NEWS
Mnyakanya School celebrates best exam results ever!
Students jumped for joy on receiving the best ever Matriculation exam results at Mnyakanya School in rural KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa. Together with St. Mary’s, Menston, Mnyakanya School helped found the multi-award winning Bambisanani Partnership in 2006.
Students jumped for joy on receiving the best ever Matriculation exam results at Mnyakanya School in rural KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa. Together with St. Mary’s, Menston, Mnyakanya School helped found the multi-award winning Bambisanani Partnership in 2006.
Last year 72% of students passed the Matriculation exam, which was the best to date. This year, a remarkable 86% of students gained a pass.
The national Matric exam is based on Grade 12 students having to gain passes across a wide range of individual subjects. Of 97 students, 40 obtained a ‘Bachelor Pass’ which is the entry required for university. 28 students achieved a ‘Diploma Pass’ which is the entry requirement for Technical Colleges and 13 students gained the ‘Higher Certificate’ which can provide access to Vocational Colleges.
Mnyakanya is situated in one of the country’s most challenging rural regions with high levels of deprivation, unemployment and health issues. Life is tough at the best of times but the last two years has been particularly difficult with all that Covid has brought. Add to this, issues with both water and electricity supply and a period of civil disruption, then the results are even more amazing. Teachers at the school have provided many extra lessons after school, evenings and at weekends to help students prepare for the exams. This is even more remarkable when considering many of the students walk two hours to and from school each day.
Mrs Pk Zondi, Bambisanani Partnership coordinator at Mnyakanaya, reported ‘great excitement’ when the results were announced with community members rushing to the school to join the celebrations with singing and dancing. Many officials from the Municipality and Department of Education have subsequently visited the school to pass on their congratulations.
““We would not be in this position without the support of the Bambisanani Partnership and in particular St. Mary’s School, Leeds Trinity University and the University of Leeds. The partnership has been with us at our most challenging of times. The growing success of the school has led to a 40% increase in students wishing to attend and this despite having to walk long distances to do so. We would like to thank all those who have contributed to creating a better future for our young people.””
“We are overwhelmed with the results. This is great achievement and progress when you look at the challenges of recent years.””
““I simply cannot praise the educators and learners at Mnyakanya enough; in every sense they continue to go the extra mile. Their determination to succeed is genuinely inspirational. As a partnership our charity now works with primary schools, secondary schools, colleges and universities in both the UK and South Africa. Our work is about helping young people in both countries achieve their potential. Mnyakanya School provides an oasis of hope for young people; all those involved in our partnership will gain strength from these remarkable and thoroughly deserved results which have been achieved with limited material resources. Despite the challenges, we sincerely hope that as many students as possible will be able to continue their education. The partnership will continue to work with the school and others to provide bursaries for further and higher education where possible. My personal thanks must go to the Principal, Mr Siyabonga Ngubane and Mrs Pk Zondi for their vision and commitment to both their young people and the partnership; their leadership is changing the lives of so many young people through the power of education, sport and partnership. Massive congratulations to all at Mnyakanya!””
Mnyakanya School in Nkandla achieves highest matric results ever [ZULULAND OBSERVER]
Internationalism honour for The Bambisanani Partnership
The Bambisanani Partnership has been invited to become a partner of the British Council’s influential Internationalism Alliance.
The Bambisanani Partnership has been invited to become a partner of the British Council’s influential Internationalism Alliance.
Since 2006 the multi award winning, Leeds based charity has gained international acclaim for it work in South Africa using sport to promote education, health, global citizenship and leadership in one of the countries most deprived rural areas. Over the past 15 years more than 10,000 young people from South Africa and the UK have engaged in Bambisanani projects and programmes. The work of the partnership now spans primary schools, secondary schools, colleges of further education and universities.
In a recent event celebrating the 15th Anniversary of the Bambisanani Partnership John Rolfe from the British Council said: "This partnership has developed some of the best international education programmes and practice in the world.”
