NEWS
Bambisanani Awards continue to inspire
The annual Bambisanani Awards are always a cause of great interest and excitement as they continue to recognise, reward and inspire young people in South Africa and the UK.
The annual Bambisanani Awards are always a cause of great interest and excitement as they continue to recognise, reward and inspire young people in South Africa and the UK.
At Vumanhlamvu Primary School, 3 Bambisanani Awards were presented in memory of Jordan Sinnott:
The Sports Leader of the Year was named as Philani Shezi, the football team captain for 2023
"I would like to thank the Bambisanani Partnership, my school and the Sinnott family for giving me this opportunity to participate in sports and show my leadership. I am so very happy to be announced as a winner of this big award. I thank the Bambisanani Partnership for donating sports equipment."
Sportswomen of the Year was Silindokuhle Mvela who was 100 meters District Champion in Athletics in 2023.
"The Bambisanani Athletics programme in our school has helped me to be a winner and to represent Nkandla at District level. Thank you, Bambisanani Partnership, for introducing the Athletics Challenge and donating equipment which has helped us a lot. I am very proud to lift the trophy in memory of Jordan.”
Sportsman of the Year was Simphilele Ngonyama who was the top goal scorer in the local Schools Football Tournament in 2023.
"l would like to thank my school and the Bambisanani partnership for the beautiful programme which has helped us to improve not only in sports but in our other school subjects as well. I am honoured to raise the Jordan Sinnott Award for Sportsman of the Year; I am inspired to do more.”
William Vilakazi, Principal of Vumanhlamvu remarked, "Having Jordan Sinnott Awards in our school inspires learners. The awards help learners from a young age to develop not only sporting skills but also the social skills to work with their teammates, make new friends and learn how rewarding it is to participate in team sports. It has also improved self-esteem of most learners in our school, learners are hungry to succeed in all sports activities in order to lift these prestigious awards. We thank the Sinnott family and we were so sorry to hear recently of the passing of Jordan’s Mum, Melanie, who was a great supporter of the Bambisanani Partnership and of our school; May she Rest in Peace with Jordan.”
At Mnyakanya High School, 8 Awards were presented to learners by Miss Charlotte Wood from St. Mary’s during the recent visit to South Africa by student volunteers:
Laurie McCauley Most Improved Footballer Award: Velani Mtshali
Laurie McCauley Creative Writing Award: Athandile Gumede
Helping Others Achieve Their Potential Award: Uyabusa Mvubu
True Spirit of Sport Award: Nombulelo Shangase
Sbonelo Magwaza Outstanding Leadership Award: Bayanda Gcaba
Sportswoman of the Year Award: Seluleko Nzuza
Sportsman of the Year Award: Luthando Mnqayi
The Sbonelo Magwaza Award for Outstanding leadership: Anna Ciesluk
A Sbonelo Magwaza Outstanding Leadership Award is also presented at St. Mary’s, Menston to a student volunteer from the school who has shown exceptional leadership in South Africa. Speaking at an Awards Ceremony Miss Charlotte Wood said, “I would just like to say that Mr Harvey, Mrs. Chattoe and I were and still are super proud of all of the St. Mary’s students who worked out in South Africa in July 2023. Whilst working on the project, the Bambisanani team are asked to nominate a student for this award. The team are looking for someone who has demonstrated an outstanding commitment to the work of the partnership. The recipient of this award knew they wanted to be involved in the work of The Bambisanani Partnership when they joined St. Mary’s in Year 7, and upon hearing they had a place on the visit, this student did everything they could to make sure they were fully prepared for their work in South Africa and were adamant they would do what it takes to get the best out of it. The winner of this award is very special. They truly encompass everything that the partnership is about. Compassion, Service Kindness. In the final blog of the visit, Mr. Harvey said this person was born to lead, always the first to volunteer, chatted with everyone an couldn’t be phased by any challenge. She is an exceptional young person. I am delighted to award The Sbonelo Magwaza Award for Outstanding leadership to Anna Ciesluk.”
