NEWS
Bambisanani Partnership Awards bring hope and inspiration at Mnyakanya School
Mnyakanya High School in rural KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa recently held a special celebration event to present the annual Bambisanani Partnership Awards to seven remarkable students.
Mnyakanya High School in rural KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa recently held a special celebration event to present the annual Bambisanani Partnership Awards to seven remarkable students.
From left to right: Nhloso Mzolo, Samkelisiwe Nlagwaza, Hlakaniphani Ndlovu, Unathi Mbulu, Nhlakanipho Mkhize, Silindile Mzolo, Lindokuhle Nala
Mrs Pk Zondi, Bambisanani Co-ordinator at the school highlighted the importance of the awards, “The Bambisanani Awards continue to bring smiles and hope to the Mnyakanya community. During 2021, Mnyakanya students learnt under very difficult and tense conditions, where sports events and other extracurricular activities had many limitations. The 2021 Bambisanani Awards winners could not believe it when they were informed that the school was arranging a big event in which they would be recognised for being outstanding for what they are doing. These awards are really a great motivation to Mnyakanya students and youth in the community. The awards make the recipients feel famous and honoured. We do not have enough words to say how much we appreciate these awards. On behalf of the school and local community I would like to thank everyone who contributed to this brilliant idea that continues to have such an impact.”
2021 Bambisanani Partnership Award winners are as follows:
Sibonelo Magwaza Outstanding Leadership Award: Nhloso Mzolo
Sportswoman of the Year Award: Samkelisiwe Nlagwaza
Laurie McCauley Most Improved Footballer Award: Hlakaniphani Ndlovu
Laurie McCauley Creative Writing Award: Unathi Mbulu
Sportsman of the Year: Nhlakanipho Mkhize
John Paul II Foundation for Sport Helping Others Achieve their Potential Award: Silindile Mzolo
John Paul II Foundation for Sport True Spirit of Sport Award: Lindokuhle Nala
The proud winners of the awards were clearly delighted with their success:
Sibonelo Magwaza Outstanding Leadership Award Winner, Nhloso Mzolo
“I would like to take this opportunity to thank my educators and fellow students for trusting me to be a leader. When I was elected as the chairperson of the Representative Council of Learners, I knew that it said something about my leadership qualities but I never expected any award for my work. To be nominated and receive the “Sibonelo Magwaza Leadership Award has put me in a spotlight. I feel very proud of myself. I feel like everyone at school is respecting me. I do not hesitate that I will be a good leader, even in the future. I would like to thank all who made this happen and pay my respects to Sibonelo.”
Sportswoman of the Year Award Winner, Samkelisiwe Nlagwaza
“I feel very honoured today that I am nominated and acknowledged as a "Sportswoman of the Year" in 2021. This special Bambisanani Award makes me feel confident and motivates me further in my sports activities. I like athletics and am excelling in it. I hope that I will be a well-known athlete in future. Thank you very much for recognising my talent.”
Laurie McCauley Most Improved Footballer Award: Hlakaniphani Ndlovu
“I really don't know what to say! My happiness is more than the words. I really feel as a star in the whole school and in my community. To be recognised as "The Most Improved Footballer" of the year 2021 gives me hope that one day my dream to be a famous soccer player will come true. I like soccer and I am so happy that my talent is recognised through this special award in memory of Laurie McCauley.”
Laurie McCauley Creative Writing Award: Unathi Mbulu
“I am very grateful to receive the ‘Laurie McCauley Creative Writing Award’ for 2021. This award makes me feel special at school. It makes me dream more about my future in creative writing. I also hope that all my dreams will lead me to be a better person in future. I would like to thank all the Bambisanani Team and teachers for making my talent known. I feel famous!”
Sportsman of the Year: Nhlakanipho Mkhize
“I can't believe that 2021 "Sportsman of the Year Award" comes to me. I am short of words to say thank you to everyone involved. I really like sports and always like to go with a winning attitude. I am happy that this award will make my team and my parents to be proud of me. My team mates will be very motivated. Thank you very much to all the Bambisanani Team.”
John Paul II Foundation for Sport Helping Others Achieve their Potential Award: Silindile Mzolo
“I feel very honoured to be nominated and awarded with John Paul II Foundation for Sport " Helping Others Achieve their Potential Award" This means a lot to me. I was not aware that my work is meaningful to anyone. All I did was to try to help others as part of uplifting their potential. I dream of nothing but to help learners who are struggling with their school work. I expect nothing in return. I don’t help for any compensation. For me it is very painful to see someone not achieving while there was something I could do to assist. Getting this award is opening my eyes and makes me feel proud and encouraged to do more. I wish to pass my massive thanks to the Bambisanani team.”