The International Alliance aims to offer every child and young person in the United Kingdom, whatever their background or interests, the opportunity to learn from – and connect with – other people in the UK and around the world. The Alliance is committed to working with a range of partners in order to:
champion international and intercultural experiences for children and young people
advocate for increased opportunities for international learning
build resources to support high-quality international experiences.
There are over fifty Internationalism Alliance partners including: The Princes Trust, National Union of Students, Curious Minds, Voluntary Service Overseas, Scouts UK, Girl Guides. The Brilliant Club, Step up to Serve Network, Jane Goodall Institute, Tate Collective, Centre for International Learning and Leadership and the Economist Foundation.
Partners are part of a community of organisations working with young people who are committed to working collaboratively in order to:
identify priorities and work towards shared goals with other members
participate in regular, themed workshops and meetings
be part of advocacy campaigns to influence leaders and decision-makers to increase opportunities for young people
ensure young people’s voices are always part of the thinking.
The Alliance has already expressed an interest to use examples of Bambisanani programmes and projects as case studies of good practice.
David Geldart, Founder and Chair of the Bambisanani Partnership said; “It is a real honour to be invited by the British Council to become a partner in its influential Internationalism Alliance. Having already attended one meeting I was very impressed with the expertise, experience and commitment of fellow partners: the Bambisanani Partnership cannot fail to learn from this. In an increasing interrelated planet, all young people deserve the opportunity to broaden their horizons through a better understanding of the world and its peoples. International experiences give young people a wider perspective of the world and on life itself. Such experiences should form a vital part of every young person’s education; preparing them, and indeed their countries, to play their part in creating a better, more equal and sustainable world. The Bambisanani Partnership is delighted to have the opportunity to contribute to this goal.”
Jordan Sinnott's Family launch Charity
The Bambisanani Partnership is delighted that the family and friends of Jordan have established a charity in his name.
The Bambisanani Partnership is delighted that the family and friends of Jordan have established a charity in his name.
Like the Bambisanani Partnership, the charity will be using sport to change lives. We wish the charity all the very best and we look forward to working with them closely in the future.
2021 Bambisanani Highlights
The Bambisanani Partnership has gained international acclaim for its work in South Africa using sport to change lives. The considerable challenges posed by Covid 19 have not deterred the Menston based charity from its ground-breaking work; most projects have been sustained and new ones have actually been introduced.
The Bambisanani Partnership has gained international acclaim for its work in South Africa using sport to change lives. The considerable challenges posed by Covid 19 have not deterred the Menston based charity from its ground-breaking work; most projects have been sustained and new ones have actually been introduced.
David Geldart, Bambisanani Founder and CEO said: “Despite everything, or quite possibly because of everything, 2021 was a remarkably important and successful year for The Bambisanani Partnership. Covid restrictions have curtailed our exchange visits for the past two years but despite the frustration and disappointment at this we have continued to make exciting progress in many areas. Most significantly, our mindset has been to focus on the many things that COULD be done rather on things that could not. Existing connections and friendships have been strengthened, and very importantly, new relationships have been established during this time with schools, universities, organisations and individuals. All of this has provided us with new opportunities and an enhanced capacity to work in partnership with others. As a consequence, many of our existing programmes have continued to flourish and several new ones have been introduced. Many have said that we have succeeded ‘against all odds’ this year but our view is that ‘these odds’ have ‘simply’ made us look at things differently and more imaginatively in order to achieve our goals. We have learned and grown enormously as result.”
John Rolfe MBE from the British Council added:
“This partnership has developed some of the best international education programmes and practice in the world.”
Bambisanani Partnership Highlights from 2021
15th Anniversary of Working Together and Learning Together
2021 saw The Bambisanani Partnership mark its 15-year anniversary of ‘working together and learning together’ in South Africa and in the UK using sport to promote education, health, global citizenship and leadership.
2021 saw The Bambisanani Partnership mark its 15-year anniversary of ‘working together and learning together’ in South Africa and in the UK using sport to promote education, health, global citizenship and leadership.
