NEWS
Bambisanani Partnership International Athletics Challenge 2022 continues to raise the bar
The 2nd Annual Bambisanani Partnership International Athletics Challenge, supported by the KwaZulu-Natal Department of Sport and Recreation, brought together 12 primary schools: 6 from rural KwaZulu-Natal in South Africa and 6 from the Leeds/Bradford area of Yorkshire in the UK.
The 2nd Annual Bambisanani Partnership International Athletics Challenge, supported by the KwaZulu-Natal Department of Sport and Recreation, brought together 12 primary schools: 6 from rural KwaZulu-Natal in South Africa and 6 from the Leeds/Bradford area of Yorkshire in the UK.
394 students (aged 9 and 10) participated in a range of six Athletics Challenges in their own schools and then compared performances ‘virtually’ to create competition between the schools. The involvement of 12 schools this year is a significant increase from the 4 involved in the 2021 pilot programme.
The South African schools involved were:
Vumanhlamvu - Nkandla
Makhanyezi - Nkandla
John Wesley - Eshowe
Manyala - Nkandla
Iwangu - Nkandla
Ntolwane - Nkandla
The UK schools involved included:
Sacred Heart - Ilkley
St Joseph’s - Tadcaster
St. Mary’s - Horsforth
Holy Name - Cookridge
Hovingham - Harehills
St. Joseph’s - Pudsey
The Challenge was devised last year in response to various Covid restrictions by the Bambisanani Founder, David Geldart who explained, “The Bambisanani Partnership is about bringing young people together in sport from both countries in order that they can ‘work together and learn together’. Covid made us think more creatively in order to both sustain and develop our work; the virtual Athletic Challenge programme was a great success last year which resulted in more schools being involved this year. We have tried to create a simple and fun programme that reflects the very essence of athletics with an approach that brings relevance for everyone involved regardless of ability. We have provided opportunities for youngsters to compete against themselves and against others, in their own school and between schools, in their own country and internationally. A wide range awards reflect our values with certificates and medals available to learners in all participating schools for excellence, effort, progress and leadership. The Challenge provides multiple opportunities for learners to achieve and succeed; the response from schools, educators and learners has been fantastic and has further raised the bar this year!”
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 events. 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 72% of all learners involved made significant progress over time in at least three different events and were awarded special certificates to recognise this. All schools had their own competitions which created 130 new School Champions with the top three performers in each event receiving a certificate. In addition to this, 25 students were identified as being the best all-round performers across all events, 29 students were recognised as making the most improvement over all events and 25 students were celebrated as Exceptional Leaders for their work during the programme ‘helping, supporting and encouraging others’. Three very exciting 10-person x 40metre relay events (Boys, Girls, Mixed) were also added for the International Competition, making it 15 International titles to be decided. Each school submitted their best three performance in each of the 15 events for the international competition between schools. Inclusive of the relay events, 126 International Competition medals (‘Bronze’, ‘Silver’ and ‘Gold’) were presented to the top three performers/teams in each event.
Mr Agrippa Nxumalo, Headteacher at Makhanyezi Primary School highlighted the significance of the programme in terms of developing the ‘healthy bodies and healthy minds’ of his learners citing improved fitness levels, academic performance (including June Assessment results) and enhanced communication skills.
Mr William Vilakazi, Principal at Vumanhlamvu said, “This is our second year participating in this great competition. It inspires so many learners in so many ways, not just in sports but also in the classroom. With so many opportunities to achieve it helps many learners with their belief and self-esteem. We are also finding learners with real talent in athletics; who knows where this may lead?”
Bambisanani Trustee and teacher at St. Mary’s, Horsforth, Barbara Pounder added, “Connecting children 6,000 miles from each other through running, jumping and throwing is testament to the power of sport philosophy adopted by the Bambisanani Partnership. Providing children with opportunities to connect globally, have fun, learn new skills and experience new feelings of success is one of the greatest contributions that we can make as educators to enhance the human condition.”
David Geldart concluded, “My sincere thanks to all the schools, educators and children involved in this growing event; we have had much to celebrate. Great credit must go to William Vilakazi and Alan Stuart for coordinating everything in South Africa and to Catherine Chattoe and David Farmer for organising things in Yorkshire. Special thanks also the KZN Department of Sport and Recreation for their help and support; we look forward to further partnership work with them in the future. We are already thinking about developing the Challenge further for 2023 and indeed for the Olympic year of 2024, possibly involving even more schools and more countries!”
