NEWS
St.Mary’s student has article published about her volunteering experience in South Africa
Former St. Mary’s student Eleanor Rock, now studying at Loughborough University, has had an article published in the Association of Physical Education’s prestigious journal Physical Education Matters. Eleanor is a previous winner of the Sbonelo Magwaza Award which recognised her outstanding leadership and volunteering in South Africa.
Link to read the article:
A Day in the Life of Eleanor Rock Physical Education Matters Autumn 2024 (PDF)
Also see related articles:
St. Mary’s School raise the bar with two remarkable visits to South Africa this year (14/11/2023)
Eleanor wins Bambisanani Leadership Award in memory of Sibonelo Magwaza (23/05/2024
A new adventure — volunteering abroad as a mature student
Reflections on my time volunteering in KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa as part of the University’s ‘Gryphons Abroad’ project in August 2024.
By Tracy Campbell
Reflections on my time volunteering in KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa as part of the University’s ‘Gryphons Abroad’ project in August 2024.
By Tracy Campbell
Building meaningful connections
As I reflect on my time volunteering in KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa this summer, the depth of the relationships I built during this experience is hard to convey. Beyond the initial excitement and challenges of venturing into an unfamiliar environment, the true heart of my journey lay in the connections I formed with the children, fellow students, KZN cycle coaches and the teachers and school principals we worked alongside. Every interaction, whether through cycle clinics, classroom sessions or insightful casual conversations, became a source of inspiration and personal growth.
A special bond: Mrs Pk Zondi and the Bambisanani Partnership
One relationship that stands out is my bond with Mrs. Pk Zondi, the Bambisanani Partnership Coordinator at Mnyakanya School. The Bambisanani Partnership, a charity linked to over 40 schools and universities in both the UK and South Africa (including the University of Leeds), aims to use sport as a tool to promote education, health, global citizenship and leadership. Mrs. Zondi’s passion for education and her unwavering dedication to her students was inspiring, and her leadership went far beyond the classroom.
Our conversations often focused on the challenges her students face and her dreams for their future. It was particularly exciting to learn that Mrs. Zondi is planning a visit to Leeds with two of her students! I’m eager to welcome them to my hometown and show them the cultural richness and diversity that Leeds has to offer. This exchange will not only deepen our cross-cultural connection but also give me a chance to return the warmth and hospitality we received in KwaZulu-Natal.
Global perspectives: connecting students to real-world issues
Volunteering in South Africa was more than just a practical experience — it was a deeply educational one which brought global issues like poverty, gender inequality and social mobility into sharp focus. Looking back, I realise how well the modules I’ve studied as part of my Professional Studies degree with the Lifelong Learning Centre — particularly ‘Global Perspectives’, ‘Exploring Diversity’ and ‘Employability in a Changing World’ — prepared me for this experience.
The academic frameworks provided by these modules challenged me to critically examine ethical and cultural diversity and what it means to be a global citizen. For example, the leadership styles discussed in the ‘Employability in a Changing World’ module — clear communication, adaptability and the ability to engage with different learning styles — were particularly relevant to my work with children in South Africa. Hearing one student say that it was the “one of the best weeks ever” was immensely rewarding and reaffirmed my belief in the power of education and leadership to create lasting change. I carried the lessons from these modules into every aspect of the project — whether teaching, coaching or collaborating with teachers and volunteers.
Empowering girls: breaking barriers through cycling
One of the most memorable aspects of the project was the cycle clinics. In Zulu culture it’s uncommon for girls to ride bicycles, so teaching them to cycle was not only a physical challenge but also a cultural one. Watching their confidence grow as they mastered the skill of cycling was deeply gratifying. But this was more than just learning to ride a bike — it was about empowerment, independence and breaking through cultural barriers.
Through these cycle clinics we also had meaningful discussions about gender equality, women’s rights and the societal norms the girls face in their communities. Their excitement and newfound sense of freedom through cycling were infectious, serving as a reminder of how sport can transcend cultural differences and foster social change.
Building trust: the foundation for learning and growth
Building relationships with the children was vital to the success of the cycle clinics and leadership activities. Establishing trust and creating a supportive environment allowed the children to feel safe, engaged and motivated to learn. Their growing confidence, whether in cycling or during leadership exercises, and their sense of accomplishment was one of the most rewarding parts of the trip. The positive feedback they shared reaffirmed the importance of trust and strong relationships in any educational setting.