Projects and Programmes developed over that time include:
The Bambisanani Leadership Programme has trained young sports leaders in both countries then brought them together in South Africa to jointly plan, deliver and evaluate community Sports Festivals, Reading Festivals and Numeracy Festivals for over 100 primary school children every year. Significantly, gaining the Bambisanani Leadership Award is seen a starting point not an end point. Young Leaders, from this programme, have gone to use their leadership skills in the most remarkable ways.
International exchange visits for teachers and students
Art through Sport Projects
Creative Writing through Sport Projects
Student led Enterprise Projects to support the partnership
Training of Community football coaches and referees
Education through Football Project (Premier Skills)
High School Bambisanani Award Scheme promoting Leadership, Enterprise and Global Citizenship at Bronze, Silver and Gold levels
University and Vocational College Scholarships
Achievement Awards established in both secondary and primary schools
Bambisanani Sports Leadership Award for primary school children
Primary School Sports Festivals
‘Cycling to Success’ programme which teaches young people how to ride and maintain bikes
Collaborative ‘virtual space’ training of Physical Education teachers and Sport Coaches
Bambisanani International Athletics Challenge that has brought primary school children together, albeit virtually, to learn, enjoy and compete in a range of fun athletic challenges
Four Bambisanani books have been published
Impact
More than 10,000 young people from both countries have engaged in a variety of Bambisanani projects and programmes
More than 3,000 students have participated Bambisanani Sports Festivals
More than 775 students have gained Bambisanani Leadership Awards
More than 280 UK students have volunteered on Bambisanani programmes in South Africa
More than 270 students have completed the Cycling to Success course
More than 1,200 South African students have been supported into school by the partnership
More than 1,700 students have participated in Bambisanani Reading Festivals
More than 650 students have participated in Art/Creative Writing through Sport projects
55 UK/SA teachers have visited each other’s countries on Exchange Visits
The work of The Bambisanani Partnership has been highlighted at 5 International Conferences
““Much of our life in the UK has become obsessed with materialism and ‘celebrity’. We have lost touch with things that really matter. My visit to South Africa has given me a much more meaningful perspective on life””
““We have worked together…people of different colours, countries, religions and cultures…we have proved it can be done””
““My world has just got bigger; I realise that it is my duty to be a global citizen””
““I have learned to help other people and I have learned that respect is everything. Through sport we have worked hand in hand- we have different colour skin and it does not matter. I am a leader now and I want to help my community””
““The Bambisanani Partnership has reminded me why I became a teacher.””
““There is a saying in Zulu culture: Umuntu ngumuntu ngumuntu which means ‘I am because you are’. This is the very spirit of The Bambisanani Partnership: it is what makes it an equal partnership in an unequal world, it is what creates the belief and hope that sustains and motivates our life changing work””
““South Africa has a history of people from abroad attempting to ‘serve’ the local community. Many of these missions’ flounder because they are designed to engender a feeling of goodwill more for the giver than the recipient. Bambisanani – working hand in hand – works because there is neither giver or receiver. Two groups from different ends of the planet, each borrowing from the culture of the other forge relationships through the medium of sport, changing perspectives of both from the experience.””
““The special relationship and legacy that Nelson Mandela spoke about in Leeds certainly continues through the outstanding and influential Bambisanani Partnership.””
““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 young people’s lives””
Looking Forward
David Geldart, Founder and CEO of the multi award winning charity said, “I cannot thank the members of the Bambisanani team and our supporters enough for what has been achieved to date; the determination to succeed has been remarkable. Our focus now is very much on the future. Put simply, we have never been in a stronger position to move forward than we are now. We have ambitious plans for 2022 and with continued support we can continue to make a small but significant difference in the world.”
Rest in Peace Archbishop Desmond Tutu 1931–2021
His vision, courage and humanity made such a difference in the world. His wonderful spirit will live on if we can rise to the challenges and wisdom that he gave us.
His vision, courage and humanity made such a difference in the world. His wonderful spirit will live on if we can rise to the challenges and wisdom that he gave us.
