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Members of the Bambisanani team from the UK and South Africa would like to wish you a very Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year

uKhisimusi omuhe nonyaka omusha omuhle

Many thanks for all your tremendous help and support that enables us to do all that we do

Ngiyabonga kakhulu 

Joy to The World

St. Mary’s Christmas Message to Mnyakanya High School 2024

This year has brought our school many blessings, the greatest
of which was the visitation by PK, Mazet, Eunice, Amahle and
Bayanda; our very own travellers from afar. They brought their
gifts of joy, laughter and love and distributed them abundantly
and freely. We give thanks for the riches our partnership brings
to all and the great sharing and exchange of God’s gifts. We
pray for the Mnyakanya community at this wonderful time of
year when we focus on the Holy Family and ask that God
continues to grace our combined efforts, as a partnership
family, bringing us closer together in heart mind and soul.

Wishing you all a very Happy Christmas.

With our love.

Your friends at St Mary's, Menston.

This is a message from Mnyakanya High School, a school in the Nkandla region of Kwa Zulu Natal in South Africa. 

St. Mary’s Menston have been working with Mnyakanya for 18 years.

Dear friends,

As the holiday season approaches, we would like to take a moment to send our warmest wishes to our dearest friends, your loved ones and your community. Although we may be miles apart, the spirit of Christmas brings us closer together in heart, mind and soul. Our year has been filled with happiness, triumphs and challenges, but we are grateful for our friendship and partnership. St. Mary’s support and kindness have meant the world to us, and we cherish the moments we've shared even from afar. May your Christmas be filled with joy laughter and the warmth of family and friends.

Here's to a prosperous New Year ahead, filled with new adventures and
opportunities for us to explore together.

Wishing you all the magic and wonder of the season.

Lots of love
Mnyakanya High School

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St. Mary’s South Africa Visit 2024

By Charlotte Wood

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 18-year history. Students and staff from St. Mary’s School, Menston, the University of Leeds and Newcastle College 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, thirteen 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 Charlotte Wood with support from Catherine Chattoe and David Farmer.

The student team comprised of Jake Flatman, Oscar Willis, James Allenby, James Lawrence, Malachy Caldwell, Ciaran Diamond, Gus Burrows, Holly Taylor, Freya Power, Florence Northway, Abigail Samways, Evelyn Paduch and Amelia Devine.

Throughout their visit, St. Mary’s students were assisted by four students from Eshowe High School; Mandisi Simelane, Nothando Khoza, Minenhle Sibiya and Nondumiso Hadebe; who supported them with the delivery of the leadership programme and provided invaluable assistance with English and Zulu language translation.

The visit started in rural Nkandla where St. Mary’s students led and organised the Bambisanani Schools’ Athletic competition with for local primary schools. Impressive times and distances stunned the student leaders especially given that many participants were barefooted and running on difficult terrain.

Following four intense days of athletics coaching and leadership training, thirty Mnyakanya High School 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. Both Festivals were a tremendous success and enjoyed by all. 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 history, maths, biology, and geography.

At a special presentation ceremony and partnership celebration, Mnyakanya students received their much-deserved Leadership awards and students from Mnyakanya and Ntolwane Primary school were presented with a series of annual Bambisanani awards from the John Paul II Foundation for Sport as well as very special awards in memory of Lawrie McCauley, Sbonelo Magwaza and Heather Read.

In collaboration with Newcastle College, St. Mary’s visited Thembimfundo Special School for children with various disabilities and challenges. The team ran a Sports Day for the children, which included dancing, high jump, boccia, javelin and parachute games. It was moving, rewarding and insightful to see how well the children did, and to see how happy they were participating in the activities. The UK team hosted a celebration ceremony where they were delighted to present, for the very first-time, awards in memory of former St. Mary’s teacher Matt Harvey. The awards celebrated students who had demonstrated excellence, determination and leadership in sport. The visit highlighted major water and sanitation problems at Thembinfuno. The charity has subsequently committed to working with the school, local community and Department of Education to try and rectify what is a truly appalling situation. During the visit, David Farmer, Deputy Headteacher from St. Joseph’s Primary School in Pudsey committed to walking, running and climbing the equivalent distance and height of the three highest Mountains in Africa in order to raise funds for the water and sanitation project.