As a mature student, this experience also came with its own set of personal challenges. Living in a new environment, far from my family, wasn’t easy. Adjusting to a group dynamic where most students were in their early twenties required adaptability, resilience and an open mind. However, I soon realised that our differences in age and life experience enriched the journey for all of us. We each brought unique perspectives and strengths, and this diversity helped us grow together, fostering a deeper sense of collaboration and understanding.
A journey of personal growth: overcoming fears and finding confidence
Through this journey I’ve learned so much — not just about the world, but about myself. Overcoming my initial fears, from wondering if I’d fit in with younger students to navigating the logistics of leaving my family behind, has given me a renewed sense of confidence. This experience has reaffirmed that it’s never too late to pursue a long-held dream. The rewards of stepping outside of our comfort zones are often far greater than we can imagine, and I’m proud to have taken this leap.
Welcoming the future: a cross-cultural exchange in Leeds
As I prepare to welcome Mrs. Zondi and her students to Leeds, I’m reminded once again of the profound impact of cross-cultural exchange. The warmth and generosity we received in South Africa has inspired me to ensure that their visit here is just as meaningful. I look forward to showing them the diverse communities of Leeds, introducing them to new perspectives and continuing our journey of mutual learning.
Lessons learned: embracing global citizenship
This adventure has taught me that — regardless of age, background or personal circumstances — we all have something valuable to contribute as global citizens. I’m incredibly grateful for the opportunity to have participated in this project, and I’m excited to continue exploring what it means to be part of a global community. Each experience, each connection, adds richness to our shared human story — and I look forward to seeing where this journey will take me next.
Volunteering abroad as a mature student has been one of the most rewarding experiences of my life. It’s reaffirmed my belief in the power of education, the importance of cross-cultural understanding, and the limitless possibilities that arise when we step out of our comfort zones and embrace the world with an open mind and an open heart.
Tracy also wrote about how she found the process of applying to and being accepted onto the ‘Gryphons Abroad’ scheme and the preparations for her trip to KwaZulu-Natal earlier this year — you can read that piece here.
Also see related articles:
Jordan Sinnott Awards Inspire in South Africa
Former St. Mary’s Menston student and professional footballer Jordan Sinnott was a great supporter of the Bambisanani Partnership charity which uses the power to change lives in some of the poorest rural communities in South Africa. Following his tragic death in 2020 three annual awards were established in his memory at Vumanhlamvu Primary School in the Nkandla region of KwaZulu-Natal. The awards recognise the Sportswomen of the Year, Sportsman of the Year and Sports Leader at the school.
Former St. Mary’s Menston student and professional footballer Jordan Sinnott was a great supporter of the Bambisanani Partnership charity which uses the power to change lives in some of the poorest rural communities in South Africa. Following his tragic death in 2020 three annual awards were established in his memory at Vumanhlamvu Primary School in the Nkandla region of KwaZulu-Natal. The awards recognise the Sportswomen of the Year, Sportsman of the Year and Sports Leader at the school.
At a special presentation event at the school there was great anticipation much excitement as the three award winners were announced:
Mnelisi Ntanzi Sportswoman of the Year
Andile Kunene Sportsman of the Year
Lunwabo Masondo Sports Leader of the Year
Mr William Vilakazi, Principal of the school added, “It is difficult to express how important these awards are to our school. They are a focal point for our learners and inspire them to be the best that they can be. We remember Jordan at this time and his Mum, Melanie who sadly passed away last year. The Sinnott family and his friends must be strengthened in the knowledge that Jordan is continuing to inspire learners in this remote rural part of South Africa. This is the power of sport which we know was very important to Jordan.”
Bambisanani Partnership Supporters Tharavadu named one of the UK’s best Indian restaurants by the 2024 British Indian Good Food Guide
Full Story:
Tharavadu named one of the UK’s best Indian restaurants by the 2024 British Indian Good Food Guide [THE HOOT LEEDS]
Related:
Tharavadu Fundraising Event is a Great Success (13/05/2023)
Bambisanani Charity Dinner at Tharavadu is a great success (13/07/2024)
A Warm Yorkshire Welcome for South Africans
South African teachers, Mrs Pk Zondi and Miss Mazet Langa from Mnyakanya High School and Mrs Eunice Mchunu from Umlazi Primary School together with students Amahle Nsbande and Bayanda Gcaba from Mnyakanya recently visited Leeds as part of the Bambisanani Partnership exchange programme. Mnyakanya School established the partnership with St. Mary’s, Menston 18 years ago. The visit was coordinated by Mrs Pk Zondi and Catherine Chattoe from St. Mary’s supported by Charlotte Wood, Barbara Pounder, David Farmer, Margaret Hattersley, Gerry Sayers, Brogan O’Connor and David Geldart.
