NEWS
Libby Woffenden receives the Diana Award at the UK Parliament
Libby took part in the St. Mary’s 2018 visit to South Africa.
Libby took part in the St. Mary’s 2018 visit to South Africa.
On Monday 1 July 2019,Libby received her Diana Award on behalf of The Bambisanani Partnership from Wayne Bulpitt CBE. Warmest congratulations to Libby for this achievement.
Established in memory of Diana, Princess of Wales, The Diana Award is the most prestigious accolade a young person aged 9-25 years can receive for their social action or humanitarian work. It is the longest running award for young people that is given to individuals and groups through a retrospective nomination process only. The Diana Award believe this is special because young people do not work towards the award, rather they demonstrate their suitability through their actions, without any expectation of reward.
The day ended with an opportunity of a lifetime. A private tour of the House of Lords by Angela Harris, Baroness Harris of Richmond. An opportunity to sit in the second Chamber of the United Kingdom Parliament and listen to a debate – seeing democracy in action! Thank you to the Baroness and thank you to Mr Harvey at St. Mary’s Menston for arranging the tour opportunity.
““When both teaching and sitting in on St. Mary’s student taught lessons at Mynakanya, it was incredible to see the enthusiasm of each student for every subject. In my geography lesson, even though the students had very little exposure to the subject, they all got involved at every opportunity. For example, some students asked me to write down what we had said to ensure they wouldn’t forget it, and others took pictures of notes and maps on the board. I found this determination and dedication to learning very inspiring.””
““Collecting the Diana Award on behalf of the 2018 Bambisanani Visit was an incredible opportunity which I will cherish for a long time. Learning about the work of the current and past award holders that I spoke to was both extremely inspiring and motivating. The opportunity to participate in the morning workshop taught me skills which I will carry forward into future interviews and public speaking that I do.
The awards ceremony, in The House of Lords, was a great way to bring the experience together as we all gathered to receive our awards and listen to inspirational guest speakers, such as Amika George, who was named as one of the most influential teenagers in the world in 2018. Finishing the day with a private tour of the House of Lords from Baroness Harris of Richmond was an amazing experience and I am so grateful for the opportunity.
My Bambisanani experience from start to finish has taught me lessons I will take with me and cherish throughout my life.””
St. Mary's student Ellie completes Football Coaching Qualification before South Africa visit next month
FA Level 1 Coaching Course Achievement.
FA Level 1 Coaching Course Achievement.
Ellie is looking forward to visiting South Africa as part of the St. Mary’s 2019 team
““During my FA Level 1 coaching course, I took part in 5 full days, which included being taught various different techniques of how to coach children and what methods work best. I was then assessed on 3 different occasions, where I had to create a training session and then deliver it to the other people on the course (who acted as my students). In order to pass these assessments, I had to tick 14/15 marks on the criteria, which included points for “70% ball rolling during the session” and “setting personal goals for students within the session” etc.
After passing the session I had created, I then had to complete 6 online modules, which included lessons on “how to act on match day” “respect for the game” and more. After finishing these modules, I then completed a first aid training course and a children’s safeguarding course in order to complete the whole course.
After completing this course, it means I am now a qualified level 1 coach in football. I am now able to regularly volunteer at the after school girls’ football training with proper knowledge of how I can effectively help. Alongside this, I am going to South Africa this June with the Bambisanani Partnership, where I will help coach the children at Mnyakanya High school.””
“ ‘I am very proud of Ellie completing her Level 1 coaching qualification. I look forward to seeing her use her skills when working at Mnyakanya High School in South Africa next month.””
Bambisanani debut at London Marathon
Dr Chris Rowley has become the first person to complete the London Marathon in aid of the Bambisanani Partnership.
Dr Chris Rowley has become the first person to complete the London Marathon in aid of the Bambisanani Partnership.
Chris is a Senior Lecturer in Sports Psychology at Leeds Trinity University and is heavily involved in the partnership organising student volunteer visits to South Africa to work on the various Bambisanani programmes.
Speaking after completing the marathon a delighted Chris said:
“I had always wanted to run a marathon and have often found myself envious of friends and family members who had already ticked it off their respective bucket lists! Once I found out that I had obtained a ballot entry into the London Marathon 2019, it was an absolute no brainer that I would try and raise some funds for the Bambisanani Partnership. It is a charity that is so close to my heart, and I am fortunate enough to be able to personally vouch for the excellent work that the various partner institutions (including Leeds Trinity University where I currently work) undertake, both in the UK and in South Africa. Indeed some of my own personal highlights from visiting KwaZulu-Natal as part of the partnership had helped to keep me motivated during training, giving me good reason to smile on those cold, dark winter morning long-runs. Getting to talk to people about the partnership as part of my fundraising, and wear my Bambisanani vest on race day was just the silver lining on a really enjoyable overall experience. Thanks to the kindness shown by family members, friends and colleagues, we have been able to raise over £600 which I know will be put to very good use. Thanks to all who donated and to everyone who supported me and offered advice in relation to the marathon. I loved every minute of it!"