John Paul II Foundation for Sport True Spirit of Sport Award: Lindokuhle Nala
“I am only in Grade 8 i.e my first year at Mnyakanya.
I was very surprised to be nominated and awarded with the ‘True Spirit of Sport Award’. I am very happy that my coach and my teachers have realised my talent so quickly. This award is giving me hope for a brighter future in sports. I am highly motivated to do my very best.”
David Geldart from the partnership was full of praise for the award winners:
“Massive congratulations are due to these magnificent seven students who have achieved so much in the most difficult of circumstances of 2021. They are wonderful role models to others I know that they all have the ability and determination to go further; we will watch with interest! At this time, we especially remember Laurie and Sibonelo and their very special legacy awards that continue to inspire and motivate; we know how important these awards are to their families who take great interest in hearing about the award winners every year. I would also like to take this opportunity to pay tribute to the educators at Mnyakanya who have recognised and nurtured the talent outlined above. Special thanks also to Father Vlad and the John Paul II Foundation for Sport for helping us establish these awards. The importance of recognising and rewarding such achievements cannot be overstated. These very special awards continue to shine a light on exceptional young people at Mnyakanya and long may that continue!”
The Bambisanani Awards Ceremony at Mnyakana High School
Silindile Mzolo wearing a St. Mary’s scarf to represent St. Mary’s at the event
Bambisanani Quiz Night!
Thursday 21 October 2021 7.30pm. Guiseley Cricket Club
Thursday 21 October 2021 7.30pm
Guiseley Cricket Club
Tickets £8, this includes a night of entertainment and pie and peas.
Tickets available from Mrs Chattoe at St. Mary’s Menston. This is a charity event, raising money for The Bambisanani Partnership.
Remembering a Bambisanani stalwart: The Martin Green Memorial Golf Tournament in aid of Cancer Research UK
Martin Green played a most significant role in developing the Bambisanani Partnership. His untimely death in 2014 devastated all who had been privileged to know this remarkable man.
Martin Green played a most significant role in developing the Bambisanani Partnership. His untimely death in 2014 devastated all who had been privileged to know this remarkable man.
We remember Martin in so many ways including through the annual Martin Green Memorial Golf Tournament which recently raised £960 for Cancer Research UK. Massive thanks are due to all those that helped organise and support the day particularly Alex Smickersgill, Catherine Chattoe, Michelle Hefferon, Fred Heaton, Danny Halligan, Mike Gosling and of course the wonderful Green family. Special thanks to St. Marys School and East Morton Golf Club who always go the extra mile to ensure that the day is a tremendous success and celebration.
The winner of the 2021 Martin Green Memorial Golf Trophy was Dean Sugden with other prizes going to Peter Hatton, Adam Martell, Jolie Xue, Giles Wilkes and Niall Cox. Congratulations to all prize winners and participants.
We look forward to another great Golf Day in 2022 where we hope to take our fundraising total for Cancer Research UK through this event to over £10,000
Martin Green coaching Rugby at Mnyakanya High School, July 2012
Bambisanani Partnership International Athletics Challenge 2021 is a great success
Over the last year, despite all the Covid chaos and disruption, 138 nine and ten year olds from South Africa and the UK have joined together in a unique athletics challenge. Albeit virtually, the Bambisanani Partnership International Athletics Challenge has brought together four schools from the two countries to learn together in a range of fun athletic activities.
Over the last year, despite all the Covid chaos and disruption, 138 nine and ten year olds from South Africa and the UK have joined together in a unique athletics challenge. Albeit virtually, the Bambisanani Partnership International Athletics Challenge has brought together four schools from the two countries to learn together in a range of fun athletic activities.
South African students from Vumanhlamvu Primary School in Nkandla and John Wesley Primary School in Eshowe have connected with St. Mary’s Primary School, Horsforth and St. Joseph’s Primary, Pudsey in a range of running, jumping and throwing challenges that allowed students to learn about athletics with opportunities to compete ‘against themselves’, improving personal performance over time, as well as also competing against children in their school and significantly with children in all the other schools involved in both countries by comparing performances.