“Do your little bit of good where you are; it’s those little bits of good put together that overwhelm the world.”
“My humanity is bound up in yours, for we can only be human together.”
“Hope is being able to see that there is light despite the darkness.”
“If you are neutral in situations of injustice, you have chosen the side of the oppressor.”
“Don’t raise your voice, improve your argument.”
VIDEO: Children from Vumanhlamvu School in South Africa wishing us all a Merry Christmas
Watch the video message
Wishing you a wonderful Christmas and a Happy New Year from all the Bambisanani team
Ngikufisela Ukhisimusi Omuhle Nonyaka Omusha Omule
Ngikufisela Ukhisimusi Omuhle Nonyaka Omusha Omule
At Christmas, time deepens’ by John O’Donohue
At Christmas, time deepens. The Celtic imagination knew that time is eternity in disguise. They embraced the day as a sacred space. Christmas reminds us to glory in the simplicity and wonder of one day; it unveils the extraordinary that our hurried lives conceal and neglect. We have been given such immense possibilities. We desperately need to make clearances in our entangled lives to let our souls breathe. We must take care of ourselves and especially of our suffering brothers and sisters. Without realizing it, we are so privileged.
Picture by Lilly Rigby 7P, St. Mary’s Menston
UK and South African students collaborate to become Physical Education teachers and Sports Coaches
Digital placement provided second-year Leeds Trinity University students, across a range of degree programmes, with the opportunity to use their theoretical knowledge of Sport and Physical Education to develop teaching and coaching resources for use in South Africa
Earlier this year The Bambisanani Partnership CEO, David Geldart, met with Dr Thobile Sifunda, Head of the KwaZulu-Natal Department of Sport and Recreation to discuss a range of potential collaborations. It was agreed that some joint training of Physical Education teachers and Sports Coaches in both the UK and South Africa could have enormous potential benefits for all concerned and should be explored. As a result, key Bambisanani partner, Leeds Trinity University was soon in contact with representatives from The Department for Education and The Department of Sport and Recreation in KwaZulu-Natal. What emerged, in a time of Covid restrictions and lockdowns, was the idea to link both lecturers and students within a ‘digital space’ in order to ‘work together and learn together’ in the true spirit of the Bambisanani Partnership. Students at Leeds Trinity University were unable to undertake professional work placements within their chosen occupational fields at the time, so the alternative possibility of ‘digital placements’ was discussed and developed.
More specifically, digital placement provided second-year Leeds Trinity University students, across a range of degree programmes, with the opportunity to use their theoretical knowledge of Sport and Physical Education to develop teaching and coaching resources for use in South Africa, under the supervision of Sheila King, Dr Chris Rowley and Dr Nicola Arjomandkhah. Leeds Trinity University students worked in collaboration with their South African peers who were also on placements themselves across a range of colleges within the KwaZulu-Natal region, to design and produce resources which aligned with the South African curriculum. In keeping with the collaborative nature of the Bambisanani Partnership, the placement officially launched with a virtual meeting between the five Leeds Trinity University students and their peers in South Africa, who were joined by the aforementioned staff from Leeds Trinity University, and Mr M Madlala as the project leader and key contact within South Africa. Following on from this initial exchange of ideas, questions and information, sub-groups were set up for the remainder of the project, led by at least one student from both countries. This enabled continued communication and collaboration for the duration of the project, as the students sought to establish specific project aims, and to monitor subsequent progress towards these objectives.
Students from both countries involved in this project have received a valuable opportunity to; apply their theoretical and practical knowledge within a real-world setting; develop their digital skills across a range of software and platforms; broaden their cultural awareness through active engagement and collaboration with peers in South Africa; develop their leadership and communication skills; and to work effectively as part of a wider project team, collaborating with a range of stakeholders both within the United Kingdom, and in South Africa.
Students from both counties were very positive and enthusiastic about the initiative:
“I loved meeting new people during this placement. One of the most challenging aspects was communicating with the South African students over WhatsApp and working on through despite the poor-quality reception via video connection. What I've learnt during this placement is to always be proactive and make things happen”.