Chairman of the Bambisanani Partnership, David Geldart added:
“Chris deserves tremendous credit for this tremendous achievement and all the hard work that has gone into it. We are truly grateful for his fundraising which will support our valuable work in one of South Africa’s poorest regions. Feats like this are always inspirational so we are hoping that others may follow Chris in the future and participate in sponsored events on behalf of the partnership. Last year former St. Mary’s student and Bambisanani volunteer Alessandra Valle-Metaxas completed the Great North Run for the partnership so we are hoping that running for Bambisanani becomes a regular event.”
Anyone interested in representing the Bambisanani Partnership in any form of sponsored event should contact Mrs Catherine Chattoe: c.chattoe@stmarysmenston.org
New Trustee for Bambisanani Partnership Board
David Thorpe has recently joined the Bambisanani Partnership charity Board of Trustees. A former St. Mary’s Menston student, David attended the London School of Economics before qualifying as a Chartered Accountant.
David Thorpe has recently joined the Bambisanani Partnership charity Board of Trustees. A former St. Mary’s Menston student, David attended the London School of Economics before qualifying as a Chartered Accountant.
David Thorpe, Bambisanani Partnership Trustee
With vast experience working in both the Public and Private sectors, at Senior and Chief Executive level, he has operated nationally and internationally including working with Government Departments.
Clearly delighted with his appointment David said:
“I have joined the Bambisanani Partnership Board because I have been inspired by the accomplishments of the partnership and the life changing impact it has had on both the communities in South Africa and in Leeds through St Mary’s School, Leeds Trinity University and the University of Leeds. As a practising catholic I aspire to make a difference and through the invaluable work the charity is pursuing I believe this represents an opportunity to contribute to changing the lives of those most in need. I strongly believe in the values that the Bambisanani Board upholds, such as teamwork, dedication and above all creating opportunities through sport and education. It is these values that I believe have been fundamental to the partnership’s success and look forward to playing an active role in shaping the future of the project.”
Bambisanani Founder and Chairman, David Geldart said:
“It is absolutely wonderful to have David join the team. He has the expertise, experience, motivation and commitment to help take the charity to the next level. We have ambitious plans for the future that will expand and extend our work in one of South Africa’s most deprived areas using sport as a catalyst to promote education, health, global citizenship and leadership; David’s appointment brings us a step nearer to achieving this.”
David will join existing Board Members David Geldart, Darren Beardsley, Barbara Pounder, Diane Maguire and Andrew Lockwood who lead the work of the charity.
Bambisanani Quiz Night 2019
Friday night was another successful Bambisanani Quiz Night. It was a change of venue this year but just as much fun was had.
Friday night was another successful Bambisanani Quiz Night. It was a change of venue this year but just as much fun was had.
Mr Harvey and Mr Keefe were extremely entertaining quiz masters to a packed clubhouse of staff, parents, students and friends.
Our ex colleagues, Miss Jackson, Mr Hamill, Mr Wilkes, Mrs Gee and Mr Leigh, all returned to Guiseley Cricket Club to defend their title hoping to win for a third year running. It was great to be also joined by Mrs Carmichael, Mrs Nixon and Mr Geldart. Miss Jackson and her team did not manage to retain their title after they were beaten by one point by a staff team headed up by Mr Dennett.
The best team name award went to our team of teaching assistants with ‘Quizakabusi’.
Ciaran Hammond collected the student trophy on behalf of the Bambisanbani 2019 team. Ciaran and thirteen Year 12 students will be working in South Africa in June.
A massive £610 was raised for The Bambisanani Partnership. Thank you to everyone who supported this event.
Special thanks go to:
Bambisanani Partnership Assemblies to Primary Schools
Primary schools in our Bishop Wheeler Catholic Academy Trust are going to raise money for a sock appeal.
Primary schools in our Bishop Wheeler Catholic Academy Trust are going to raise money for a sock appeal.
They will raise money and then our charity we will buy school uniform socks to give to the students of Mnyakanya High School in KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa.