South African teachers, Mrs Pk Zondi and Miss Mazet Langa from Mnyakanya High School and Mrs Eunice Mchunu from Umlazi Primary School together with students Amahle Nsbande and Bayanda Gcaba from Mnyakanya recently visited Leeds as part of the Bambisanani Partnership exchange programme. Mnyakanya School established the partnership with St. Mary’s, Menston 18 years ago. The visit was coordinated by Mrs Pk Zondi and Catherine Chattoe from St. Mary’s supported by Charlotte Wood, Barbara Pounder, David Farmer, Margaret Hattersley, Gerry Sayers, Brogan O’Connor and David Geldart.
During the one week stay the visitors participated in lessons at St. Mary’s, Menston and St. Joseph’s Primary School, Pudsey. They also toured the sights of Leeds and York as well as visiting Saltaire Village with local historian Andy Harrison-Beaumont and the Brontë Parsonage in Howarth with the benefit of expert, Diane Fare. The team also spent a day at key member of the Bambisanani Partnership, the University of Leeds, where they enjoyed the extensive facilities. The group were joined by many St. Marys students who have visited South Africa or will be visiting next year for an evening of Bowling and later in the week a bracing walk on Rombald’s Moor to the ‘Twelve Apostle Stones’. When visiting the Leeds Playhouse as special guests to watch A Raisin in the Sun, the visitors were stunned with an invitation from Emma Gill to have a backstage tour and meet several of the actors. As well as attending a service at York Minster the group were special guests at the annual St. Mary’s Mass of Welcome for new Year 7 students at St, Peter’s and Paul’s Church in Yeadon which happened to fall on Zulu Heritage Day. Whilst at St. Mary’s, the South African students taught Zulu to Year 7 students on International Language Day. Amahle and Bayanda also taught Zulu language at St. Josephs as well as Athletics. Over 40 members of the Bambisanani team in the UK attended a celebration meal with the South African guests at Tharavadu Restaurant in Leeds, a restaurant that has supported the partnership for several years. On the final day of the visit the visitors added much to St. Mary’s Open Day and were able to meet Graham Davies and Janet Kerr of the Rotary Club of Aireborough who have supported the partnership since it began. At a final lunch event the guests had the opportunity to meet 8-year-old Althaea Dickinson, who earlier in the year had organised a campaign to get over 1,000 reading books into South African primary schools and Graeme Collin who has been instrumental in providing kit for the Bambisanani Cycling programme in South Africa. It certainly was a very busy and exciting week which created many wonderful encounters.
Suzzi Garnet from the University of Leeds said, “Leeds Sport was delighted and honoured to host staff and pupils from Mnyakanya High School at the University of Leeds for the first time. Our visitors had lots of fun trying out various pieces of equipment in the Edge gym, followed by a raucous session on our climbing wall, experiencing both bouldering and rope climbing. A special lunch reception was followed by a tour of various prominent buildings on campus including the Brotherton Library, a lecture theatre and the Great Hall. It was particularly special that one of the pupils, 14-year-old Bayanda showed University staff and students around Mnyakanya back in 2023 and we got to return the favour last week!
15-year-old Bayanda and 17-year-old Amahle said that they were overwhelmed with joy when their dream to visit UK came true and that all their friends were surprised when their departure date was announced by the Principal at a school assembly.