The programme gave great importance to all participants working hard to improve their own personal performance over time in six different events for both boys and girls: 50m run, 200m run, Standing Long Jump, Three Hop Jump, Tennis Ball Throw and Football Throw. Initially students were taught the basic activity and then established their own ‘personal best’ in each of the activities. Over the following weeks and months, the children were given the opportunity to practise, rehearse and experiment in order to improve their performances. A remarkable 76 students made significant progress over time in at least three different events and were awarded special certificates to recognise this. All four schools had their own competitions in the events which created 12 Champions in each school. The top three performers in each event received a certificate. Three very exciting 10-person x 40m relay events (Boys, Girls, Mixed) were also added for the International Competition. Each school submitted their best three performance in each of the 15 events for the international competition between schools. 126 International Competition medals (‘Bronze’, ‘Silver’ and ‘Gold’) were presented to the top three performers/teams in each event.
Full international Results (PDF)
In addition to this, Bambisanani Partnership International Athletics Challenge certificates were also presented in each school in the following categories:
Most improved students:
St. Joseph’s, Pudsey: Tia Nero, Ella Perryman, Harry Hart, Maximilian Korosteliov
St. Mary’s, Horsforth: Siofra Whitehurst, Enzo Moore
Vumanhlamvu Primary School: Xoliswa Mpungose, Mlungisi Mhlongo
John Wesley Primary School: Ndalo Mchunu, Zowakha Zondi
Best Individual Performances:
St. Joseph’s, Pudsey: Lily Higgins, Hannah Jagiello, Oliver Brown
St. Mary’s, Horsforth: Aisling Harrison, Enzo Given
Vumanhlamvu Primary School: Sinovuyo Ntombela, Simphiwe Mthimkhulu
John Wesley Primary School: Lwandile Shange, Sambulu Mbuyazi
Leadership Awards (for helping and encouraging other students during the course of the Challenge):
St. Joseph’s, Pudsey: Tia Nero, Ella Perryman, Harry Hart, Maximilian Korosteliov
St. Mary’s, Horsforth: Lily Decker, Oliver O’Reilly
Vumanhlamvu Primary School: Alwande Tetwayo, Zemvelo Bukhosini
John Wesley Primary School: Mpilenhle Xulu, Siqalo Tembe
Special Trophies
Special trophies were also awarded to the outstanding boy and girl performers across all international events. The top girl athlete who won 5 gold medals was Lwandile Shange, from John Wesley Primary School. The top boy athlete winning 4 gold medals and 1 silver was Sambulo Mbuyazi, also from John Wesley.
““This is the first time that my learners have participated in athletics which has been made possible by the equipment and programme provided by the Bambisanani Partnership. The learners have loved these fun challenges, setting their own targets as well as competing against others. They were very excited about linking with schools in Leeds and have liked the videos from St. Joseph’s and St. Mary’s. We have seen great progress in some personal performances which is improving the confidence of learners. We do not have a sports field and my learners do not have running shoes but we did our best. For us to win 35 International medals including 2 Gold and 2 Silver is just amazing and shows what can be done with the right opportunities. We are already looking forward to the Challenge in 2022. Who knows we may even discover a world champion one day!””
Students from all four schools clearly loved the Challenge:
““I liked the Bambisanani Challenge because one day I would like to see myself going overseas because of sport. I enjoy sport so much; I am a sport person. Sport is my life. The Bambisanani Challenge challenged me not to relax, but to do my best in everything. It also improved or put my sport career on another level. I am proud to participate in the Bambisanani Challenge.” ”
““The Bambisanani Challenge was fun. We learnt a lot of things in sports. We first did 50 metre running, second, we did 200 metre running. I enjoyed all the activities, mostly I enjoyed running. I would like to thank all the people that were involved with organising this challenge for us. Thank you so much.””
““I love sport; it is my favourite thing in the whole world and a challenge with South African students made it really interesting.””
““It was really interesting because we were against an entirely different continent! It was extremely fun to do all the competitions against them and I hope we do it again.””
Parents and grandparents have also praised the initiative:
““My granddaughter came home today, thrilled to bits about what she had achieved in the Bambisanani International Athletics Challenge: 6 individual awards and best overall girl athlete award. Lily is aware of the connection that her mum and auntie have had with the Bambisanani Partnership and the thought that she has taken part in a project connected with them made it all the more special. Lily loves her athletics and cannot wait to come to St. Mary’s, Menston and have the opportunity to play a bigger part in the Bambisanani Partnership. Lily attends athletic training at Skyrac AC, where I coach and are currently Chair and when her auntie went to South Africa the club supplied t-shirts for the budding athletes. This is something we have done since and we will continue to support the partnership in any way we can. Encouraging youngsters to participate in athletics and have fun is fundamental to the sport, whether it be here in Yorkshire or in South Africa.””