The Heather Read Award for Outstanding Resilience goes to Ntuli Samkelisiwe
It was a great honour this year to unveil and introduce a completely new annual award at Mnyakanya School: The Heather Read Award for Outstanding Resilience. At the presentation ceremony Mrs Catherine Chattoe, Bambisanani Coordinator at St. Mary’s visiting South Africa said:
“Heather Read loved the Bambisanani Partnership and was a great supporter of the charity. The Bambisanani Partnership has a longstanding special relationship with Rotarians in the UK, South Africa and internationally and Heather was instrumental in so many of our joint projects that have transformed young people’s lives in South Africa. Heather was the first female President of the UK’s Aireborough Rotary Club in its history of more than 60 years. Heather was a volunteer at a charity shop for a cancer Hospice. She was a vice principal at a special school. A church warden at St Peter’s Parish Church in Rawdon. A school governor at St Peter’s Church of England Primary. She was also a Community Ambassador for a local cancer charity. Heather Read was ground breaking in her election as president, she challenged the rules of the society, she paved the way and made the society more responsive and inclusive. She showed compassion to everyone she met. She was the corner stone of her family and a support to all her friends. She spent her whole career teaching children and young adults who found life challenging. She helped people become the best that they could be.
The recipient of this award has, successfully coped with difficult or challenging life experiences. Shown mental and emotional strength when faced with problems, proved to be a good friend and team member, acting with compassion and understanding. This person always has a positive outlook. The Heather Read Award for Outstanding Resilience goes to Ntuli Samkelisiwe”
Additionally, at Mnyakanya three Bambisanani Awards were presented to educators, Mr SV Nugubane, Mrs PK Zondi and Miss M Langa for their outstanding contribution to the partnership.
Three Bambisanani Awards were also presented for Ntolwane Primary School:
Sportswomen of the Year Award: Luyanda Magwaza
Sportsman of the Year Award: Thobani Mhlongo
Sports Leader of the Year Award: Samkelisiwi Geada
Mr Moses Xulu, Bambisanani Coordinator at Ntolwane said, “I wish to highlight the importance of Bambisanani Awards in our school. Bambisanani Awards at Ntolwane play a pivotal role in ensuring that our learners do participate in a wide range of sporting activities. In short, the awards are a motivator and encourager to all participants who love sports; at Ntolwane they have created more interest in sports which benefits the entire curriculum."
David Geldart from the partnership said, “Congratulations to all the recipients of this year’s awards. Many thanks also to the teachers in all of our schools that continue to provide learners with the opportunities, encouragement and support that enables them to shine and to be recognised. Special thanks to Monsignor Vladimir Felzmann (Father Vlad) for his tremendous support with these awards. We remember especially at this time the awards in memory of Laurie McCauley, Sbonelo Magwaza, Jordan Sinnott and Heather Read; we know that these awards, that motivate and inspire others, bring strength and comfort to their families. What we also know is that many students already have an eye to the awards in 2024!”
Published: 21/12/2023
Charity leader praises work of volunteers in South Africa
Following a break of three years due to Covid 19 restrictions, 2023 has proved to be a remarkable year of volunteering in South Africa for the Bambisanani Partnership.
Following a break of three years due to Covid 19 restrictions, 2023 has proved to be a remarkable year of volunteering in South Africa for the Bambisanani Partnership.
41 students together with 11 members of staff from St. Mary’s School, Menston, University of Leeds, Leeds Trinity University and Newcastle College spent more than three months in South Africa delivering Bambisanani programmes using sport to promote education, health, global citizenship and leadership in one the countries most deprived and challenging areas. In four separate coordinated visits the volunteers worked with 3,631 South African students from 33 different schools of which 17 were new partner institutions. 3,151 students from primary and secondary schools were involved in sports festivals and coaching activities and 1,135 children experienced Bambisanani Leadership through Sport programmes.
David Geldart, CEO and Founder of the partnership said, “I have nothing but praise for the remarkable students and staff from St. Mary’s, Menston, The University of Leeds, Leeds Trinity University and Newcastle College for their outstanding work in not only reintroducing volunteer student visits to South Africa after Covid but also for having such an enormous impact in doing so. Our work puts great store in creating learning opportunities for young people from both countries; Europeans and Africans ‘working together and learning together’ in a spirit of Ubuntu. All four institutions worked extremely hard with the local communities involved to establish what was needed on the ground then worked tirelessly in partnership to extend existing programmes and indeed to introduce new ones. These are four institutions that are prepared to ‘live their values’ in terms of Global Learning. They are helping to pioneer exceptionally powerful learning opportunities for young people in both countries. This work is far from easy. Despite the considerable challenges and hard work involved they are committed to ‘real education’ that is enabling young people to take a broader view of the world and their place in it. By any standard this is phenomenal educating that is helping to make the world a better place. Massive thanks to our wonderful team from South Africa and the UK for making all this happen and making a difference.”
The work of the partnership has been highlighted at conferences throughout the world, most recently at the Global Sport for All Summit held at the Vatican and at the International Olympic Academy in Ancient Olympia. The Bambisanani Partnership was named as International Sport and Physical Education Charity of the Year 2023.