Results and Award Winners
Bambisanani International Athletics Champions 2022
Girls Events
| 50 metres | 1. Ayanda Ngcobo (Vumanhlamvu) |
| 2. Sinokwethemba Cebekhula (Makhanyezi) | |
| 3. Uyaphila Zulu (Vumanhlamvu) | |
| 200 metres | 1. Amiswa Hadebe (Vumanhlamvu) |
| 2. Enhle Hlongwane (Vumanhlamvu) | |
| 3. Sinothando Maduna (Vumanhlamvu) | |
| Standing Long Jump | 1. Amanda Khuzwayo (John Wesley) |
| 2. Amelia Wood (St. Mary’s) | |
| 3. Amelia Cooper (Holy Name) | |
| Three Hop Jump | 1. Eve Best (St. Mary’s) |
| 2. Julia Ciula (Holy Name) | |
| 3. Alana Lawton (Holy Name) & Allegra Sandova (St. Mary’s) | |
| Tennis Ball Throw | 1. Mnyanda Yandiswa (Vumanhlamvu) |
| 2. Smimanyo Lethiwe (Vumanhlavu)) | |
| 3. Emily Hall (Sacred Heart) | |
| Football Throw | 1. Emily Florence (Sacred Heart) |
| 2. Olivia Middleton (St. Mary’s) | |
| 3. Martha Jones (Sacred Heart) | |
| 400m (10x40m) Relay | 1. St Joseph’s, Tadcaster |
| 2. John Wesley, Eshowe | |
| 3. St. Mary’s, Horsforth |
Boys Events
| 50 metres | 1. Bandile Biyela (Vumanhlamvu) |
| 2. Mhlongo Ayakhula (Makhanyezi)) | |
| 3. Mhlongo Ayakhula (Vumanhlamvu) | |
| 200 metres | 1. Sikhanyiselwe Qwabe (Vumanhlamvu) |
| 2. Mhlongo Ayakhulu (Makhanyezi) | |
| 3. Amukela Maduna (Vumanhlamvu) | |
| Standing Long Jump | 1. Aphelel Sigwaza (John Wesley) |
| 2. Melikhayo Mthiyane (John Wesley) | |
| 3. Jack Jones (St. Joseph’s, Tadcaster) | |
| Three Hop Jump | 1. Jack Kilvington (Holy Name) |
| 2. Malachy Appleyard (Holy Name) & William Ward (St. Mary’s) | |
| Tennis Ball Throw | 1. Sipho Ngcobo (John Wesley) |
| 2. Siqalo Thembe (John Wesley) | |
| 3. Charlie Moss (St. Josephs, Pudsey) | |
| Football Throw | 1. James Armitage (Sacred Heart) |
| 2. Jacob Walker (Holy Name) | |
| 3. Malachy Appleyard (Holy Name) | |
| 400m (10x40m) Relay | 1. St. Josephs, Tadcaster |
| 2. John Wesley, Eshowe | |
| 3. St. Mary’s, Horsforth |
Mixed Event
| 400m (10x40m) Boys and Girls Mixed Relay | 1. St Josephs, Tadcaster |
| 2. John Wesley, Eshowe | |
| 3. St. Mary’s, Horsforth |
School Champions
Wanele Myende, Blessing Jeremani, Lwazi Mbuli, Kuhlekonke, Amanda Khuzwayo, Melikhaya Mthiyane, Aphelele Sigwaza, Asiphe Mthethwa, Sipho Ngcobo, Nolwwazi Mbuli, Siqalo Tembe, Ayanda Ngcobo, Bandile Biyela, Amiswa Hadebe, Sikhanyislwe Qwabe, Nonjabulo Sikhakhane, Aphiwe Khanyile, Mawande Biyela, Siphiwokuhle Bhengu, Yandiswa Mnyandu, Ayabonga Shandu, Aphelele Majozi, Talia Knox-Walker, Willow Noble, Fletcher Mathews, Jack Jones, Kellend Lawford, Leah Fleming, Frances Reidenbaugh, Emily Hall, Emily Florence, Joe Mutton, Ollie Davidson, Florence Hands, Evie Bent, Amelia Dodd, Olivia Middleton, William Ward, Amos Foster, James Conley, Kyla Jacobs-Legister, Faizan Qaisar, Maria Avadani, David Gandal, Orlagh Dean, Zander Norton, Sophia Duffield, Oliver Gill, Amelia Cooper, Ruben Norton, Julia Ciula, Jack Kilvinton, Chase Wilson, Jacob