The final part of the visit saw the St. Mary’s students volunteering at uMlalazi Day Centre and Crèche, a centre for orphans and vulnerable children run by the Zulufadder Children’s Trust. This was a magical time for St. Mary’s students where they loved promoting literacy bringing stories to life with the use of props and toys. The students also acted out Going on a Bear Hunt read by David Farmer and had a teddy bears picnic.

David Geldart, Founder of the Bambisanani Partnership and former St. Mary’s School teacher said, “The commitment of St. Mary’s to this initiative is simply phenomenal. This is where it all began and 18 years on more than 50 educational institutions are now involved and 27,000 young people from both countries have engaged in our programmes and projects. During that time more than 200 students and 15 teachers from the school have volunteered in South Africa.  This year the St. Mary’s team worked with no less than 13 different schools and 1449 young people. I have nothing but praise and admiration for the teachers who continually go the extra mile, and more, to create such fantastic educational opportunities for their young people. The St. Mary’s students are remarkable; they are outstanding young people who respond exceptionally well to all the challenges and opportunities that volunteering in rural KwaZulu-Natal brings. It is always great to see a school that is serious about living its values.”

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Bambisanani Partnership brings water to Thembinfundo Special School

Imagine you had no running water? Imagine the implications for drinking, cooking, cleaning, using a toilet?

Imagine you were a Principal of a Residential Special School in rural and remote South Africa with no running water and 280 learners?

This was the biggest challenge facing Thembimfundo Special School in KwaZulu-Natal and the Principal Mr Dalmini. Together with members of the local community, he identified getting clean water into the school as their number one priority.

After an initial visit to the school in January 2023 and two subsequent visits by members of the Bambisanani Partnership team and student volunteers from St. Mary’s School and Newcastle College, this also became an urgent priority for the partnership. Volunteers were shocked and outraged by the conditions and lack of appropriate sanitation. Member of the Bambisanani team, David Farmer, Deputy Headteacher from St. Joseph’s Primary School, Pudsey said “It’s absolutely deplorable; no child or teacher deserves to endure such conditions.” Bambisanani Trustee and Enrichment and Development Manager at Newcastle College, Brogan O’Connor said:. “The conditions are unhygienic and certainly not conducive to optimising teaching and learning; we have to be able to do better than this in this day and age. Having spent time at the school, students and staff from Newcastle are determined to work with all stakeholders in order to improve the situation.”

Resourcing and providing sports equipment for the school has been challenging enough for the partnership; but the purchasing, installation and sustaining of Water Tanks to provide this precious commodity was extremely difficult; but not impossible!

First step

Base being added

New water tanks

With the involvement of Eshowe Rotary Club and Nick Phillips’ expertise and with funds from the partnership, there are now Water Tanks in place for the whole school. On his return from South Africa, David Farmer began a sponsored project to raise funds for the Water Tanks by walking, running and climbing the equivalent distance and height of Africa’s three highest mountains. Earlier in the year Brogan and her team from Newcastle College raised funds for the project by completing the gruelling ultra endurance UK Three Peaks Challenge – ascending the highest mountains in Scotland, England and Wales within 24 hours.

Imagine the difference all this will make.

Mr Dalmini has said “I cannot express in words our thanks, appreciation and gratitude. The difference this will make to our Learners and Educators is beyond my wildest dreams.”

Bambisanani Trustee, Barbara Pounder was one of the first members of the partnership to visit Thembinfundo and has led the initiative to bring water to the school. “Here we came across a school and community who had identified a basic human need. Working in partnership we have made great progress – the school has some clean water now! We are delighted to have been part of the team that is helping to bring about transformative changes to the school but we would like to go further.”