An extremely enthusiastic Bayanda Gcaba commented: “I’m so excited that this visit to the UK was successful. When we started preparing for it by asking for donations and selling some snacks at school to raise money, many people did not believe that the trip could really be possible. Some people doubted us so our travels have surprised many people. I just cannot explain how much I enjoyed every single thing about this very wonderful visit. We learned so many things about how people in the UK behave and how young people achieve their goals. I especially loved visiting the theatre for the very first time to see the drama called ‘A Raisin in the Sun’. I also very much enjoyed learning about Titus Salt and how he cared for his workers and about Emily, Charlotte and Anne Bronté who were strong women and great writers. The university experience was amazing and I would like to study there one day. We learned so much all week and had great fun meeting so many kind and respectful people. All this wonderful experience wouldn’t have happened without the effort and support of Mrs Pk Zondi, our Bambisanani Partnership coordinator at school who helped to communicate with our relatives and community for assistance. I would also like to pass my thanks to all my family especially my grandmother Mashandu Gcaba and my father Siyabonga Gcaba who all encouraged me to take this trip. In conclusion, I wish to send my words of appreciation to all the Bambisanani UK team for their massive support and hospitality when we were there. It was a dream come true for me, I experienced so much and learned so much. I am inspired further and have many ambitions for the future.”
Amahle Nsibande still cannot quite believe her amazing adventure as she commented: “I just joined Mnyakanya High School last year in 2023. I was attracted by the Bambisanani Partnership even before I joined the school. Today I’m so excited to know that I received this opportunity to visit the UK as part of the partnership. We visited several schools and University of Leeds, sharing experiences and learning about each other’s cultures through sports and educational activities. I was so excited to meet new friends, participate in different events and visit different parts of Yorkshire. This trip broadened my horizons of thinking and left me inspired by the spirit of collaboration and mutual respect. I wish to thank all the UK Bambisanani team for all the love they showed to us. We don’t hesitate to say that every member of the team was willing to do so much for us with open hearts.”
Bayanda’s father and Amahle’s mother said that the travelling of their children to the United Kingdom gives them hope that there is still more to come for their children. Bayanda’s father said:
“My son’s experience to visit abroad has made all the Gcaba family to be proud of him. We believe that this is an indication that he will have a brighter future. I wish to thank all Mnyakanya teachers who enabled this to happen. It is my wish that he continues to travel to different places, so that he will learn from the young people of other countries. I also hope that the Bambisanani Partnership will continue to develop our children for a better future.”
Miss Zanele Langa, a teacher at Mnyakanya High School said: “It was indeed a great pleasure to visit our friends in the UK. We share many great memories and created many more,. This was another fantastic opportunity for young people of both countries to ‘work together and learn together’ as is the aim of the Bambisanani Partnership. Our young people had the opportunity to attend lessons but also to teach lessons and coach sport. We learnt many new things about history and culture in Leeds York, Saltaire and Howarth. Learning about Titus Salt and the Brontë sisters was inspirational as was the visit to Leeds Playhouse. Interacting with students, teachers and families made us feel welcomed. Visiting the University of Leeds was a great experience for both learners and teachers. Touring different places helped us learn more about the life in UK. The genuinely warm welcome that was given to us absolutely everywhere in Yorkshire was truly amazing.; we were treated like VIP’s! We felt as if we were at home, and even now we are convinced that we have our second home in the UK; the true spirit of Ubuntu surrounded us. Words cannot express how much we appreciate all that our UK friends did for us. We hope and pray that this partnership will grow even stronger and reach to different generations.”
Mrs Pk Zondi, the Bambisanani Partnership coordinator at Mnyakanya said, “It is still difficult to convince my mind that the visit to the UK took place and was so successful, since it had been our dream for many years. The Mnyakanya visit to the UK has drawn the attention of many people to the partnership between UK schools and Mnyakanya High school. Many teachers and learners who have recently joined Mnyakanya High School have developed strong interest in the Bambisanani Partnership because of this visit. The families of the students who were part of the visit are extremely proud about the experience gained by their children. We believe that the life of these two students will change for better, and their way of thinking will never be like before. I do not have enough words to appreciate all the UK Bambisanani team for the love they showed to us, for orientating us with almost all parts of their life, places and cultures. The hospitality we received was AMAZING! The visit has taught us so much about the people, the culture and life in UK. There is something very special about the Bambisanani Partnership, not least its ability to bring people together, broaden perspectives and change lives for the better. It creates friendships and understanding of other people.”
Member of the Bambisanani team, Gerry Sayers said “It was my great pleasure to help to transport our friends from Mnyakanya School during their stay. We had such a good time chatting on the journeys to the various events which had been organised for them. I was able to catch up with Pk and Mazet who I had not seen since 2007 when I visited Mnyakanya. I also acted as a tour guide describing the geography of Leeds in which all were very interested. What a great time we had together learning from each other, enjoying each other’s company and making very special memories.”