Also see related:
St. Mary’s School raise the bar with two remarkable visits to South Africa this year (14/11/2023)
University of Leeds Gryphons Abroad programme engages over 2,000 children in South Africa (22/09/2023)
Newcastle College joins the Bambisanani Partnership with pioneering work in South Africa (01/09/2023)
Award for KZN Cycling
It is a great pleasure to announce that one of the Bambisanani Partnership’s major partners in South Africa - KZN Cycling - has recently won the prestigious Sports Federation of the Year Award at the annual KwaZulu-Natal Sports Awards.
It is a great pleasure to announce that one of the Bambisanani Partnership’s major partners in South Africa - KZN Cycling - has recently won the prestigious Sports Federation of the Year Award at the annual KwaZulu-Natal Sports Awards.
Alec Lenferna, CEO of KZN Cycling second from the right
We have worked very closely with Alec Lenferna, CEO of KZN Cycling, over the past few years to establish a pioneering cycling project that will see us teach 5000 young people a year from the most deprived rural areas how to ride and maintain bikes.
There was further success on the evening for KZN Cycling with elite cyclist Miles Liebenberg winning the Junior Sportsman of the Tear Award. A rising star of international cycling, Miles was a Gold Medallist at this year’s Youth Commonwealth Games.
David Geldart from the partnership said “Alec and his amazing team deserve great credit for their exceptional work and this award is fitting recognition. From grassroots level, working with some of the most marginalised young people in the country, through to elite level they have developed a comprehensive pathway of opportunities and provision that is exceptional. “
St. Mary’s School raise the bar with two remarkable visits to South Africa this year
St. Mary’s School, Menston have made two visits to South Africa this year involving 25 students as part of the Bambisanani Partnership.
St. Mary’s School, Menston have made two visits to South Africa this year involving 25 students as part of the Bambisanani Partnership.
A group of fifteen Year 12 students and four staff, Catherine Chattoe, Charlotte Wood, Matt Harvey and David Farmer, Deputy Headteacher from St. Josephs Primary School in Pudsey, made the first visit to rural KwaZulu-Natal. The St. Mary’s student volunteers were Sean Billington, Joe Brooks, Ruby Grant, Oscar Thorning, Florence Greenhalgh, Lily Durkan, Andrew Diamond, Amy McIlroy, Carys Delahy, Freddie Falkingham, Katie Newman, Tess Yeardley, Ben Fletcher, Eleanor Rock and Louie Dooling.
The St. Mary’s team headed straight to Mnyakanya High School which was responsible for founding the Bambisanani Partnership back in 2006 with St. Mary’s. A very special relationship exists between these two schools and following a three-year break in annual visits due to Covid restrictions the team received the warmest of Zulu welcomes with a considerable amount of singing and dancing.
The St. Mary’s students, together with support from students from Eshowe High School, delivered the Bambisanani Sports Leadership Programme to 30 students from Mnyakanya. In between delivering the sports leadership programme the St. Mary's students delivered curriculum lessons including Maths, Biology, Geography and Chemistry.
The work at Mnyakanya High School culminated with students from all three High Schools working together to plan, organise and deliver both a Sports and a Reading Festival to students of Ntolwane Primary School. 60 students enjoyed a morning of rounders, tennis and netball led by the Mnyakanya Sports Leaders. Sean Billington praised the newly qualified Sports Leaders from Mnyakanya: "We felt like proud parents watching them lead the festival, our work with the leaders had been successful and the field was full of enthusiasm."
After the morning of sport, the students were split into small groups and participated in a Reading Festival. The students enjoyed reading and discussing story books together. Literacy has been identified as a key focus area in the region.
In addition to the work at Mnyakanya High School the team brought some new ‘firsts’ for the Bambisanani Partnership. On a sunny but windy Monday morning the team travelled to rural Nkandla where they organised an Athletics Festival for 11 local primary schools. Impressive times and distances stunned the UK student leaders given that South African learners were barefooted and running on difficult terrain. The festival was such a success that it will now become an annual event with primary schools back in Yorkshire also participating in a parallel festival that will connect schools in both countries.
No St. Mary’s visit to KwaZulu-Natal would be complete without spending some time the Doremi Daycare Centre where the student volunteers worked with the kindergarten learners on sports, literacy and singing. A wonderful time was had by all with the St. Mary’s students also getting the opportunity to meet the inspirational and incomparable Mrs Popi Buthelezi who runs the centre.