The idea for International Athletics Challenge came from Bambisanani founder and Charity Chair, David Geldart who was keen to praise all involved: “Massive credit must go to all the schools, staff and children involved in this inaugural event. It has been a tremendous success on so many levels and special thanks are due to the team that pulled it all together in the most difficult and challenging of times: Catherine Chattoe, William Vilakazi, David Farmer, Alan Stuart and Duncan Baines. Important connections between schools have been made and relationships are developing. The feedback from students, teachers, parents and grandparents has been excellent and we are already looking to 2022 to make this an annual event hopefully involving more schools and possibly even some additional countries. We again intend to raise the funding required for schools that are poorly resourced and do not have the equipment for the challenge.”
Virtual athletics challenge connects schools in Leeds and South Africa [INTERNATIONAL RELATIONS LEEDS]
Signed Pat Nevin book up for auction to support the Bambisanani Partnership
Bambisanani supporter Pat Nevin has signed a copy of his new book The Accidental Footballer to auction to raise funds for our charity.
Bambisanani supporter Pat Nevin has signed a copy of his new book The Accidental Footballer to auction to raise funds for our charity.
The former Chelsea, Everton and Scotland star is now widely recognised as one of the country’s most articulate and insightful broadcasters, as happy to be speaking or writing about wider sport, politics or the arts as he is about football. In the same way that Pat was a very different footballer this autobiography is a very different football memoir; not surprisingly it is one of the best-selling sport related books of 2020.
““Insights, revelations, strong opinions, honesty and humour. It will be up for awards.””
““I used to walk miles to see Pat Nevin play football and I’d do the same now to read his story. Always challenging, always entertaining.””
““I grew up captivated by Pat Nevin, one of football’s great mavericks and Chelsea’s greatest players. And he can spin a mean tune too.””
“ ”Vibrant and elegant with heroic doses of humour, insight and self-effacement – an – absolute must read for the football connoisseur.””
The highest bid by 6pm on Saturday 11 September 2021 will secure the book. To make a bid please contact me directly: d.geldart@bambisananipartnership.org
To see the highest bid to date please visit www.bambisananipartnership.org/bids
(The Auction is now closed).
Partnerships are working in KwaZulu-Natal
Partnerships developed by the charity have proved absolutely key to our continued success and positive impact. New partnerships are being developed constantly and during these challenging Covid times great strides have been made in this area.
Partnerships developed by the charity have proved absolutely key to our continued success and positive impact. New partnerships are being developed constantly and during these challenging Covid times great strides have been made in this area.
I have great pleasure in bringing you up to date with some of our long-standing partnerships, in both South Africa and the UK, that we have been able to coordinate to make a significant difference on the ground in rural KwaZulu-Natal.
For many years now we have worked closely with the Bettys & Taylors Group from Harrogate, international shipping group, Cardinal Maritime, Eshowe Rotary Club in South Africa as well of course St. Mary’s School, Menston who coordinated this initiative. The Bettys & Taylors community recycling project, The Cone Exchange, has provided much needed knitted clothing for some of the most vulnerable members of the impoverished rural communities in KwaZulu-Natal. It is the middle of winter right now in South Africa and the clothing is much needed in the high rural hills which experience very cold temperatures at this time. As they have done many times for the charity, Cardinal Maritime have transported the goods to South Africa for us at no charge. Eshowe Rotary Club have helped us deliver numerous projects and have been instrumental in ensuring that the latest shipment of knitted items have been distributed to the most needy.
The letter below from our good friend Nick Phillips of Eshowe Rotary Club provides us with a wonderful insight into the impact and importance of this collaboration:
“Dear Bambisanani Partnership team,
KNITTED GARMENTS
I have pleasure in reporting to you, and the generous customers of Betty’s & Taylors Group through the ‘Cone Exchange’ initiative, who sent us several large cases of hand knitted woollens via St. Mary’s School and Cardinal Maritime for distribution to disadvantaged persons in the rural areas surrounding Eshowe in Zululand, South Africa. These are our winter months, and, while we do not experience winter extremes to the extent that you do in the United Kingdom, it does get pretty cold at times and most rural homes are not equipped for the cold or properly insulated. Your donation of woollen items reflects hundreds of hours of patient knitting by the people of Harrogate and we are quite humbled that they should have gone to this trouble and have their efforts coordinated by the staff of Betty’s & Taylors. While we have not completely finished the distribution, a substantial part has been completed and we would like you to have a selection of photographs of the recipients, both young and old. Included in the shipment were a number of small, knitted squares and we have enlisted the help of some local people to sew these squares together into blankets which are more practical.
