Premier Skills’ programme which not only trains football coaches and referees but also has a fantastic scheme that uses football to promote the teaching of English. We are very proud indeed of our long and fruitful association with the British Council and would like to take this opportunity to thank them for all the help, support and opportunities that they have provided us. We very much look forward to our continued work together.””
During his visit, Mr Rolfe was presented with a copy of the Bambisanani Partnership’s fourth book, Bambisanani: Ten Years of Working Together and Learning Together which he described as "truly inspirational and indicative of an amazing pioneering project".
The British Council is the United Kingdom's international organisation for cultural relations and educational opportunities.
International honour for Bambisanani Partnership
As a result of the Bambisanani Partnerships pioneering work in South Africa using sport to promote education, health, global citizenship and leadership it has recently been invited to become a Founding Member of Sport and Sustainability International (SandSI).
As a result of the Bambisanani Partnership's pioneering work in South Africa using sport to promote education, health, global citizenship and leadership it has recently been invited to become a Founding Member of Sport and Sustainability International (SandSI).
Sport and Sustainability International is an international Swiss based movement that seeks to use the powerful influence of sport to help address some of the world’s most urgent sustainability issues. With representation from over fifty countries and six continents SandSi is committed to promoting sustainability policies including the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals and the Paris Agreement.
““Sport and Sustainability International (SandSI) is honoured to have the Bambisanani Partnership as one of its Founding Members. Through the use of sport this highly successful project connects the northern and southern hemispheres addressing key social, environmental, economic and governance issues. The Bambisanani Partnership is showing the way that sport has the power to change the world.””
““It is a great honour and a privilege for the Bambisanani Partnership to be invited to become a Founding Member of such an important and ambitious organisation. The chance to work with key individuals and organisations from around the world to promote sustainability, in all its inter-related aspects, through sport is a tremendous opportunity. Many young people are interested in sport, the environment and social justice and would like to make a difference in the world; this is an important part of our work. Sport has a massive role to play in promoting sustainability and we are keen to play our part in taking this important movement forward.””
International honour for Bambisanani Partnership [WHARFEDALE OBSERVER]
Article: Looking back, looking forward
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