The second St. Mary’s volunteer visit to South Africa involved ten Year 13 students: Rory Southern, Iggy Burrows, Charlotte Rawstron, Anna Ciesluk, Hannah Byrne, Daniel Sykes, Rebecca Shaw, Ruby Adcock, Lucy Charlton and Reya Wilks. The group began their work at the remarkable the Doremi Daycare Centre for orphans and vulnerable children. In addition to sports, reading and singing activities the group organised a Bear Hunt and Teddy Bears picnic.
They went on to spend three days at Mnyakanya High School training another group of 30 Sports Leaders. This again culminated in both Sports and Reading Festivals being provided for local primary school children. This was a wonderful success with Mnyakanya students being praised highly for their ‘exceptional leadership skills’ in delivering the festival. In a celebration event, student leaders from both countries were congratulated on their collaborative work and were encouraged to develop their leadership potential further.
A great highlight of this visit for everyone involved was another ‘first’ for the Bambisanani Partnership: a visit to Thembimfundo Special School for children with a wide range of different disabilities. The team ran the school’s first ever Sports Day for the children, which included activities such as dancing, high jump and netball. Teacher Charlotte Wood said, “It was moving, rewarding and insightful to see how positively the children responded to the various activities. The parachute games were a particular success where they joy on their faces was a sight that will never be forgotten.”
Mr Dlamini,the Principal of Thembimfundo Special School said,
“I really couldn’t believe what I was seeing. The excitement, the smiling faces and participation of all our children with different life challenges in the activities conducted by Bambisanani team was amazing. This left us with a lesson that we need to improve the element of inclusivity to make all our children to be happy in the school. I’m was surprised to see that all our children understand instructions when entertainment is involved. Mr Harvey and his team taught us different strategies to deal with challenges of different learners so that all of them feel important.”
Such was the impact of the visit to Thembimfundo on all concerned that the Bambisanani Partnership charity will now work hard with the school community to develop a more permanent and sustainable link.
Whilst in South Africa the St. Mary’s team presented a range of Bambisanani Annual Awards at both Mnyakanya High School and Ntolwane Primary School:
Mnyakanya High School
Laurie McCauley Most Improved Footballer Award: Velani Mtshali, Laurie McCauley Creative Writing Award: Athandile Gumede, Helping Others Achieve Their Potential Award: Uyabusa Mvubu, True Spirit of Sport Award: Nombulelo Shangase, Sbonelo Magwaza Outstanding Leadership Award: Bayanda Gcaba, Sportswoman of the Year Award: Seluleko Nzuza, Sportsman of the Year Award: Luthando Mngavi, Heather Read Award: Samkelisiwi Ntuli, Ntolwane Primary School, Sportswoman of the Year Award: Luyanda Magwaza, Sportsman of the Year Award: Thobani Mhlongo, Sports Leader of the Year Award: Samkelisiwi Geada
Ntolwane Primary School
Sportswomen of the Year Award: Luyanda Magwaza, Sportsman of the Year Award: Thobani Mhlongo, Sports Leader of the Year Award: Samkelisiwi Geada
Three educators from Mnyakanya School were honoured with The Bambisanani Partnership Award for their Outstanding contribution to the partnership: Mr SV Nugubane, Mrs PK Zondi and Miss Langa
Speaking about both visits to South Africa, St. Mary’s teacher Matt Harvey said, “Yet again we have blown away by the amazing educational possibilities that the Bambisanani Partnership offers young people in both countries. The work of both groups of students from St. Mary’s has been superb this year. Nothing was ever too much trouble and every challenge was dealt with utter professionalism. These students really do have a good understanding of Ubuntu (‘I am because you are’) which will hopefully serve them well for the rest of their lives.”
