New Trustee for Bambisanani Partnership

The Bambisanani Partnership is a delighted to announce the appointment of Margaret Hattersley as a new trustee.

Over the last fifteen years the multi-award winning Menston based charity has gained international acclaim for its pioneering work using sport to promote education, health, global citizenship and leadership in one of South Africa’s most challenging regions.

Following the announcement of the appointment Margaret said. “The opportunity to be a trustee of the Bambisanani Partnership is an absolute privilege for me on a personal and professional level. As the Acting Headteacher of St. Mary’s Menston, I am aware of how special this partnership is in terms of international understanding, collaboration and how it provides a life changing experience for many young people at St. Mary’s, and at Mnyakanya High School in South Africa.

I have worked in the education sector for over twenty-two years, and as a former RE Teacher and Head of RE, the beatitudes and the concept of servant leadership have always been a guiding influence in my life. It is for this reason that the partnership holds such a special place within me and within this school. I have yet to visit South Africa myself, but each year, I am blessed to be able to witness enthusiastic young people embarking on fundraising opportunities and learning about what ‘working hand in hand’ entails. I see their faces, and the faces of our staff members, as they embark on their journey to South Africa together. I am totally inspired by the stories they share on their return and enjoy listening to how their personal encounters, experiences and relationships have helped them to grow as an individual and has had a lasting impression on their lives. I believe that character education is tremendously important and that as educators we are here to support the formation of our students so they flourish, are happy in life and contribute to the common good of society. The Bambisanani Partnership enables human formation to become a lived reality which is to be commended and celebrated. As a former student of St. Mary’s, I am immensely proud to be able to lead this school community and to be able to walk alongside each person, and each family, on their unique life journey – the Bambisanani Partnership is very much at the heart of our school community and part of that journey. It is a great honour for me to join the partnership as a trustee and to be entrusted with the charity’s purpose and future direction. I sincerely thank all those people who have enabled me to be part of such a wonderful partnership.”

St. Mary's students and Mnyakanya students working together to plan a community sports festival

Founder and Chair of the charity, David Geldart said, “With many challenges and opportunities ahead I am delighted that Margaret has joined the team. She is an exceptionally talented and dedicated educator who will add much to our potential to make an even greater educational impact with young people in both the UK and South Africa. The Bambisanani Partnership was founded at St. Mary’s and the school has been instrumental in developing internationally acclaimed programmes that have engaged over 10,000 young people. St. Mary’s has been at the heart of our work and with Margaret involved I sure that this can only go from strength to strength. We look forward to working with her and taking the partnership to the next level.”