For the moment the Water Tanks are being filled by Water Tanker vehicles from the Municipality. This is a short-term emergency measure and ideally for the future the drilling of a bore hole offers the possibility of a long-term solution.

Working with the school, local community, KZN Department of Education, Eshowe Rotary Club and potential sponsors the Bambisanani Partnership is currently exploring the feasibility of drilling a bore hole on the school site to access clean water on demand. The tanks already purchased will help store the water from the bore hole.

Just imagine what a difference this would make if this became a reality.

Just imagine!

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Newcastle College shortlisted for ‘Excellence in International Work’ Award

An international project involving Newcastle College and the The Bambisanani Partnership has been named a finalist in the prestigious Association of Colleges (AoC) Beacon Awards 2024.

The collaboration, led by Enrichment and Development Manager, Brogan O'Connor, sees staff and students from Newcastle College volunteer in South Africa each year, to work with more than 1,000 children in schools and orphanages. In addition to this the college is also involved in ongoing projects in South Africa.

Shortlisted for ‘Excellence in International Work’, the project gives Newcastle College students the unique opportunity to work in rural South Africa, delivering sports and exercise sessions while volunteering to support other community projects.

The fundamental aim of the partnership is to create genuine ‘two-way’ learning between both countries, with sports used as a central learning tool to help the children develop skills and opportunities that will help promote education, health, global citizenship and leadership.

The visits are filled with heartfelt exchanges, cultural performances, and community engagement, giving students from Newcastle College the chance to develop skills in teamwork, leadership and communication, whilst boosting their confidence.

Project Leader and Bambisanani Partnership trustee, Brogan O'Connor said: “This is a real honour and a testament to the hard work of the staff and students who have travelled, supported, and worked so hard to make the educational visits possible. 

“A fundamental aim of the partnership is to create genuine ‘two-way’ learning between young people from both countries, with a key focus on working and learning together. The Bambisanani story is testimony of the power of sport to change lives.

"I'm incredibly proud and grateful to be a part of the work Newcastle College and the partnership is doing in the UK and in South Africa and look forward to seeing what can be achieved in the years to come."

An AoC judging panel will visit the College in December to hear from staff and students about the fantastic work the partnership does, and the impact it has on the young people taking part, both in the UK and in South Africa.

 
 
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Founder praises charity team for outstanding year of hard work and impact

The amazing Bambisanani team has worked tirelessly, frequently in the most challenging of circumstances, to ensure that this has been our most successful year to date in terms of development, programmes, participation and impact:

David Geldart, Founder and Volunteer CEO of the Bambisanani Partnership has praised the work of the charity’s team members for their outstanding dedication and effectiveness during 2024.

 
 

Over the course of the past 18 years, the Leeds based charity has engaged and connected over 27,000 young people from both South Africa and the UK in its various programmes and projects using the power of sport to promote education, health, global citizenship. 2024 saw a record number of 10,623 young people from both counties involved. The inspirational work of this small charity, run entirely by volunteers, has gained global recognition.

Over a three-month period in the summer 30 student volunteers and 8 members of staff from St. Mary’s School, Menston; The University of Leeds and Newcastle College worked with 33 different schools and 4,708 learners in remote rural KwaZulu-Natal. This included 10 new schools being added to the various programmes this year. Primary and secondary school learners participated in a range of activities including: Sports Festivals, Sports Coaching sessions, Cycling Clinics, Leadership Programmes, Literacy Festivals and wider academic curricular support.

Throughout the year the charity’s pioneering Cycling partnership with KZN Cycling trained 5,604 young people how to ride and maintain bikes. This work has now progressed to include various Cycling Competitions and a Talent Identification Programme. Owen Botha, President of KZN Cycling recently said, “The growth of the cycling family in the Nkandla area is heartening to see with more young learners being exposed to the sport on a regular basis. This is obviously only possible through our ongoing association with the Bambisanani Partnership, and this is a story that continues to write new and interesting chapters each day.”