The Mnyakanya High School Principal, Mr Siyabonga Ngubane, forwarded words of praise and gratitude to students Bayanda Gcaba and Nsibande Amahle who worked very hard to raise funds for themselves to visit United Kingdom to represent their school and their country. He further mentioned that this visit will strengthen the Bambisanani Partnership even more. He said: “It was so exciting to see our learners in posted videos, enjoying themselves participating in classroom, sports, cultural and social activities. I wish to thank all the Bambisanani team in UK for taking such good care of our students and teachers while they were there.”
Pricillia Guliwe from the KwaZulu-Natal Department of Education praised all involved in the visit for their vision and determination to make it happen and said that it is her dream that more schools in the remote rural areas had the opportunity to visit the UK.
David Geldart, Founder and CEO of the partnership said, “Huge thanks to Catherine and the team for going well beyond the extra mile in organising a wonderfully varied, action packed week for our guests. Enormous credit must go to Pk and Mazet who despite considerable challenges, worked tirelessly in South Africa to make the visit possible. Special thanks to many of our sponsors and supporters who stepped in at late notice to make this a fantastic experience for all involved. The wonderful hospitality and kindness were typified by Bambisanani Trustee, Barbara Pounder, who provided her house to accommodate our guests. Pk, Mazet, Eunice, Amahle and Bayanda were outstanding ambassadors for their country and we learned much from them during the course of their stay. Such educational exchanges, based on mutual respect and learning, have the potential to broaden horizons, change world views and promote genuine global citizenship. Long may this continue in Bambisanani visits to and from South Africa.”
University of Leeds volunteers use the power of sport to excel in South Africa
A team of seven students and three staff from the University of Leeds and Leeds University Union have returned from a life changing visit to South Africa to deliver Gryphons Abroad 2024, our ongoing cycling and sport development project. Our programme sees volunteers deployed for a period of four weeks in rural Kwa-Zulu Natal to teach cycling, leadership and sport in hard-to-reach communities. Members of staff Lauren Havercroft, Fenella Walsh and Matty Walsh were joined by students Euan Taylor, Tracy Campbell, Madhiya Hussain, Maria Roxo-Marques, Harvey Renshaw, Freddie Ankers and Will Rawlings.
Through partnership work with KZN Cycling, the KZN Department of Education and Menston based charity, the Bambisanani Partnership, our student team supported the ongoing activation of a regional cycling hub in the Nkandla area. The cycling hub is basically a shipping container which houses a collection of bikes and a trailer which subsequently tours local schools teaching and coaching cycling. Alongside KZN Development Coach, Sonqoba Ndlovu our students delivered 15 cycling clinics and a cycling festival for talented riders in August 2024. The spectrum of learners involved in the programme included complete novices, improvers and competent riders. The team were particularly keen to teach cycling to young women and girls, who would not traditionally learn this skill in Zulu culture. Riders also received cycling jerseys and water bottles, plus helmets in the hub were restocked thanks to the kind support of Chevin Cycles and Otley Cycling Club.
One week of the project also sees students deliver a sport and leadership week for grade seven pupils from three primary schools in the township of Eshowe. Pupils participate in sport, leadership activities and classroom sessions culminating in them being challenged to lead their own game or activity for their peer group at the end of the week.
Tracy Campbell, University of Leeds Professional Studies student commented;
“A particularly moving aspect of the project was the cycle clinics. In Zulu culture, it is uncommon for girls to ride bicycles, so this initiative was culturally sensitive. The girls’ excitement and newfound empowerment through cycling were deeply fulfilling. The ability to bridge cultural gaps and foster dialogue about women’s rights was a significant learning experience for me emphasising the power of sport as a tool for social change.”
Across the region our students and staff also participated in a range of cultural experiences, being welcomed by singing and dancing in every school, as well as observing a charity music event and workshops on Women’s Day which is a public holiday in South Africa.