The visits had a significant impact on students from both countries:
“I heard about this programme before I came to Mnyakanya School. Meeting the UK team was very exciting and brought a huge change of my life for the better. I liked the way they appreciated each and every one of us as young people to make us feel recognised for every effort we made. They developed a positive self-esteem for each and every individual. I will therefore take my positive self-esteem back to my school work and to all school and social activities. They were all friendly, approachable and never looked at the negative side of anything. I liked this approach and I wish to practise to be that kind of a person. I miss them a lot.” Noxolo Ngobese
“We had a precious time with the UK groups. I never thought that my interaction with them would change my life like this. Sharing our life experiences with people from another part of the world made me feel as if a new page of my life was opening. I felt important in my school and in my community as if I was a famous person. The activities that we were engaged on made us to become one group with a common understanding.” Simphiwe Mbambo
“I can’t believe I have a friend overseas. That makes me feel important. I was very proud to be recognised as an outstanding young leader. I hope that I will be a good future leader.” Bayanda,Gcaba
“Volunteering in South Africa allowed a deeper cultural experience. It has introduced me to new customs, traditions, languages and ways of life. This experience broadened my understanding of the world and challenged preconceived ideas. One of the most rewarding aspects of volunteering in South Africa was the chance to directly engage with local institutions like Mnyakanya High School and Doremi Day Care Centre. I built unforgettable relationships with a number of people and learned from their resilience and resourcefulness. Working at Doremi provided valuable opportunities for personal growth and learning. I developed patience, empathy and the ability to adapt to different situations. I learnt to prioritise the needs of others and become more compassionate and understanding, these skills extended beyond the Day Care Centre and will positively affect other areas of my life. The Bambisanani Leadership Programme is not just a one-time experience but rather a catalyst for ongoing learning and growth, it will inspire participants to continue seeking opportunities for personal growth.” Amy McIlroy
“I gained so much from the experience. My leadership skills have improved massively. My ability to overcome challenges became progressively better throughout the experience. Overall, if given the opportunity again, I would take it in a heartbeat. Hopefully in the future I will go back to south Africa as I fell in love with the country and its people.” Freddie Falkingham
“Being a part of The Bambisanani Partnership has been one of the best experiences of my life and the people I have met have taught me so much about resilience and hope.” Eleanor Rock
Mrs Pk Zondi, Bambisanani Coordinator at Mnyakanya added:
“All the students who participated in the Bambisanani young leadership training are showing a great enthusiasm and self-confidence. They had their first experience in communicating with people from another part of the world; their horizons have changed. They show a strong willingness to practise their leadership skills. The visit of the four different UK groups in South Africa this year had a positive impact in the lives of many. The visits had a remarkable impact on the Mnyakanya students who were part of the various programme. They became very active after their training. They work closer to their teachers, showing self-confidence and willingness to initiate new programmes in the school. We as a school have a great confidence and hope to these young people. We hope that their experience in Bambisanani will change their lives forever. At Thembimfundo Special school the UK team led by Matt Harvey left the teachers and the principal of the school speechless, when they saw their challenged students, who were known to be inactive, becoming active, dancing, and showing understanding of instructions given to them. The smiles and excitement on their faces was a surprise to many. The Bambisanani team brought hope to those thought hopeless. Thembimfundo children were so excited to see themselves participating in different games, like everyone else.”
The principal of Mnyakanya High School, Mr SV Ngubane, is relatively new to the school and experienced the Bambisanani visits programme for the first time:
“I was so surprised to see the impact that the Bambisanani Partnership had on our young people in such a short time. The excitement in the faces of our students clearly told me that this programme is doing something in their minds. The sorrow and tears in their eyes when their UK friends left them to go home deeply touched me. This helped me fully understand how they enjoyed the programme and how quickly this programme changed their mindset and their behaviour. I wish that the Bambisanani Partnership may continue to change the lives of young people in both countries for the better.”
David Geldart, CEO and Founder of the partnership said, “The teachers and students from St. Marys never cease to amaze and inspire me. Their two fantastic visits have raised the bar in terms of both impact and future expectations. This is remarkable work that is educating young people from very different parts of the world that they are part of the same world. Here we see the power of sport and education bringing people together and transforming their world view. This is real education that positively changes lives.”
Published: 14/11/2023
Olympic honour for the Bambisanani Partnership
David Geldart, Founder and CEO of the Bambisanani Partnership was recently invited to speak at the International Olympic Academy in Olympia, Greece.
David Geldart, Founder and CEO of the Bambisanani Partnership was recently invited to speak at the International Olympic Academy in Olympia, Greece.
David Geldart (centre) Professor Jan Tolleneer K.U.Leuven University, Belgium, (left) Ms Dionysia Giannara, International Olympic Academy (right) with some of the Postgraduate students on the course.
The Bambisanani Partnership is a multi-award-winning charity that has gained international acclaim for its work using sport to positively change lives in one of South Africa’s most deprived and challenging rural areas.
The International Olympic Academy (IOA) is the main educational and cultural institution of the International Olympic Committee. Established in 1961, The IOA is located near the archaeological site of Ancient Olympia and aims at studying, enriching and promoting Olympism and its values in relevance with current issues of Olympic interest and in conformity with the principles laid down by both the ancient Greeks and the revivers of the contemporary Olympic Movement.