Also, throughout the year 355 children from 13 UK and South African primary schools joined together to participate in the Bambisanani International Athletics Challenge. Supported by a range of Bambisanani based interventions 2024 saw Mnyakanya High School achieve its best ever academic results. It was a particular pleasure this year to welcome Mnyakanya School educators and learners to Leeds for a most wonderful action packed educational and cultural visit. There was further success for Mnyakanya through student Thobile Nsibande who qualified as a teacher at the University of South Africa with the support of a Bambisanani Higher Education Bursary. In a year of great innovation and development 8-year-old Althaea Dickenson from York introduced and led a new Bambisanani initiative based on World Book Day that brought 1091 reading books to South African primary schools.

Four new and ongoing Bambisanani initiatives have had a significant impact throughout the year. At Thembinfundo Special School the charity has introduced Sport and Physical Education to the curriculum and has also installed Water Tanks providing clean drinking water and significantly improving sanitation. In an initiative led by Newcastle College, the partnership worked with South African charity ‘My Walk’ to provide all the learners at Ngqamzana Primary School with a pair of shoes. Many children were found to have no shoes or ill-fitting shoes despite having to walk considerable distances to school. Remarkably My Walk produce the shoes from recycled hospital plastics at a cost of 35 Rand (£1.53) a pair. 716 pairs were provided by the charity for the school this year. Additionally, collaborating with Rotary International and local Rotary Clubs in the UK and South Africa ICT provision at Mnyakanya School has been further developed resulting in higher attainment and increased enrolment at the school.

Yet again this year the charity has been recognised for its commitment and contribution to the UN Sustainable Development Goals 3, 4, 5, 6, 10 and 17 namely Good Health and Wellbeing, Quality Education, Gender Equality, Clean Water and Sanitation, Reduced Inequalities and Partnership for Goals. It is the experience of the partnership that these are very important issues for young people and that its international collaborative encounters and activities significantly enhance their knowledge, understanding and motivation to become proactive global citizens who wish to create a kinder, more equitable and sustainable future.

Recognising, rewarding and celebrating the achievement of young people through annual awards is an important aspect of the charity’s work. During 2024, 19 special awards were presented across both countries and five schools. This is included three new awards at Thembinfundo Special School in memory of Matt Harvey for Sportswoman, Sportsman and Sports Leader of the Year.

During the year significant amounts of money were raised and donated by Bambisanani volunteers, institutions and supporters. Sponsored events saw supporters walk, run, climb, row, swim and cycle some incredible distances in order to raise much needed funds. Bambisanani activities could not happen without this generosity and tremendous effort.

With no employees or premises all money donated and raised goes to fund front line projects and activities. Furthermore, it is the policy of the charity always to seek a percentage of funding for every project from South African sources and indeed only for projects that have been identified by local communities. The partnership remains an incredibly lean and efficient organisation committed to respectful and sustainable development.

This has been a year of considerable external recognition for the partnership. For the second year running Bambisanani was named as International Sport and Physical Education Charity of the Year. Most fittingly the award was presented in South Africa to Mrs Catherine Chattoe, Bambisanani Coordinator at St. Mary’s School and Mrs PK Zondi Bambisanani Coordinator at Mnyakanya High School. St. Mary’s and Mnyakanya are the two founding schools of the partnership. The outstanding work of Brogan O’Connor and her Newcastle College team was also recognised by being named as an Association of Colleges Beacon Finalist for the British Council Award for Excellence in International Work. The exceptional work of Miss Mazet Langa at Mnyakanya School was highlighted by the KwaZulu-Natal Department of Education at a special awards ceremony. The charity was also honoured this year with an invitation of Founder and CEO, David Geldart to attend the 30th Anniversary of Democracy at a Service of Thanksgiving at Westminster Abbey in London.