Vision ‘To use sport & education to inspire, engage and develop young people and communities in both Leeds and South Africa’
Across the four weeks the team engaged with 12 partner organisations in the UK and South Africa, mobilising 1,387 participations in sport and cycling. Parallel to the impact on pupils in Kwa-Zulu Natal, our student team created memories and friendships to last a lifetime as well as developing transferable graduate level skills. The student volunteers participated in a full programme of training, fundraising and mentoring in the eight months leading up to the visit which included a Level 2 coaching qualification, first aid training, bike maintenance training, teaching skills and more. The staff team provided 486 hours of training and support for our students to prepare them for the role.
Teachers and students in South Africa were positive about all aspects of the programme:
University of Leeds Sport Science student Freddie Ankers added;
Key Objectives and Principles
David Geldart CEO of the partnership praised the work of all involved, “Huge congratulations to the team from the University of Leeds who yet again have raised the bar in terms of volunteering in South Africa. The students have been exemplary ambassadors for the university using the power of sport and education to change lives in one of the most challenging parts of the country. The learning that ensues for students from both country’s is most powerful indeed. Such global encounters broaden horizons and create more expansive world views. The University of Leeds has made an outstanding contribution to the Bambisanani Partnership for more than ten years, leading on a variety of programmes. The university team deserve great credit for their commitment, dedication and vision which, year on year, provides the most wonderful opportunities for its students in South Africa. My special thanks must go to Andy Lockwood and Suzzi Garnett at the university for making all this possible.”
Key Facts
Related:
3 African Peaks Challenge
This year David Farmer, Deputy Head Teacher at St Joseph’s Pudsey Catholic Primary School, is undertaking the African 3 Peaks challenge. He is attempting to ‘virtually climb’ the highest 3 African Peaks, Kilimanjaro, Stanley and Kenya with a combined total of 16,203m.
He will do this by adding his ascents both outside and inside the gym over the coming weeks. He has climbed Mam Tor, Whernside and Ingleborough and is planning further treks across the UK whilst concurrently visiting the gym and ascending over 600m in one hour using the running machine.
The efforts are to help raise the £4,000 required to drill a bore hole at Thembinfundo, a special needs school in South Africa which at present has no running water and major sanitation issues. Mr Farmer said “These children deserve the dignity to learn with the basics of fresh running water, they have the potential to realise so many wonderful achievements but need the barriers to learning removed.”
If you wish to donate please use the following details:
https://cafdonate.cafonline.org/19318
Thank you for your support.
International Award for Bambisanani Partnership
For the second year running, The Bambisanani Partnership has been named as International Sport and Physical Education Charity of the Year at the annual Acquisition International Non-Profit Organisation Awards.
For the second year running, The Bambisanani Partnership has been named as International Sport and Physical Education Charity of the Year at the annual Acquisition International Non-Profit Organisation Awards.
The Bambisanani Partnership is a multi-award-winning UK based charity that originated as a partnership between St. Mary’s Catholic School in Menston, UK and Mnyakanya High School in rural KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa in 2006. The partnership, which is run entirely by volunteers, uses the power of sport as a catalyst to promote education, health, global citizenship and leadership has gained international acclaim for its work. The partnership now involves more than 40 schools and universities in both the UK and South Africa. The University of Leeds, Leeds Trinity University and Newcastle College are key members of the partnership. In South Africa, the partnership operates in the Nkandla region which one of most remote and deprived parts of the country with over 90% unemployment and one of highest Aids/HIV rates in the world. ‘Bambisanani’ is a Zulu word meaning ‘working hand in hand’ which aptly encapsulates the philosophy of the partnership which seeks to provide collaborative learning opportunities for young people in both countries. The partnership has been recognised for its work contributing to UN Sustainable Development Goals relating to Health and Education and is a founding member of Sport and Sustainability International.
The award was presented in South Africa this year by Priscilla Guliwe from the KwaZulu-Natal Department of Education who said, “It is a great honour to present this prestigious award to the awesome Bambisanani Partnership. Making one small change can change a life. The Bambisanani Partnership is changing the lives of our learners in South Africa and in the UK. Excellence is a choice, and that is why Physical Education and Sport is so important in developing young people; healthy body and healthy mind. The Bambisanani Partnership is helping young people to excel in so many ways.”
Mrs Pk Zondi, Bambisanani Coordinator at Mnyakanya School and Mrs Catherine Chattoe, Bambisanani Coordinator at St. Mary’s School, received the award on behalf of the partnership.