“The Academy lays the intellectual foundation for preserving our heritage and the Olympic Spirit to inspire the next generation of leaders in sport and society.” Thomas Bach, President of the International Olympic Committee
The goal of the Olympic Movement is to contribute to building a peaceful and better world by educating youth through sport practised in accordance with Olympism and it values. Olympism is a philosophy of life which places sport at the service of humanity. This philosophy is expressed through actions that connect sport to education and culture. The three values of Olympism are excellence (striving to be the best that you can be), friendship and respect. The constitute the foundation on which the Olympic Movement builds its activities to promote sport, culture and education with a view to building a better world. The fundamental principles of Olympism are applicable to sport and everyday life.
Pierre de Coubertin, who founded the modern Olympic Games in 1896, had always envisaged an institution for Olympic Education, promoting Olympism as a way of life, integrating Olympic Values into modern societies worldwide. Coubertin believed that it was necessary to internationalise sport as a vehicle for World Peace, Democracy and Mental and Physical Well-being.
At the Global Sport for All Summit held at the Vatican in 2022, Thomas Bach described the work of the Bambisanani Partnership as ‘an outstanding example of Olympism in action’.
David Geldart: At the IOA Conference Centre with the statue of Pierre de Coubertin.
David Geldart spoke at the prestigious IOA 30th International Seminar on Olympic Studies for Postgraduate Students regarding the work of the Bambisanani Partnership in South Africa contributing to the main theme of ‘Innovating Physical Education and Olympic values education to build a better world’. The three-week programme attracted a multicultural body of international Masters and PhD students who wish to enrich their knowledge on Olympic and sports subjects as well to expand their research on related topics.
The presentation was very well received and David was clearly delighted with the whole experience: “I have long wanted to visit the site of the Ancient Olympics and visit the world leading International Olympic Academy. It was therefore a great honour to receive an invitation to speak at such a prestigious event. To visit the spiritual home of both the Ancient and Modern Olympics was a real ‘pilgrimage’ for me and something that I will never forget. The heart of Pierre de Coubertin is buried in a monument at this most remarkable site of Olympic learning and at the start of each course students and tutors lay a wreath at the monument in his honour. The event is as moving as it is inspirational. It is always a privilege to meet students from around the world who are interested in our work. A key aim of this programme is that students not only study Olympism in an academic context but also that they go on to put ideas into action thus developing Olympic values and virtues globally. These are the international sports and physical education leaders of the future: they will carry the Olympism torch forward. Long may the vitally important work of the International Olympic Academy continue.”
Aerial view of the International Olympic Academy – note top left: running track of the Ancient Olympics. Photo courtesy of the International Olympic Academy. All rights reserved.
David added, “There is something very special, if not unique, about the power of sport and physical education when they are driven by positive values and good people. It is essential that these positive values prevail over more negative traits that are all too prevalent in sport today. Positive values can lead to positive virtues that enrich the lives of individuals and communities alike. Every teaching or coaching session is an opportunity to create the environment and encounters to promote values education and positive experiences for all involved. When we put this into an international context, as we do with the Bambisanani Partnership, the evidence is clear that the possibilities are endless. Olympism offers both a philosophy and a framework for all those involved in physical education and sport - what a wonderful challenge (and responsibility) this is - the opportunity to positively shape young lives and create a better world.”
Over the past 17 years, more than 15,000 young people from South Africa and the UK have engaged in the pioneering programmes and projects of the Bambisanani Partnership that use sport to promote education, health, global citizenship and leadership. Earlier this year the partnership was named as International Sport and Physical Education Charity of the Year.
Pot depicting athletes from the Ancient Olympics which took place circa 776 BC to 393 AD.
Coubertin Grove with Coubertin Monument honouring the man who revived the forgotten Olympic Games.
Steps within the IOC grounds outlining the Olympic values.
Published: 17/10/2023
Olympic honour for Menston based Bambisanani Partnership [WHARFEDALE OBSERVER]
You might also be interested in:
1. Conferences, Programmes and Courses are run throughout the year by International Olympic Academy; Core Programmes include:
Master’s Degree Programme in “Olympic Studies, Olympic Education, Organization and Management of Olympic Events”
International Seminar on Olympic Studies for Postgraduate Students
International Session for Young Olympic Ambassadors
International Session for National Olympic Association’s and National Olympic Committee’s delegates
International Session for Educators of Higher Institutes of Physical Education
International Session for Olympic Medallists and Olympians
International Session for Sport Journalists
For further information see IOA website: https://www.ioa.org.gr
2. The International Olympic Committee has created the Olympic Values Education Programme (OVEP) for children and young people. The programme is a series of free and accessible teaching resources which is based on the Olympic philosophy that learning takes place through the balanced development of body and mind. Adopting the Olympic values of Excellence, Respect and Friendship means striving for these in all fields of life. The OVEP programme is based on these cornerstones; using the universality of sport to support delivery of the curriculum inside and outside of the classroom. Participants are encouraged to experience values-based learning and to assume the responsibilities of good citizenship. OVEP communicates the long-term benefits of sport and physical activity through an understanding of Olympism and its impact on individual health, enjoyment and social interaction. The OVEP Toolkit provides a set of FREE TEACHING RESOURCES designed to enrich any educational curriculum with Olympic-themed activities, teaching strategies and inspirational materials. Other resources include the ‘Sports Values in Every Classroom’ framework for teaching transferable life skills to 8-12-year-olds, in any subject area.