Walker, Emily Turbull, Tom Hurley, Steph Holden, Tom Hurley, Alys Keighley, Shay Godfrey, Charlie Moss, Eliza Horsman, Shay Godfrey, Lwande Mpungose, Nkanyezi Gina, Hlelonkosi Gina, Aphelele Majolica, Smelo Ndlazi, Malwande Mnomiya, Sphephile Khumalo, Ayabonga Ntuli, Ayabonga Mkhize, Nontelthelelo Mthabela, Nsika Majola, Aphele Biyela, Nqubeko Mathenjwa, Abahlenge Biyela, Mthobisi Biyela, Nolwazi Biyela, Ayabonga Biyela, Sbiya Lethokuhle, Dludla Okuhle, Ntombela Siyamthanda, Snqobile Biyela, Mkhize Bonga, Aphelele Biyela, Msawande Biyela
Most improved Athletes
Minenhle Kunene, Sihawukelo Sibiya , Sihanukele Ntomela, Alwande Zulu, Asiphe Mthethwa, Blessing Jeremani, Florence Hands, Amos Foster, Sophie Utley, Jacob Hinchliffe, Emily Florence, Hughie Quinn, Francesca Parlour, Riley Clinnon, Elena Decaro, Finley Appleyard, Connie Scofield, Coby Walton Adams, Thobeka Biyela, Landile Gasa, Isiphile Shandu, Sqalo Ntombela, Nkanyezi Gina, Skhakhane Mnqobi, Sibya Lethokuhle , Nhlalenhle Nzuza, Sanele Mthembu, Dludla Okuhle, Nolwazi Biyela
Best all-round Athletes:
Uyaphila Zulu, Sikanyiselwe Qwabe, Wanele Myende, Siqaio Tembe, Cebekhulu Sinokwethemba, Ayakhula Mhlongo, Evie Bent, James Conley, William Ward, Talia Knox-Walker, Jack Jones, Frances Reidenbaugh, Joe Mutton, Amelia Cooper, Zander Norton, Eliza Horsman, Tom Hurley, Alys Keighley, Charlie Hart, Thobeka Biyela, Mathobisi Biyela, Sqalo Ntombela, Abahlenge Biyela, Aphelele Biyela, Nqubeko Mathenjwa
Outstanding Leaders
Amiswa Hadebe, Sikhanyiselwe Qwabe, Nolwazi Mbuli, Kwandile Gazu, Thembeka Dlamini, Manqoba Majuzi, Ava Quinn, Liam McDermott, Esmee Vince-Morgan, Nathan Munday, Eva Joyce, James Armitage, Ellie Jade, Jack Kilvington, Hannah Whiting, Luke Jackson, Iona Rogers, Charlie Hart, Sindiswa Biyela, Lwandile Gasa, Lungelo Ntombela, Khuzwayo Melokuhle, Siyamthanda Ntombelo, Bonga Mkhize, Ayabonga Biyela,
Bambisanani Partnership Chair to speak at prestigious Association of Commonwealth Universities event
David Geldart, Chair of the multi award winning Bambisanani Partnership has been named as one of the Keynote speakers at the forthcoming Association of Commonwealth Universities (ACU) Summer School to be held at Leeds Trinity University from 31 July – 8 August 2022.
David Geldart, Chair of the multi award winning Bambisanani Partnership has been named as one of the Keynote speakers at the forthcoming Association of Commonwealth Universities (ACU) Summer School to be held at Leeds Trinity University from 31 July – 8 August 2022.
The annual ACU Summer School provides a forum for university students from every corner of the Commonwealth to study and discuss multidisciplinary issues of global importance. This year held in the UK, the Summer School will bring together 40 students from across the Commonwealth to focus on the theme of: Sport and Regeneration: Driving Sustainability, Community and Wellbeing.