Mrs Zondi said “It was so exciting to hear the good news about the Bambisanani Partnership. It means we are a winning team; it is really amazing that the Bambisanani Partnership is so highly recognised. I was overwhelmed by the surprise. To be chosen as a receiver of this award on behalf of the partnership is a great honour; I felt so humbled.”
Mrs Chattoe commented, “To receive this international award in South Africa with Pk was so special. The Bambisanani Partnership all about making a difference through our team and our collaborations. We were able represent our team members from both countries who work tirelessly day in day out to implement our programmes. This is a great honour for our team.”
Over the past eighteen years, more than 23,000 young people from the UK and South Africa (from primary school to university) have participated in a variety of Bambisanani Partnership programmes and projects including ‘Leadership through Sport’, Sports Festivals’ Cycling to Success’, ‘Literacy through Sport’, ‘Numeracy through Sport’ ‘Art through Sport’, ‘Learning through Football’, ‘International Athletics Challenge’ and the joint training of Physical Education teachers and Sports Coaches.
In addition to ongoing programmes, 38 young people from St. Mary’s School, University of Leeds and Newcastle College have volunteered in South Africa this year. A group of South African teachers and students will visit Leeds later in the year.
Beyond this the charity has been instrumental in bringing clean drinking water and computers to schools as well as rebuilding houses and providing university bursaries to disadvantaged young people; always working in partnership with the local community.
The work of the partnership has been highlighted at conferences throughout the world, including the Global Sport for All Summit held at the Vatican and at the International Olympic Academy.
David Geldart, Founder and CEO of the partnership added, “It was just wonderful and most fitting that Catherine and Pk received this most significant award on behalf of the team. They represent the two founding schools of our charity and the beating heart of our mission to use the power of sport to change lives for the better. They are absolutely outstanding and we simply would not be where we are today without their inspirational commitment and dedication.”
Bambisanani Partnership International Athletics Challenge goes further, faster and higher!
The 4th Annual Bambisanani Partnership International Athletics Challenge, supported by the KwaZulu-Natal Department of Sport, Arts & Culture and Coastland Hotel and Resorts, brought together 13 primary schools.
The 4th Annual Bambisanani Partnership International Athletics Challenge, supported by the KwaZulu-Natal Department of Sport, Arts & Culture and Coastlands Hotels and Resorts, brought together 13 primary schools: 10 from rural KwaZulu-Natal in South Africa and 3 from the Leeds in the UK. Students (aged 9 and 10) participated in a range of athletics challenges in their own schools and then compared performances ‘virtually’ to create competition between the schools. 355 learners participated this year bringing the total over the past four years to 1,207.
There was a further development this year with a central venue Athletics Festival being held in South Africa for schools from the Nkandla region. This Festival was supported by young Sports Leaders from St. Mary’s School in the UK. Catherine Chattoe, Bambisanani Coordinator from St. Mary’s said, “The Festival in Nkandla was absolutely fantastic bringing young people together from both countries. The excitement levels were off the scale from all involved. It would be wonderful to be able to extend this programme to more schools and to provide further opportunities for the very talented young people that we are discovering.”
The South African schools involved were: Vumanhlamvu, Makhanyezi, Iwangu, Kwa-Mtshwili, Mome, Ntumbeni, Sigananda, Iwangu, Dlabe and Silambo. The UK schools involved were all from the Bishop Wheeler Catholic Academy Trust and included St. Joseph’s, Pudsey; St. Mary’s, Horsforth and Holy Name, Cookridge.
The Challenge was originally devised by Bambisanani Founder, David Geldart who explained, “The Bambisanani Partnership is about bringing young people together through sport from both countries in order that they can ‘work together and learn together’. We have created a simple and fun programme that reflects the very essence of athletics with an approach relevant to everyone involved regardless of ability. We have provided opportunities for youngsters to compete against themselves and against others, in their own school and between schools, in their own country and internationally. A wide range of awards reflect our values with certificates and medals available to learners in all participating schools for excellence, effort, progress and leadership. The Challenge provides multiple opportunities for learners to achieve and succeed; the response from schools, educators and learners has been fantastic.”
