Bambisanani Partnership inspires at International Conference
David Geldart, Chairman and Founder of the Bambisanani Partnership was recently a Keynote Speaker at the Association of Commonwealth Universities (ACU) annual Summer School which this year took place at Leeds Trinity University in the UK.
The focus of this year’s Summer School was Sport and Regeneration: Driving Sustainability, Community and Well-being. The international gathering attracted specially selected university student delegates from over 40 different Commonwealth countries. During the week stay in Leeds delegates engaged in a wide variety of lectures, workshops, collaborative projects, sports and cultural activities.
The organiser of the ACU Summer School was Sarah Todd from Leeds Trinity University. Sarah said: “This week has been a tremendous success and I would like to thank David for his outstanding contribution. The Bambisanani Partnership has gained richly deserved international acclaim for its pioneering work in South Africa using sport to change lives. David always speaks with such passion about this work and it certainly inspired our delegates, many of which are keen to stay in contact with him and the partnership.”
PhD student Poppy Bhengu from South Africa commented: “Coming from South Africa I could relate very much to the challenges faced by the Bambisanani Partnership in my country. The way that it works is so different to other organisations and the impact is amazing. It engages with the local communities in real partnership where everyone has responsibilities. It brings young people from both countries together in projects where both contribute and learn from each other. In the future I would love to become involved with this great organisation.”
David added: “It was an absolute pleasure to work with such an exceptional group of young people. They have enormous combined common wealth not least in their desire to work collaboratively and make a difference in the world. It was a very positive and empowering experience to be in their company. I would like to wish them all the very best in the future; they have incredible potential and fill me with hope. I would also like to add my congratulations to Sarah, who is a former student of mine, for organising this most prestigious international gathering. Good things will happen as a result of this week’s experiences and encounters.”