David Geldart was full of praise for the Bambisanani team, “This has been our most successful year to date and it simply could not happen without our small army of volunteers, supporters and sponsors from both countries. They are wonderful selfless people who continually go the extra mile in order to make small but significant differences in the world. Behind all the impressive statistics from this year are real people who made it happen and real people whose lives have been positively impacted.  All our work is ‘needs led’ and driven by the schools and communities in South Africa that we work with; it is a great honour to be able to collaborate and learn with them. Our aim is to develop capacity and empower the communities in which we work not to create a dependency culture. Our work has always striven to create genuine ‘two-way’ learning opportunities for young people from both countries. On my very first visit to South Africa, I was told the old Zulu proverb – ‘if you want to go fast, go alone. If you want to go far, go together’. Together, as a team, we have managed not only to sustain but to significantly develop our work over that time. However, like all good teams we are never content and are already planning for a very ambitious 2025!”

Please also see:

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Newcastle College lead on new Bambisanani shoe initiative changing lives in South Africa

It’s difficult to imagine life without a pair of shoes – sadly, that is the harsh reality for many children in remote, rural South Africa despite having to walk considerable distances to and from school each day.

It’s difficult to imagine life without a pair of shoes – sadly, that is the harsh reality for many children in remote, rural South Africa despite having to walk considerable distances to and from school each day.

Brogan O’Connor, Bambisanani Partnership coordinator at Newcastle College and trustee of the charity found that most of the children at Ngqamzana Primary School in KwaZulu Natal either did not have any shoes or had shoes that didn’t fit them properly. Discussions with the local community and Bambisanani supporters led to Brogan being introduced to the MyWalk charity in South Africa. MyWalk is an amazing South African organisation that turns single-use PVC drip bags, oxygen masks and associated tubing into brand new shoes. Remarkably the shoes are produced at the cost of £1.53 (R35) a pair. The school and local community identified a need for 716 pairs of school shoes and Brogan, together with great team support from Newcastle College raised the necessary funds to get all the children at the school a pair of shoes. There was great excitement at the school this week when the shoes arrived!

Mr Elijah Mhlanga, Chief Director of National and Provincial Communication in the Department of Basic Education in South Africa recently highlighted the importance of this issue:

“School shoes are a basic necessity, and if learners do not have adequate footwear, this can introduce ongoing obstacles to their education including bullying and harassment at school. Having school shoes can enhance the schooling experience for learners. Many learners unfortunately still walk long distances to and from school without shoes, facing a daily threat of sustaining cuts and infections.”

Mr L.F Msimango, Principal of Ngqamzana Primary School said, “I speak on behalf of the learners, educators, parents and community members and wish to thank Miss Brogan, Mr Barry and all the team from Newcastle College and the Bambisanani Partnership for the shoes that have arrived at my school. Your visits and programmes connect us with the wider world. We are proud to be members of the partnership. The shoes are so vital and we appreciate your humanity. I can assure you that the shoes will be very looked after. We are looking forward already to your next visit and interacting with your students.”

The Bambisanani Partnership Shoe initiative in partnership with MyWalk is not a ‘one off’ or isolated event for the charity at Ngqamzana Primary School. It forms part of much bigger holistic picture of the school being part of the partnership in ongoing programmes that promote education, sport, health, global citizenship and leadership. A special relationship has developed between the school and Newcastle College that is committed to working together and learning together.

Brogan O’Connor, added, “Having ‘worked hand in hand’ with Ngqamzana Primary School staff and learners for two years, it was clear to see how desperate it was that these learners received shoes to enable them to walk to school safely and comfortably to receive their education. Many learners had no school shoes at all and many were in Ill-fitting or unsuitable shoes. We are so thankful to have been introduced to the amazing team at MyWalk and to see all 716 pairs of shoes arrive safely at Ngqamzana Primary School. It’s hard to put into words what a significant impact this will have on the learners, staff and wider community. This partnership wouldn’t have been possible without our friends and partners in South Africa as well as the strength of the Newcastle College team who competed the gruelling UK 3 Peaks Challenge to raise the necessary funding for this project. I’m looking forward to returning to Ngqamzana in May to expand our programme there and of course to seeing the school shoes in action.”