Nathaniel Wilson-Fleming, 2nd year Sports Coaching student at Leeds Trinity University
Eilish McGovern, 2nd year Exercise, Health and Nutrition at Leeds Trinity University added:
“My experience for this South African placement was filled with many challenges and rewards. I started the process feeling quite unsure but excited about the work I would be involved in, working with new people as well as people abroad in a collaborative project was very appealing. A challenge throughout the experience was communication with our South African colleagues as both sides were working with different internet access. This made finding out exactly what was expected more difficult, however this was all solved in the end. One thing I really enjoyed was asking our colleagues about their experiences and getting to know them better. This allowed me to see the bigger picture and how the work that we would be doing would impact the community. This made the experience a lot more impactful and rewarding. Overall, I found the experience to be very fulfilling and worthwhile and I am very thankful for the experience.”
Mbongeni Masinyane, a qualified graduate in Coaching Science from Esayidi TVET College in KwaZulu- Natal commented:
“I have gained so much more knowledge and experience through this collaboration, particularly in the session planning for ‘soccer teamwork’. I would be very happy indeed to continue interacting with the students in the UK.”
Mr Mduduzi Madlala from the KwaZulu-Natal Department of Higher Education said:
“The effective delivery of this project could hopefully lead to further exciting developments in the future for the universities and the Bambisanani Partnership. Further on, there is now a strategic opportunity with the involvement of the Durban University of Technology (DUT) which has been identified as the University in the KZN Province to collaborate with the UK Leeds Trinity University and TVET Colleges in the implementation of this programme. Meetings have already taken place between DUT staff from the Sport Science Department and staff from the UK Leeds Trinity University. Possible areas of collaboration have been identified and discussed as follows: Information Exchange, Skills Transfer for both Students and Lecturers. It is interesting that a direct university to university linkages has now been developed to initiate university-university international collaborations in order to take the programme to higher levels.”
Dr Chris Rowley, Senior Lecturer for Sports Psychology at Leeds Trinity University added,
‘’The Digital Placement ‘pilot’ programme was successful in providing an effective, and hopefully enjoyable, learning experience for all involved, including the staff who helped facilitate it. Through engaging in digital platforms, students have been able to learn a considerable amount from each other, during a time where physical travel and cultural exchange was seemingly not a readily apparent opportunity. This cultural exchange stands a key aim of this particular initiative, and a fundamental principle of our collective work as part of the Bambisanani Partnership. This project came at a really good time for our students in the absence of international volunteering trips being able to take place in person, and this digital platform will hopefully allow for further partnership developments in the areas of Knowledge Exchange, Workshops, Skills Transfer, Face to Face discussions as a means of further internationalising our curriculum in the area of Physical Education and Sports Coaching.’’
Michael Mbatha Sports Officer from Durban University of Technology-Sports Department commented,
‘’Despite some early technical difficulties this was a really positive experience for all concerned. We need to strengthen our relationship even further with Leeds Trinity University and are excited to work with their professors and students.’’
Mr M Shozi, Project Manager for Durban University of Technology, Imbali Education and Innovation Precinct. said,
‘’This programme has considerable potential for students in both countries. We need to work together in the area of exchange programmes, with the involvement of the local schools and TVET Colleges, sharing resources and developing joint modules of study.’’
David Geldart from the Bambisanani Partnership said, “Massive praise must go to all involved in what was effectively a Pilot project in a completely new area of collaboration for us all. New contacts have been made and new relationships developed. The UK students learned from the strengths of the South African students and the South African students learned from the strengths of UK students. This is precisely what we are about. There is clearly a desire to take this forward from both sides and I look forward to seeing this develop.”
Also see related video:
VIDEO: Christmas Message from Mnyakanya High School
Watch this year’s Christmas Message, read by Rebecca Shaw St. Mary’s Menston Year 12 student.
Watch this year’s Christmas Message, read by Rebecca Shaw St. Mary’s Menston Year 12 student.
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