The programme gives great importance to all participants working hard to improve their own personal performance over time in six different events for both boys and girls: 50m run, 200m run, Standing Long Jump, Three Hop Jump, Tennis Ball Throw and Football Throw. Students were initially taught the basic activity and then established their own ‘personal best’ in each of the events. Over the past several months, the children were given the opportunity to practise, rehearse and experiment in order to improve their personal best performances. A remarkable 72% of all learners involved made significant progress over time in at least three different events and were awarded special certificates to recognise this. All schools held their own competitions which created 156 new School Champions with the top three performers in each event receiving a certificate. In addition to this, 16 students were identified as being the best all-round performers across all events, 17 students were recognised as making the most improvement over all events and 16 students were celebrated as Exceptional Leaders for their work during the programme ‘helping, supporting and encouraging others’.
Most improved Athletes: Nene Thembelihle, Mhlongo Seluleko, Mnguni Simelokuhle, Sibiya Lethokuhle, Khayelihle Khanyile, Khayelihle Hadebe, Caitlin Robson, Tommy O’Connell, Mia Grace Keenan, Eoin O’Neill, Ayakhula Bhengu, Ayanda Ngema, Alwande Biyela, Thabiso Zulu, Lois Quinn, Alexander Taylor
Best all-round Athletes: Zulu Uyaphila, Majlis Kuhlekonke, Shange Senzokule, Qwabe Alwande, Lubanzi Mthembu, Njabulo Mthembu, Maliibongwe Khanyile, Holly Miller, Thomas Turnbull, Ellie Smith, Aayen Akhtar, Mpilonhle Nxumalo, Simbonge Sithole, Melokuhle Biyela, Ndlovu Masijabule, Isabel Sutcliffe, Thomas Ward
Outstanding Leaders: Sikhakhane Nonjabulo, Change Mongezi, Nzuza Nombuso, Sibhaca Siyapha, Daphiwe Mkhize, Thubelihle Thusi, Ruari Burke, Isobel Bartkow, Amira Ahmed, Dylan Taqk, Simthandile Sithole, Mvuselelo Ngcobo, Aphelele Biyela, Melokukuhle Ndima, Evie Collinge, Henry Bowker
William Vilakazi, Principal of Vumanhlamvu Primary School said, “The Bambisanani Athletics Challenge is a completely new sport code for many schools in the deep rural areas such as Nkandla. Most of the schools lack proper resources and sports fields for sports activities. Learners and educators were initially struggling to understand some of the challenges such as Relay in the beginning of the Athletics Challenge, even to use stopwatches because it was their first time to experience it. The Athletic Challenge has brought joy and happiness in our school and another area where learners can prove their potential. Both learners and educators seem to enjoy it during physical education classes. As a result of a wide range of Bambisanani initiatives we are seeing improvements in self-esteem, behaviour and academic progress."
Learners clearly loved the Challenges:
David Farmer, Deputy Headteacher from St. Joseph’s Pudsey Primary School in Leeds who travelled to South Africa with the team of volunteers from St. Mary’s School and supported the Nkandla Athletics Festival said, "This year we returned to South Africa and involved even more schools and learners in the Athletics Festival. The children undertook a variety of fun warm up activities then went to each ‘athletics station’, where they received coaching from the young leaders from the UK. Coaching cards were provided to the schools so they could continue their teaching of athletics in preparation for next year. The young leaders were amazed at the enthusiasm and eagerness that the South African pupils showed. They commented that it was one of the many highlights of their visit and were grateful of the opportunity to use their coaching skills internationally. From my perspective it was wonderful to see so many children competing and interacting with our young leaders, the numbers of children competing had significantly increased from last year. Smiles were on the faces of all those involved, from pupil to coaches, and it was great to have the chance to be there at the awards ceremony when the medals were presented. I will never forget the joy of parents dancing and singing, sharing in their child's achievement. As one of the adults on the team, it was great to stand back and see the young leaders step forward to take on coaching roles so effectively. There was real learning through sport on so many levels. We have to extend this outstanding initiative."
David Geldart concluded, “My sincere thanks to all the schools, educators, volunteers and children involved in this growing event; we have had much to celebrate this year with some interesting new developments. Having student volunteers from Leeds to create an Athletics Festival for the South African primary schools was an outstanding success. Special thanks also the KZN Department of Sport, Arts and Culture and to Coastlands Hotels and Resorts for their support and sponsorship; we look forward to further partnership work with them in the future. This programme is producing such a positive result and it now important to work with all stakeholders to develop it even further.”