David Geldart, Founder and CEO of the Bambisanani Partnership said: “Newcastle College is a key and dynamic member of the partnership, their pioneering work in very challenging circumstances is having a real and positive impact on the young people that it brings together from South Africa and Newcastle. Brogan’s leadership is exceptional and her students are also developing as outstanding young leaders themselves who want to continue to make a difference in the world, The Shoe initiative has brought us together with new friends from the MyWalk charity. Our work is very much about creating mutually beneficial partnerships and this one is really special; there is considerable synergy. Our focus on the UN Global Sustainably Goals is greatly reinforced and enhanced by working with them. The MyWalk partnership is sensitive and sympathetic to the environment by contributing to reducing healthcare waste to landfill and associated greenhouse gas emissions that are harmful to the environment. They are a fantastic example of embracing a circular economy and making it a reality. They show how a green solution can fulfil a material need for business while simultaneously benefiting society – in this case by supporting education, job creation and enterprise development. We look forward to ongoing collaborations with them and others in order to make the world a kinder, more equitable and sustainable place. It is our experience that collaborative international encounters significantly amplify this motivation and promote genuine global citizenship.”

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Bambisanani Partnership recognised for contribution to UN Sustainable Development Goals

Yet again the Bambisanani Partnership charity has been recognised for its commitment and contribution to the UN Sustainable Development Goals 3, 4, 5, 6, 10 and 17 namely Good Health and Wellbeing, Quality Education, Gender Equality, Clean Water and Sanitation, Reduced Inequalities and Partnerships for the Goals through its inspirational work in South Africa.

David Geldart from the partnership said, "Our contribution towards each of these interrelated goals may be small in the scale of things but they are nonetheless important and very significant. This is how individuals and organisations must start - in a small but purposeful way - it doesn't matter how small the action is, it will make a difference and it will set an example especially to young people. Organisations like ours that work with young people have a responsibility to highlight the UN Sustainable Development Goals and encourage positive actions and behaviours. Every day presents us with a with a myriad of opportunities to make a real difference and a chance to live more authentic and meaningful lives. The UN Sustainable Development Goals provide a wonderful focus for educators and learners. Our experience is that young people in both South Africa and the UK are concerned about the future but are extremely keen indeed to make the world a kinder, more equitable and sustainable place. It is also our experience that collaborative international encounters significantly amplify this motivation and promote genuine global citizenship."

“Do your little bit of good where you are; its those little bits of good put together that overwhelm the world.”
— Archbishop Desmond Tutu
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St.Mary’s student has article published about her volunteering experience in South Africa

Eleanor in South Africa, 2023

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)

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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

Tracy embraces this new adventure.

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

Mrs Pk Zondi at the KZN Schools Cycling Competition.

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.

“One of the best weeks ever”

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

Female students breaking through cultural barriers.

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.

 

Empowerment and building trust at Mnyakanya High School.

Building trust: the foundation for learning and growth

University of Leeds Gryphons Abroad 2024!

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.

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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

Award winners pictured with Mr Sibisi Lucky the Sports Organiser at Vumanhlamvu School

Mnelisi Ntanzi Sportswoman of the Year

“l feel very much happy to be a winner of this beautiful award that remembers Jordan at our school. This encourages me to continue with netball even next year at high school.  I practiced and exercised at home very much in order to improve.  I scored 32 goals this year in netball matches. Thank you, a lot, to the Sinnott family and the Bambisanani Partnership as these awards encourage us to showcase our talent.”

Andile Kunene Sportsman of the Year

“'It is a dream come true to win the Jordan Sinnott Award in 2024. I am very happy and my dream is to be a professional soccer player one day. I always go an extra mile when given a task in sports – this encourages me to do the same in my school work. Thanks to the Jordan Sinnott family and to Bambisanani for giving us this opportunity.”

Lunwabo Masondo Sports Leader of the Year

“I have never won any award in my whole life. The Jordan Sinnott award is the first thing that l won and it is a famous award at our school.  I worked very hard all the time and this special award motivates me to be a good leader. Thank you Bambisanani and Sinnott family for remembering us.”

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.”

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