For further information see OVEP webpage: https://olympics.com/ioc/education/olympic-values-education-programme
University of Leeds Gryphons Abroad programme engages over 2,000 children in South Africa
A team of staff and students from the University of Leeds & Leeds Trinity University have just returned from South Africa, following the successful completion of a four-week sport development project. The Gryphons Abroad programme sees staff and students deployed to deliver cycling, sport and leadership in schools in the Nkandla region.
A team of staff and students from the University of Leeds & Leeds Trinity University have just returned from South Africa, following the successful completion of a four-week sport development project. The Gryphons Abroad programme sees staff and students deployed to deliver cycling, sport and leadership in schools in the Nkandla region.
Empowering youth through cycling initiatives
Through partnership work with KZN Cycling and the Bambisanani Partnership the team successfully engaged over 2000 young people. The project consisted of two key elements: cycling and sports leadership. KZN Cycling run clinics in schools in the region year-round via a permanent ‘cycling hub’ positioned in the heart of the rural communities. Mzamo Khoza, now a a cycling development officer for KZN Cycling, is a former pupil of Mnyakanya High School who undertook a cycling course led by University of Leeds staff and students back in 2016.
Mzamo Khoza, Cycling Development Coordinator for KZN Cycling commented:
“Working alongside the team was more than amazing because everyone was so focused on the task in hand whilst also having fun together in the process.”
Four weeks were spent teaching cycling in seven primary and secondary schools. Children were taught the basics of balancing and steering before progressing to pedaling. Whilst more experienced riders worked on their handling and control to prepare them for road cycling and races. Students also taught basic bike maintenance to all pupils.
The fourth week was spent delivering a sport & leadership festival for four primary schools in the township of Eshowe. The festival, hosted at Gratton College saw 150 grade 7’s from multiple primary schools come together to participate in a range of sessions. Leeds students delivered leadership sessions culminating in pupils designing and delivering their own games and activities for their peers. A first experience of leadership for many. Alongside this they participated in sports including football, netball and rounders. As well as classroom sessions designed by students and based on their own studies at home.
Gryphons Abroad impact on students
Parallel to the impact on children, the project also impacts positively on Leeds students. They have the opportunity to develop their practical skills, broaden their horizons and learn more about different cultures. Students were invited to learn basic Zulu as well as participate in traditional singing and dancing in almost every school visited on the trip!
The project was led by Sport & Physical Activity staff members Andy Lockwood, Suzzi Garnett & Lauren Havercroft along with Ammarah Pandor from Leeds Trinity. The six students were Connor Bull, Christian Lewis, Lucy Hughes, Rachel Barton, Rhiannah McCourt & Ellen Slack.
Connor Bull, University of Leeds Sport Science student and Gryphons Abroad 2023 team member said:
“The Gryphons Abroad project has been a real highlight of my time at university. The project taught me so much about myself both personally & professionally and allowed me to explore life in a completely different culture. I thoroughly enjoyed every single moment and would strongly recommend the project to anyone ready for a challenge!”
Andrew Lockwood, Assistant Head of Sport & Bambisanani trustee said:
“Our work with KZN Cycling has enabled us to bring the cycling project to more schools and more pupils in the region. It has been a very special year for staff and students visiting new places and meeting new people with the support of Mzamo. The journey of Mzamo himself clearly demonstrates the long-term impact cycling can have on individuals. Alongside this our skills auditing also evidences the clear impact on our graduates who measured improvements of up to 39% in all ten of the identified skill areas.”
Recruitment for students to join the 2024 Gryphons Abroad team will open in autumn. You can read more about the Gryphons Abroad programme here.
Published: 22/09/2023
Newcastle College joins the Bambisanani Partnership with pioneering work in South Africa
Students and staff from Newcastle College have recently returned from their first visit to South Africa as part of the Bambisanani Partnership.