David Geldart
David Geldart will speak about The Bambisanani Partnership which has gained international acclaim for its work using the power of sport as a catalyst to promote education, health, global citizenship and leadership in one of South Africa’s most challenging rural areas. Over the past 16 years the Menston based charity has engaged over 10,000 students from South Africa and Leeds, from Primary School to University level, in a wide range of Bambisanani projects, programmes and encounters.
David Geldart said, “I am really looking forward to being involved in this important ACU Summer School; it is a real honour to be invited. The fact that it is being held at Leeds Trinity University is particularly special as the university is a key member and contributor to the Bambisanani Partnership. Hosting this prestigious international event is yet another example of the university being prepared to live its values.”
Professor Charles Egbu, Vice Chancellor at Leeds Trinity University said, “I am delighted that Leeds Trinity University will be hosting the global Association of Commonwealth Universities Summer School in 2022. It is a great opportunity for our students to interact with their peers from institutions across the world to help develop their skills and knowledge. The programme of cultural exchange will feature an exciting line-up of events and speakers. We are looking forward to welcoming all participants to our vibrant campus in Horsforth.”
For more ACU Summer School information see the following two links:
ACU Summer School 2022 Event Page [THE ASSOCIATION OF COMMONWEALTH UNIVERSITIES]
ACU Summer School [THE ASSOCIATION OF COMMONWEALTH UNIVERSITIES]
The 8th Annual Martin Green Memorial Golf Tournament in aid of Cancer Research UK is a great success
The Martin Green Memorial Golf Tournament remembers a remarkable man who whilst a teacher at St. Mary’s School, Menston played an important role in developing the Bambisanani Partnership. The Eighth Annual Tournament was held at East Morton Golf Club, as it always is, and raised £620 for Cancer Research UK. Over the past eight years this event has raised over £10,000 for the charity.
The Martin Green Memorial Golf Tournament remembers a remarkable man who whilst a teacher at St. Mary’s School, Menston played an important role in developing the Bambisanani Partnership. The Eighth Annual Tournament was held at East Morton Golf Club, as it always is, and raised £620 for Cancer Research UK. Over the past eight years this event has raised over £10,000 for the charity.
The day was a great success, marked with glorious weather, tremendous camaraderie, superb hospitality and some excellent golf.
The winner of the 2022 Martin Green Memorial Trophy was Richard Chattoe with an impressive 43 Stableford points. Tom Lamb was a very close runner-up also on 43 points and Wayne Summerscale gained third place with 40 points. The Longest Drive competition was won by Joe Geldart, the Straightest Drive competition by Alan King and the Nearest the Pin challenge by Giles Wilkes.
A delighted Richard Chattoe said, “It’s always a great pleasure to play in the memorial tournament for Martin who was a wonderful colleague and friend of mine during 12 great years at St. Mary’s, Menston. The day is always played and approached with a superb, positive and friendly atmosphere, much like Martin himself! I am sure he would be so pleased and proud of this event and perhaps even some of the golf played. To play well and end up winning this year’s competition is a great bonus for me in what was another wonderful occasion to celebrate and remember Martin.”
It was a wonderful honour to have Martin’s daughter, Jenni, at the event who not only presented all the awards but also played in the tournament winning the special putting prize. Jenni said, “This day is so special; it is wonderful that so many people remember Dad in this way and raise much needed funds for Cancer Research UK in the process. I cannot thank all those involved enough.”
The event was organised by former colleagues of Martin; Alex Smickersgill, Catherine Chattoe and David Geldart. David said, “Massive thanks to everyone that played and supported the event in any way. We are indebted to Fred Heaton, Danny Halligan, Greg Smith, Michelle Hefferen and Mike Gosling for making it such a great occasion. Special thanks also to St. Mary’s School and all the team East Morton Golf Club who always go the extra mile to ensure that this tournament is a tremendous success and celebration. We are already looking forward to next year’s competition!”