You will see in the photos that food items were also distributed. You will have heard of the recent unrest, especially in Zululand, that has led to an increase in unemployment and a deterioration in food security. Rotary together with other organisations is trying to distribute as much food as possible to those in need, especially during these cold spells when rural households feel the deprivations more acutely.
Your collective effort has brought comfort and joy to many.
Kind regards,
”
Many thanks indeed to all the individuals and organisations involved who have enabled this to happen. Collectively we are all much stronger, and capable of so more, when we can work together as a team. We have a great team all round and long may that continue!
Jordan Sinnott Foundation Trust Upcoming Charity Game at Guiseley AFC
The Jordan Sinnott Foundation Trust has a charity Football game at Guiseley AFC Sunday 15 August 2021, 1pm Kick Off
The Jordan Sinnott Foundation Trust has a charity Football game at Guiseley AFC Sunday 15 August 2021, 1pm Kick Off
Confirmed players for the Supporting Charities FC team!
Emmerdales:
James Hooton
Joe Warren plant
Jay Kontzle
Jack Downham
Hollyoaks:
Owen Warner
Billy price
Jacob Roberts
David Kennedy
Ex pros
Scott Kerr
David Norris
Lee Duxbury
Tickets still available for the Trust’s first charity football game!
All monies raised will go directly to The JSFT. Tickets available via the link and are priced at:
£5 per adult (18+)
£3 per junior (12+)
£1 per child
Family tickets also available (2 x adult, 2 x child 11 & under) only £10!
Link to buy tickets:
https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/jsft-charity-football-game-tickets-161648752771
Two specially commissioned awards in Jordan's memory were presented by the Bambisanani Partnership for Sportsman and Sportswoman of the Year at Vumanhlamvu Primary School in rural KwaZulu-Natal.
The Bambisanani Partnership Sportswoman of the Year Award in Memory of Jordan Sinnott was won by Nombulelo Biyela
The Bambisanani Partnership Sportsman of the Year Award in Memory of Jordan Sinnott was won by Mzwandile Zondi
This is the first time that any awards have ever been presented at the school and there was much excitement as the two winners were announced at a special ceremony. The recipients were both surprised and delighted.
Global Impact Award for Bambisanani Partnership
The Menston based charity The Bambisanani Partnership has been Highly Commended at the annual University of Leeds Sustainability Awards in the Global Impact category for promoting sustainable education and health.
The Menston based charity The Bambisanani Partnership has been Highly Commended at the annual University of Leeds Sustainability Awards in the Global Impact category for promoting sustainable education and health.
For the past fifteen years, the charity has worked in one of South Africa’s most deprived rural areas using sport as a catalyst to promote education, health, global citizenship and leadership. Despite the pandemic, the Partnership has worked tirelessly with partners in South Africa to mitigate the impact of Covid-19 through its commitment to using sport and education to improve the lives of people in the UK and South Africa. Developed by St. Mary’s School, Menston and Mnyakanya High School in KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa, the partnership now includes many more schools and universities in both countries. The partnership was a founding member of the Swiss based charity Sport and Sustainability International. In recent years over 10,000 young people from the UK and South Africa have participated in Bambisanani programmes and projects.
The charity has gained international acclaim for its pioneering work and driven by Andy Lockwood and Suzzi Garnett, the University of Leeds involvement has taken this to new heights as Sport and Physical Activity have contributed to the ‘Cycle to Success’ programme and are working with charity partners in South Africa to develop a rural bike hub for its cycling project. This is all done collaboratively with our South African colleagues and is an example of true international partnership at work.
David Geldart, Founder of the Bambisanani Partnership, said; “The University of Leeds has played a significant role in developing the partnership over the past seven years with students and members of staff being involved in a range of landmark projects and collaborations that are changing lives in rural South Africa. It is indeed a tremendous honour to receive this prestigious award, based on the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals, from a university which has an outstanding international reputation in this area. We were in the company of some genuinely world class projects that were also nominated in this category so his award is great recognition for all our team members in both countries who work tirelessly to advance the partnership.”
