Newcastle College students are outstanding members of the Bambisanani Partnership in South Africa
Students and staff from Newcastle College have recently returned from the college’s second annual visit to South Africa as part of the Bambisanani Partnership.
The team, comprising of 12 members, two staff, Barry Rizza and Brogan O’Connor, and 10 students: Abby Morgan, Amber Johnson, Aurelia Penman, Cadence Parkin, Holly Hamilton, Jack Stanley, Jay Hopwood, Josh Knox, Kieran Thomas, and Niamh Thompson embarked on a 26-hour journey to Eshowe, South Africa. Over the course of three weeks, they volunteered in rural KwaZulu-Natal, using the power of sport to positively impact both their own lives and children in the local schools and orphanages.
The team worked at Matholamnyama Secondary School, Ngqamzana Primary School, Thembinfundo Special School and the Zulufadder Doremi Day Centre for orphans and vulnerable children, all located in KwaZulu-Natal. Engaging with children aged 2-13, they hosted sports and leadership sessions throughout the 16-day visit. These sessions, attended by 1,156 South African students, fostered skills in sports, leadership, communication, team building, and confidence.
Jack Stanley, a Level 4 PE and Sport Coaching student, reflected, “Seeing the children’s smiles when we arrived at the orphanage and primary school was so inspiring. It motivated me to make the most of each day with them and change their lives as best I could. I really enjoyed every moment; it was a pleasure to be there.”
Cadence Parkin, a Level 4 Aviation student, commented, “What a wholesome trip! We were there to teach the children, but they left the biggest impression on me. Their smiles and hearts are immense and will forever be in my heart.”
Sport Rehab student Kieran Thomas added, “This has been an absolutely life-changing experience. It was fulfilling, taught me so much, and made me value all the little things we take for granted in the UK. I have loved every second.”
The team began their stay with an administrative day, organising donations, preparing sports equipment, and planning their sessions. Following on from this, their second day was spent at Doremi Day Centre, affectionately dubbed the ‘happiest place in the world’ by the Newcastle College students. They engaged in reading, sports, singing and dancing with 52 young children, experiencing an incredibly warm and impactful welcome to Eshowe. The wonderful Popi Buthelizi who runs Doremi wrote, “Dear our family from Newcastle. Thank-you so much for visiting us, you made us feel so special and the children loved you. The books and clothes made the children very happy. The guardians of the children were delighted to see their children come back home with clothes from overseas, it is not every day you get to wear clothes from overseas. I am sure they will only wear them on Christmas Day since they are so special to them. Once again thank-you so much, until we meet again. Love, Popi.”
Over the weekend, the team visited Hluhluwe Imfolozi Game Reserve and and a visit to Dlinza Rainforest Boardwalk learning much about ecology and endangered wildlife.
During the second week, the group returned to Ngqamzana Primary School, almost a year after the university’s previous visit. They spent a day with each grade (3-7) and were treated to an impressive and emotional thank-you ceremony on Friday. The entire school performed traditional dances and songs, and Newcastle College student Abby Morgan and staff member Barry Rizza gave moving speeches on behalf of the group.
Mr. Ngobo, a Maths teacher at Ngqamzana Primary School, expressed his gratitude, saying, “We thank you for your support more than words can express. From the bottom of our hearts, thank you very much for your generous contributions. With supporters like you, we know we can achieve our goals. Thank you for believing in our mission and helping us make a positive impact in society. We are so grateful for our partnership which is making a difference. This is your home; you are welcome anytime. God bless you.”
Abby Morgan, a Level 4 Childcare and Education student, followed up with, “I want to thank everyone for the warm welcome and incredible atmosphere. It has been an honour and a privilege to spend time with you. This week has been special, showcasing teamwork, enthusiasm, and sportsmanship. The true spirit of sport is about coming together, supporting one another, and having fun. To the children, your smiles, determination, and energy have been inspiring. Continue to play with passion, be kind, and believe in yourselves. Thank you from the bottom of my heart. This week has been unforgettable, and I will carry the memories with me always.”
On Saturday, the team joined forces with a fellow Bambisanani volunteer group from St. Mary's School, Menston, at Thembimfundo Special School. The Newcastle College and St. Mary’s teams were treated to an impressive display of traditional Zulu dancing by Thembimfundo students. The UK students then facilitated a carousel of 10 adapted sports activities. The principal of Thembimfundo Special School commented, “No words can best describe how happy I am for the wonderful things you have done for us. We had an amazing time, and our learners are so excited. We look forward to hosting you again in the future and working with you in partnership, creating learning opportunities for students from both countries.”
The team also spent time with Graham Chennells, the former Mayor of Eshowe and long-term supporter of the Bambisanani Partnership. Graham shared fascinating stories about his life in Eshowe and the history of the area.
Much of the final week was spent at Matholamnyama Secondary School, where the team delivered a range of sports and leadership sessions to different age ranges throughout the school. With 70 to 80 learners in each group the Newcastle College students frequently had a further 300 students watching the delivery of the session. The school organised a celebration event on the final day where the outstanding leadership and presentation skills of the South African students were clearly evident. One Grade 10 Matholamnyama student gave an outstanding speech on behalf of her school: “It is with great pleasure that I stand before you today to express our heartfelt gratitude to each one of you for coming to our school and teaching us sports, your dedication passion and willingness to share your knowledge has made a significant impact on our school. Sports plays a big role in the development of young minds, teaching us teamwork, discipline and the importance of physical fitness. Your efforts have not only enhanced our skills but also contributed to our overall personal growth. We extend a big applause on behalf of our sisters and brothers in all grades. Thank you for your time effort and commitment. Your contribution has not only inspired us but also created lasting memories that we will carry for years. We are deeply grateful for your support and hope to continue this partnership in the years to come.”
Brogan O’Connor, Enrichment and Development Manager at Newcastle College and Bambisanani Trustee, proudly summarized the visit: “Weeks like these make me immensely proud to represent both Newcastle College and The Bambisanani Partnership. The things our students have achieved in the past 18 days, the memories and friendships they have made and the impact they have left with their new friends in South Africa is nothing short of remarkable. Using the power of sport to work together with colleagues and friends at the Zulufadder Doremi Day Centre, Thembinfundo Special School, Ngqamzana Primary School and Matholamnyama Secondary School we have shown that anything is possible. I look forward to continuing to strengthen and grow The Bambisanani Partnership at Newcastle College and can’t wait to see what the next few years holds.