All photos with kind permission of Mike Gosling
Vatican honour for Bambisanani Founder
David Geldart, Founder and Chair of The Bambisanani Partnership has been invited to contribute to a landmark Sports Summit at the Vatican in September. The International Summit Sport for All - Cohesive, Accessible and Tailored to each Person, is being held at the Vatican in response to Pope Francis' call on the social, educational and spiritual importance of sport.
David Geldart, Founder and Chair of The Bambisanani Partnership has been invited to contribute to a landmark Sports Summit at the Vatican in September. The International Summit Sport for All - Cohesive, Accessible and Tailored to each Person, is being held at the Vatican in response to Pope Francis' call on the social, educational and spiritual importance of sport.
The Summit will involve major sports and intergovernmental institutions and organizations from around the world, to respond to the Holy Father's calls on the social responsibility of sports and the importance of sports practice as a means of human, educational and spiritual growth.
With over 40 years’ experience in education and sport David’s work has been recognised both nationally and internationally. During a highly distinguished career at St. Mary’s School, Menston he led one of the country’s most successful Sports Colleges. David has held a range of key national strategic roles at the Department of Education, Department of Health and the Department of Media, Culture and Sport. David was appointed by the Secretary of State as a founding member of the Sport England Lottery Panel and subsequently as a board member of Sport England at a period of time that saw transformational changes in national sport from community to elite level and London win the bid to host the 2012 Olympic and Paralympic Games. An experienced presenter and speaker, he has lectured at International Conferences throughout the world on various aspects of education, sport and international development.
David currently leads The Bambisanani Partnership, a multi-award-winning UK based charity that originated as a partnership between St. Mary’s School in Menston, UK and Mnyakanya High School in rural KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa in 2006. Run entirely by volunteers the partnership uses the power of sport as a catalyst to promote education, health, global citizenship and leadership and has gained international acclaim for its work. The partnership now involves many more schools and universities in both the UK and South Africa. Both the University of Leeds and Leeds Trinity University are key members of the partnership. In South Africa the partnership operates in the Nkandla region which is one of most remote and deprived parts of the country. ‘Bambisanani’ is a Zulu word meaning ‘working hand in hand’ which aptly encapsulates the philosophy of the partnership which seeks to provide collaborative learning opportunities for young people in both countries. Over the past sixteen years more than 10,000 young people from the UK and South Africa have participated in a variety of Bambisanani Partnership programmes and projects. “This partnership has developed some of the best international education programmes in the world” – The British Council
During the Summit in Rome, a Declaration will be presented that invites the world of sport to look to the future by embracing three fundamental characteristics: cohesive, accessible and tailored to each person. The first to highlight the need to reduce the gap between grassroots and professional sports, in the belief that the unity of sport is a value to be safeguarded and nurtured. The second to guarantee all people the right to practice sports, regardless of their social conditions (poverty, migration conditions and refugee status, marginality, war, prison detention, etc.). Finally, the third keyword focuses on enabling all people to be able to practice sports, even when they have physical or mental disabilities or psychological hardships.
The Summit provides for the participation by invitation of around 200 people from the world of sports (athletes, coaches, managers), International Sports Federations, and also amateur Sports Associations. Representatives of different Christian denominations and other religions will also be present, as well as non-profit organisations and educational institutions from around the world working for inclusion in society through sport.
At the conclusion of the Summit, in the presence of Pope Francis, participants will be invited to sign the Declaration with a commitment to increasingly promote in their own institutions and sports organizations the social and inclusive dimension of sport. This invitation will ultimately be extended to all sports entities throughout the world.
Speaking about the invitation David Geldart said, “This is a quite remarkable honour, in fact I can’t think of a greater honour. It reflects so well on all the amazing Bambisanani team both here and in South Africa. The Summit and subsequent Declaration will raise the profile of sport and its potential and responsibility to be used as a force for good in the world. This is a unique opportunity to enhance the role of sports in society and produce an action plan to create real social change. It is an enormous privilege to be involved.”
Vatican honour for Bambisanani founder [ILKLEY GAZETTE]
Also see related stories:
The Vatican’s Sport at the Service of Humanity Foundation celebrates the work of the Bambisanani Partnership (01/12/2022)
Two members of the Bambisanani Partnership team involved in Vatican led Global sports initiative (13/12/2021)
Golf tournament in aid of Cancer Research UK remembers Bambisanani stalwart
Details of the upcoming event
Details of the upcoming event
Maurice Green 1935 - 2022
Today we said our final goodbyes at the funeral of Maurice Green who died recently. Maurice and his wife Jean have been great supporters and sponsors of the Bambisanani Partnership from the very onset of the charity’s work in South Africa. Maurice was the father of Bambisanani stalwart, Martin Green who died in 2014.