Bambisanani Partnership inspires at International conference in Australia
David Geldart, the founder and Chairman of the multi-award winning Bambisanani Partnership, was recently invited to speak at the Australian Council for Health and Physical Education and Recreation (ACHPER) International Conference at the Australian Institute of Sport in Canberra, Australia
David Geldart, the founder and Chairman of the multi-award winning Bambisanani Partnership, was recently invited to speak at the Australian Council for Health and Physical Education and Recreation (ACHPER) International Conference at the Australian Institute of Sport in Canberra, Australia
From Left to Right:
John Stokes CEO ACHPER, Pierre Comis, Sport Australia, David Geldart, Bambisanani Partnership, Dr Shane Pill, ACPHER President
The conference, one the biggest of its kind in the Southern Hemisphere, attracted delegates from over forty nations. At the conference, David Geldart explained the foundation, development and impact of the charity’s work in South Africa, using sport as a catalyst to promote education, health, global citizenship and leadership in one of the countries most deprived rural areas. The presentation highlighted the pioneering work of St. Mary's School, Menston, the University of Leeds and Leeds Trinity University in the partnership and encouraged other schools, colleges and universities from around the world to also become involved in similar projects, stressing the mutual benefits for all concerned.
““The 2019 ACHPER International Conference was a showcase where contemporary and innovative physical education, health and sport practices were presented to over 300 professionals from Australia and overseas. The conference provided an excellent opportunity for international presenters to highlight their work in many different settings. One of the outstanding international presentations was made by David Geldart from the Bambisanani Partnership. David’s unique insights on a project that uses sport to change the lives of children in one one South Africa’s poorest regions struck a chord with all attendees. It demonstrated the vision, commitment and dedication of the partnership in truly making a difference to the lives of children in another country. Attendees had many take-aways from the presentation including the power of working together (partnership), the importance of the teaching profession to inspire, motivate and lead and the impact of global leadership and citizenship in influencing young lives in a positive long-term way. The Bambisanani Partnership is an inspirational story with an inspirational message.” ”
““The Bambisanani Partnership demonstrates how sport for development has the potential to change and enrich lives beyond the playing field. The project represents a powerful demonstration of what education in, through and about sport can be.””
““With the conference theme of ‘Enriching Communities’ the inspirational Bambisanani Partnership was a perfect fit. Teachers and other educators in attendance in the large workshop audience could see that something that is now a long term arrangement and making such a positive impact upon so many lives could start with a decision that they to could make, to join together with an underserved or impoverished community. This session was highly valued and we hope that David will consider visiting our shores again.””
““I was touched and inspired by the presentation made by David Geldart. The proactive values of community development and building capacity for action and learning of the young people and their adult supporters, both in the UK and South Africa were admirable. Powerful stories were told of the real differences this made in the lives of the participants and in their communities. David’s presentation highlighted the need for rigorous planning and preparation for the experience. It also illustrated the power of learning in the partnership of which the impacts were evident. It would be great to see further research systematically capturing these powerful stories of change and the impact on attitudes, life outcomes and community well being.””
The Australian Institute of Sport
““I was delighted that David Geldart recently presented at the ACHPER conference in Canberra, Australia on the topic of the Bambisanani Partnership which represents a truly authentic approach to educating children about health, global citizenship and leadership. St Mary’s School, Menston, the University of Leeds and Leeds Trinity University should be applauded for creating and developing this inspiring project which uses sport to positively connect pupils from different cultures. It is a clear win-win innovation with boundless benefits for children in the UK as well as those in a deprived region of South Africa. The partnership clearly has the power to change lives for the good and develop long-standing friendships across nations. Many schools around the world would benefit from knowing more about this partnership and adopting similar innovative approaches to genuinely enhancing children’s lives.””
““The ACHPER International Conference has a world wide reputation for its influence and it was a tremendous honour and privilege to be invited to speak at the iconic Australian Institute of Sport about the Bambisanani Partnership. It is great to be able to celebrate the tremendous work of the Bambisanani team members and my hope is always that someone in the audience will see the potential in themselves or in their own institution and ‘pick up the baton’. The potential for genuine ‘two way’ learning through such programmes is limitless. Some great connections have been made in Australia and I cannot thank the ACPHER organising committee enough for the opportunity.””
Copies of the highly acclaimed Bambisanani book 'Bambisanani: Ten Years of Working Together and Learning Together' were presented at the Conference to ACPHER President Dr Shane Pill and to Pierre Comis from Sport Australia.
The Conference programme
Poster for the presentation
Bambisanani Talk at The Rotary Club of Aireborough
Lucy Hings and Lily Humphreys (Year 13) gave an informative talk to the members of The Rotary Club of Aireborough on 27 November 2018 at Horsforth Golf Club.
Lucy Hings and Lily Humphreys (Year 13) gave an informative talk to the members of The Rotary Club of Aireborough on 27 November 2018 at Horsforth Golf Club.
Photo: The members said it was a splendid evening
Read our Sawubona 2018 South Africa Visit Report
The report has been published today.
The report has been published today
Sawubona Report 2018 (PDF)