Zoe Gilbank from the University of Leeds said: “It’s been amazing reading through and seeing all the incredible individuals, groups and projects across the University that are working hard to ensure we are creating a sustainable future together.”
The University of Leeds Global Impact Award recognises innovative projects or individuals/groups that have a significant global impact in addressing sustainability challenges.
In a recent article about the Bambisanani Partnership and the UN Sustainable Development Goals, Zoe Fenwick from the University of Leeds wrote: “The work of the Bambisanani Partnership covers a broad range of the UN Sustainable Development Goals, from Goal 1: No Poverty, through to Goal 17: Partnerships for the Goals. However, the partnership’s work has direct links to Goal 3: to ensure healthy lives and promote well-being for all at all ages, and Goal 4: to ensure inclusive and equitable quality education and promote lifelong learning. In 2019, UN updates outlined that major progress had been made in improving the health of millions of people around the world, as well as improving access to education. However, significant work in both areas still remains to be done. The Bambisanani Partnership is playing a vital role in helping towards this, improving health and education for thousands involved in this programme.”
Global impact award for Menston based charity [ILKLEY GAZETTE]
My Journey, Bambisanani and me: Freedom Nduduzo Khanyile
My name is Freedom Nduduzo Khanyile, I was born and bred in Nkandla reserve, KZN, South Africa. I am going to talk about how my life was changed by the Bambisanani Partnership organization at my former school, Mnyakanya High.
My name is Freedom Nduduzo Khanyile, I was born and bred in Nkandla reserve, KZN, South Africa. I am going to talk about how my life was changed by the Bambisanani Partnership organization at my former school, Mnyakanya High.
I transferred to Mnyakanya High School for my grade 9 in 2007; I believe the whole Bambisanani project had begun a year before. I loved sport and I was very fortunate to be selected for the Bambisanani Young Leaders programme.
When the UK Sports Leaders and their teachers visited our school, I could feel that the mood was very different. There was an excitement; the team were so lively and passionate about incorporating sport into the ethos of education. I was really impressed and needed little convincing of the importance of the programme. Little did I know then how much this experience would influence and change my life.
I really enjoyed the approach of challenging the status quo of the type of sports that were being played in my village which are your normal everyday sports like Netball and Soccer. There was little variety but that was all about to change. I participated in soccer but through the Bambisanani Partnership I got the opportunity to learn how to play volleyball which was a completely new challenge me. A volleyball team was established at the school and remarkably we won the regional schools competition. From this we went on to represent the school in the Provincial Championships. This was amazing because a year previously none of really knew what volleyball was! There was a spark within me - the way that we embraced the sport and became victorious gave me an insight into what is possible when you embrace new things and make them yours.
The following year was even double what 2007 was for me in terms of the whole experience of being a young leader. I was challenged to be a good example and not only that but to lead by example as well. This was the core message of the Bambisanani Partnership young leaders’ course. As young leaders at the school we facilitated a range of sporting opportunities for others.
In 2008 we were informed by the Principal that there could be a group of learners who would be going to the UK and that this opportunity was going to be awarded to learners who had done well in the Bambisanani Partnership Young leaders programme, as I am writing this story you can guess I was picked to be part of the first group to visit to the United Kingdom. When they gave us letters to get consent from our parents, I couldn’t believe what my eyes were seeing and what my ears were hearing. I was going to England; first in the family, I was so excited. For months leading up to the trip we had to get our passports and visas sorted. This was a big challenge for us which entailed a lot of road trips from the classroom but we did it!
July 2009 came, and the visit was prepared. It was my first time on an aeroplane, when we connected to Johannesburg from Durban international airport. I was sceptical at first but then I just relaxed because I was not going back. Nothing could have prepared me for the 11-hour trip from Johannesburg to London, Heathrow. When we landed the environment was refreshing, everything was different, signs everywhere, I felt like I visiting another planet. I had never been on a train in my own country however I had the experience of going on the London Underground; my first train ride. Fast forward we arrived in Leeds, and the scenery was amazing. The people were really welcoming. Barely off the train our hosts had arranged for us to be special guests at a Rugby match – Leeds Rhinos v Bradford Bulls. It was a big game and we got a special mention and were introduced to the spectators. The game started at 8pm and finished around 10pm and the sun was still in the sky. We were shocked and amazed at the same time; it was wonderful.