Today we said our final goodbyes at the funeral of Maurice Green who died recently. Maurice and his wife Jean have been great supporters and sponsors of the Bambisanani Partnership from the very onset of the charity’s work in South Africa. Maurice was the father of Bambisanani stalwart, Martin Green who died in 2014.
David Geldart from the partnership said “Maurice was a wonderful man, full of kindness and humanity, he cared about people and he cared about the world. In his own quiet, humble and unassuming way he made a real difference in so many ways, not least in South Africa with young people that he would never meet. Maurice will be missed by all those who were privileged to know him. Rest in Peace Maurice, you led by example in so many ways and you leave us with this legacy and with so many special memories.”
City Honour for Bambisanani Partnership
The Bambisanani Partnership has been honoured in a prestigious event at Leeds Civic Hall. The annual Leeds Compassionate City Awards celebrate the positive work that individuals, community groups and organisations do every day to make their local communities and the city a great place to live, work and visit.
The Bambisanani Partnership has been honoured in a prestigious event at Leeds Civic Hall. The annual Leeds Compassionate City Awards celebrate the positive work that individuals, community groups and organisations do every day to make their local communities and the city a great place to live, work and visit.
The 2021 Awards Ceremony had been delayed because of Covid-19 and in all there were nine different categories recognised on the rearranged evening. Honoured guests and Civic dignitaries heard opening speeches about the importance of the annual awards from Leader of Leeds City Council, James Lewis, The Lord Mayor of Leeds, Councillor Asghar Khan, Councillor Mary Harland, Executive Member for Communities and Paul Money, Chief Officer for Safer, Stronger Communities.
The Lord Mayor of Leeds, Councillor Asghar Khan
The Bambisanani Partnership was Highly Commended in the Sport Project of the Year category which is sponsored by the Leeds United Foundation. Both Michael Kinsey from the Leeds United Foundation and Councillor Andrew Scopes spoke about the Sport Project Awards. The Bambisanani Partnership was praised for the inspirational ways that it uses the power sport to connect young people in Leeds and South Africa and in particular for the way that it had been determined to develop its work despite the impact of Covid-19. The distinguished guests heard how the partnership had created an International Athletics Challenge which linked schools in both countries digitally for coaching and competitions.
Over the last year, despite all the Covid chaos and disruption, 138 nine and ten year olds from rural South Africa and the Leeds joined together in this unique Bambisanani Partnership International Athletics Challenge. Albeit virtually, the challenge 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 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.
Such has been the enormous success of this innovative programme that more than twenty schools from Leeds and South Africa have already registered to participate in this year’s Bambisanani International Athletics Challenge.
Representing the Bambisanani Partnership on the evening were Catherine Chattoe, Bambisanani Co-ordinator at St. Mary’s, Menston, Barbara Pounder, teacher at St. Mary’s, Horsforth and Bambisanani Trustee and David Farmer, teacher at St. Joseph’s Pudsey and Bambisanani Primary lead.
Speaking on behalf of the charity Catherine Chattoe said, “It was absolutely fantastic to hear about so many wonderful projects and meet some of the remarkable people involved. To be even short listed for this occasion is a great achievement but to actually receive an award is an amazing honour which reflects so well on all the team involved in Bambisanani projects both here in Leeds and in South Africa. Massive thanks must go to all those involved in involved our International Athletics Challenge particularly the pupils and staff at St. Josephs Pudsey, St. Mary’s Horsforth and in South Africa, John Wesley Primary School in Eshowe and Vumanhlamvu Primary School in Nkandla. Thank you also to all those involved at Leeds City Council and the Leeds United Foundation for your tremendous support; these awards are very special and say so much about the great city of Leeds and our values.”
