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
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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