We visited St. Mary’s School and the welcome overflowed with joy; they really had been waiting for us. We had the opportunity to build new relationships, reunite with the team (our friends) that had been in South Africa before.
The culture shift and the way of living may be different from continent to continent but the culture of sports, arts and recreation have a universal language. Through these activities we learned so much and developed great friendships.
We were very excited everyday like pre-schoolers because deep down we knew the experience was a chance of a lifetime which we have grown to cherish and look back on. We had a lot of fun activities in class and outside on the sports field where we jelled in with the St. Mary’s learners and participated together as a collective.
The overall visit was an amazing experience and the welcome we had been given was beyond our expectations and that will always be embedded in our hearts and minds. When we returned home, we were celebrities to say the least and we had many beautiful stories to share with other learners and members of the community.
Quite unbelievably, within weeks of returning home I was nominated by the Bambisanani Partnership and my school as an ‘Outstanding Young Leader’ to represent South Africa in a leadership/volunteer role at the Youth Sport Trust UK Youth Games in Cardiff, Wales. A few weeks later my mother received a call from the Principal to say that her child would be going to the UK again but this time alone. At first my mother was concerned about the fact that no one from the school or the Bambisanani Partnership team would accompany me. I convinced her that this invitation was a great honour and an opportunity not be missed; she eventually gave me her blessings and she even came to the airport to see me off.
The event brought together young leaders from around the world and young athletes from all parts of the UK. The training and preparation were very professional and thorough so that we all knew our roles as volunteers to ensure that the UK School Games were a great success. This was just like back home during our Bambisanani Partnership Sports Leadership training but on a much bigger scale and in a wonderful stadium. I had so much fun. We made friends from all over the world, Brazil, Mozambique the list is endless and everyone was very excited to be there. I even met up with two friends from St. Mary’s School who were also at the Games. For most of the young leaders this was their first time in another country but there was little sense of ‘imposter syndrome’ but rather a great coming together of brothers and sisters from all over the world who met and greeted each other with smiles and acceptance. The Games were a wonderful success on so many levels. The competition was great and the sportsmanship even greater. I had had the good fortune of a very special experience that reinforced to me, yet again, that ‘there is so much more out there’.
One thing certainly leads to another and just before the Easter holidays in 2010, I was selected to represent my school and be one of the key-note speakers on an event that was hosted by the Rural Rigid initiative that looked to acknowledge young people from our rural area. I prepared hard and was very excited to speak in front of hundreds of students and local villagers alike. What I also learned was that the President of South Africa, Jacob Zuma would also be in the audience! My speech centred around the importance of bringing technology to the forefront of the classroom for our rural schools. I look to become a public speaker one day, and be able to touch and impact the lives of others, sharing some of my experiences through my journey whilst being a positive contributor for my community in the world at large. That day sparked this passion in me because even though change may not be instant our words can build bridges where they were not feasible to be built before. Some years later the Bambisanani Partnership and Rotary International would provide our school with the internet and computers that I talked about in my speech.
The Matric year (my final year at school) was hard, but the sacrifice was all worth it and when the exams came around, I was prepared. I was successful in the exams and gained a place at Durban University of Technology. Regrettably, few young people from my community get this opportunity so I was determined to make the most of it.
The Bambisanani Partnership really did give me a head start into this view of being of service to others. Because of the experience, skills and confidence gained through the partnership I found that I was able to converse with people that were different from me in terms background, education or upbringing. As a result of this I was able to gain a much more considerate perspective as to how their views, and opinions may have been different from mine without taking any offence from it. The Bambisanani Partnership really did instil some values in me such as a respect for others. I learned that ‘differences’ don’t necessarily mean that we are opponents or opposites of each other, but rather they create a narrative that we can work on while looking to improve on them with clearer understanding and strengthening our common interests.
I became proactive in creating conversations that would bring about a positive impact, an example of this would be the time I and a few students formed a Peer-to-Peer study group at the university called ‘DotKom’ which assisted first years with computer literature classes outside of their normal schedules (extra classes). This brought about the attention of our IT Department who as a result of our group’s work developed a system to fast-track any student who like myself did not have a vast Computer Literacy background.
Such initiatives were really necessary because over and above the change in context of how a Matric student learns and how a university student learns - some students (especially from rural areas) had never seen a computer system before and setting up a study society really did make a positive impact in their lives and resulted in a more engaged academic year which saw the majority of us progress efficiently with greater understanding to second year and beyond.