David Geldart, Founder and Chair of The Bambisanani Partnership added,” There is something very special, if not unique, about the power of sport to bring people together. Leeds has a fantastic sporting tradition and is highly committed to all levels of sport throughout the city so there was never going to be any shortage of great projects nominated for these prestigious awards. There is also of course a very powerful bond between the city of Leeds and South Africa so we are very proud to contribute to this special relationship through the work of the partnership.”
Over the past 15 years, under the banner of ‘working together and learning together’, the Bambisanani Partnership has engaged over 10,000 young people from both countries in a wide range of sports-based projects and programmes which aim to promote education, health, global citizenship and leadership.
Charity connecting pupils from Leeds and South Africa [WHARFEDALE OBSERVER]
Also see related news stories:
Happy St. Patrick’s Day 2022 from all at the Bambisanani Partnership
May the strength of God pilot us,
May the wisdom of God instruct us,
May the hand of God protect us,
May the Salvation, O Lord, be always ours,
this day and for evermore,
Amen.
– St. Patrick
May the strength
of God pilot us,
May the wisdom
of God instruct us,
May the hand
of God protect us,
May the Salvation,
O Lord, be always ours,
this day and for evermore,
Amen.
–St. Patrick
Mnyakanya School celebrates best exam results ever!
Students jumped for joy on receiving the best ever Matriculation exam results at Mnyakanya School in rural KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa. Together with St. Mary’s, Menston, Mnyakanya School helped found the multi-award winning Bambisanani Partnership in 2006.
Students jumped for joy on receiving the best ever Matriculation exam results at Mnyakanya School in rural KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa. Together with St. Mary’s, Menston, Mnyakanya School helped found the multi-award winning Bambisanani Partnership in 2006.
Last year 72% of students passed the Matriculation exam, which was the best to date. This year, a remarkable 86% of students gained a pass.
The national Matric exam is based on Grade 12 students having to gain passes across a wide range of individual subjects. Of 97 students, 40 obtained a ‘Bachelor Pass’ which is the entry required for university. 28 students achieved a ‘Diploma Pass’ which is the entry requirement for Technical Colleges and 13 students gained the ‘Higher Certificate’ which can provide access to Vocational Colleges.
Mnyakanya is situated in one of the country’s most challenging rural regions with high levels of deprivation, unemployment and health issues. Life is tough at the best of times but the last two years has been particularly difficult with all that Covid has brought. Add to this, issues with both water and electricity supply and a period of civil disruption, then the results are even more amazing. Teachers at the school have provided many extra lessons after school, evenings and at weekends to help students prepare for the exams. This is even more remarkable when considering many of the students walk two hours to and from school each day.
Mrs Pk Zondi, Bambisanani Partnership coordinator at Mnyakanaya, reported ‘great excitement’ when the results were announced with community members rushing to the school to join the celebrations with singing and dancing. Many officials from the Municipality and Department of Education have subsequently visited the school to pass on their congratulations.
““We would not be in this position without the support of the Bambisanani Partnership and in particular St. Mary’s School, Leeds Trinity University and the University of Leeds. The partnership has been with us at our most challenging of times. The growing success of the school has led to a 40% increase in students wishing to attend and this despite having to walk long distances to do so. We would like to thank all those who have contributed to creating a better future for our young people.””
“We are overwhelmed with the results. This is great achievement and progress when you look at the challenges of recent years.””
““I simply cannot praise the educators and learners at Mnyakanya enough; in every sense they continue to go the extra mile. Their determination to succeed is genuinely inspirational. As a partnership our charity now works with primary schools, secondary schools, colleges and universities in both the UK and South Africa. Our work is about helping young people in both countries achieve their potential. Mnyakanya School provides an oasis of hope for young people; all those involved in our partnership will gain strength from these remarkable and thoroughly deserved results which have been achieved with limited material resources. Despite the challenges, we sincerely hope that as many students as possible will be able to continue their education. The partnership will continue to work with the school and others to provide bursaries for further and higher education where possible. My personal thanks must go to the Principal, Mr Siyabonga Ngubane and Mrs Pk Zondi for their vision and commitment to both their young people and the partnership; their leadership is changing the lives of so many young people through the power of education, sport and partnership. Massive congratulations to all at Mnyakanya!””
Mnyakanya School in Nkandla achieves highest matric results ever [ZULULAND OBSERVER]