Three years on I obtained a Bachelor’s Degree in Information Technology (Software Engineering) and later gained employment in Johannesburg in the IT industry developing software.
I am on a personal mission to use all the knowledge that I have acquired over the years through my profession as a Full-Stack Software developer in the information technology space to support others acquire basic IT skills. Many people, particularly in rural communities like where I grew up, do not have such skills that are so essential now in a digital age. I am very keen to help address this issue and am currently initiating discussions with various media platforms and community groups to take my ideas forward.
My ambition is to one day run my own software development company. This will include but not limited to educating, process improving and development of simple websites, reporting systems and dashboards. There is some way to go and the moment I feel that a business mentor from the sector could help propel me to the next level. I will certainly work hard and be proactive in order to achieve my goals.
In closing I would like to say that the Bambisanani Partnership has had a massive impact on my life and view of the world. I have an ambition to run my own company and also to support and educate others. There is a big world out there and I wish to play my part in it. In the future I would like to be involved in Bambisanani initiatives where I can help and encourage rural children just like me. Long live the Bambisanani Partnership, long live!
From South Africa to Brussels: how the Bambisanani Partnership helped me reach the role of UK Young Ambassador
Sylvia Cullen
Sylvia Cullen
My involvement with the Bambisanani Partnership started in my first year St. Mary’s, Menston when I was inspired by the school’s amazing work in South Africa. This was reinforced by listening to students who had actually been out to South Africa volunteering on the various Bambisanani programmes. Early on in my school career I had the opportunity to get involved in ‘Bambisanani Enterprises’ a student led group that raised funds for the charity. The partnership was a constant throughout my time at St. Mary’s and in the Sixth Form I had the fantastic opportunity to visit South Africa as part of the volunteer team. I have stayed in contact ever since; its influence on my life and on my world view has been quite remarkable.
In October of last year, during my Freshers week at University, I was fortunate enough to be elected a UK Young Ambassador and Britain’s official delegate to the European Youth Forum. The Youth Forum is the meeting place of delegates from all of the Youth Councils across Europe and I get the privilege of voting on behalf of the British Youth Council. Due to it being an independent body and not affiliated with the EU, our place remains secure and hopefully I will be able to spend the rest of my three year term travelling and working in wonderful European cities, rather than visiting them virtually on Zoom!
I have long been interested in Politics and whilst in the Sixth Form I was elected to represent Leeds as a member of the UK Youth Parliament Westminster. During my two year term I spoke in numerous debates on various topics. It was a great honour to be asked to give a presentation about the Bambisanani Partnership to the Digital, Culture, Media and Sport Committee where I presented the Chair with commemorative book about the charity’s work. It has always been clear to me that the work of the partnership is about so much more than the two week visit to South Africa, wonderful though it may be, and during the application process for the UK Young Ambassador role, I realised just how much it has enriched my own life and opportunities.
The leadership skills that you are taught in the lead up to the visit and then develop whilst you are there are timeless and transferable. I have used one amusing example of this in several interview situations. Very few people can give the answer “I had to adapt my sports coaching to work around the cows” when asked for an example of a time that they showed flexibility and leadership! The opportunity to speak publicly about the charity, both within school and out, is fantastic for confidence and public speaking skills, something that I was very grateful for when I was given the chance to speak at the dispatch box in the Houses of Parliament. Most of all, the underlying value that we are strongest when we work together, as seen with the slogan of the Bambisanani Partnership of ‘Working together, Learning together’, is something that I believe to be incredibly special, in our current times more than ever. The Bambisanani Partnership taught me the value of working cohesively and now, as I find myself debating policy positions with delegates from other countries and feeling ever so slightly (!) out of my depth, I realise how lucky I was to get to work with a charity that set me up with so many skills for life.
““Sylvia is a most impressive young women. Her commitment to the partnership started early and has been exceptional. I, like the rest of the Bambisanani team, am absolutely delighted with her achievements but not at all surprised by them. Sylvia is genuinely concerned about social justice and is prepared to take action to make the world a better place. She is an outstanding leader, campaigner and advocate with the ability to motivate and inspire others. Her vision, energy and humanity are an asset to any team and we are delighted that she is still involved with the partnership through our Alumni Group. I am not sure where all this will take her (Education, Law, Politics?) but what I do know is that Sylvia is destined to make a real difference whatever she decides to do in the future.”
David Geldart, Founder and Chair, Bambisanani Partnership””