Students and staff from Newcastle College have recently returned from their first visit to South Africa as part of the Bambisanani Partnership.
The team of 13 was made up of 3 staff; Barry Rizza, Brogan O’Connor, Rebecca Welch and 10 students; Charlotte Stewart, Chloe Maddison, Faith Sita, Josh Young, Kieran Richardson, Meghan Haynes, Olivia Forster, Sam Oumaouche, Shalia Bond and Taylor Matthews embarked on their 30-hour journey to Eshowe, South Africa where they spent 3 weeks volunteering in rural KwaZulu-Natal. The team used the power of sport to positively impact their own lives and those of the children in the schools and orphanages they would work in partnership with.
Working at three schools; Matholamnyama Secondary School, Ngqamzana Primary School, Vumanhlamvu Primary School and the Zulufadder Doremi Daycare Centre for orphans and vulnerable children, the group worked with children aged 2-13, hosting sports and leadership sessions while supporting other projects, such as painting the Daycare Centre. These additional developments were made possible by joint funding from Zulufadder and the Newcastle College Goggins Challenge fundraiser earlier in the year.
Working in partnership with local schools and organisations the group delivered a series of sports and sports leadership programmes to more than 700 South African students. A major aim of the visit was to introduce new schools to the partnership and extend the work of the charity in one of the most challenging and deprived areas of KwaZulu-Natal. The sessions enabled students from both the UK and South Africa to develop their skills across leadership, communication, team building and confidence.
The visit clearly made a significant impact on the Newcastle students:
““Where to start! This was the most eye opening, life changing, surreal experience that made every single individual look at life back in the UK a little differently. The visit to Ngqamzana School was one of the best days of my life.””
““It was an emotional experience for everyone, certainly an eye opener for us, all in all the best experience that I have had so far in my life journey.””
““This trip has definitely opened my eyes.””
““My time in South Africa was nothing short of amazing. From the moment we arrived in the country I felt at home. It definitely taught me a few lessons, one is to always believe in yourself and to give everything your best shot””
Level 4 Business student, Shalia Bond, said that the highlight of the visit for her was reading out letters that Newcastle College students had written to the children at the primary school. She said: “Newcastle College students wrote some amazing letters to the children here and we had the opportunity to read them to them. The children loved it, and they wrote some beautiful letters back. I cannot wait for the students here to read them!”
A particularly powerful and poignant moment for the entire group was when a 10-year-old primary school learner read part of his letter out: “When I grow up, I want to be a social worker, I want to help people, I don’t want to see children be in crime, I want my mum and dad to be proud of me.”
Rebecca Welch, English Teacher at Newcastle College, and staff member on the visit commented “It was an honour and a privilege to meet and work with the children and staff we visited in schools across South Africa. The enthusiasm they possessed daily was both infectious and inspirational. I feel so lucky to have been a small part of such an eye opening, heart-warming and life-changing experience.”
Mr Ngcobo, a Maths teacher at Ngqamzana Primary School also spoke very highly of the new partnership commenting “I have never lived a day thinking that one day I will be so happy like I am now. You have taught us a lot; we have learned so much together. This is surely the start of something incredibly special.”
The educational visit was made possible through the Turing Scheme fund. Providing international opportunities to work and study around the world, the Turing Scheme gives students the chance to interact with new cultures, learn different languages, and form lifelong connections with people across the globe as part of their college programme. This was the first time Newcastle College students had travelled outside of Europe as part of this scheme.
The visit to South Africa was organised by Brogan O’Connor, Enrichment and Development Manager at the college and Trustee of the Bambisanani Partnership, who said “As a college we are honoured to be a part of the multi-award winning Bambisanani Partnership. I was fortunate to visit South Africa as a student with St. Mary’s School and the Bambisanani Partnership in the summer of 2012 so I know first-hand the benefit our students will gain from being a part of the partnership. The encounters between the students were remarkable and will no doubt make a lasting impact. The visit was more successful than I could have ever imagined, and I cannot wait to continue to build on the success of these foundations in the years to come. The Bambisanani Partnership is all about creating collaborative learning opportunities for young people in both countries; we are absolutely committed to this.”
David Geldart, CEO and Founder of the partnership said, “The staff and students of Newcastle College deserve enormous credit for extending the reach of the Bambisanani Partnership in South Africa. They have worked closely with local communities to engage new schools in our work using the power of sport to promote education, health, global citizenship and leadership. Introducing the partnership to Newcastle College and planning such a visit is a phenomenal task and responsibility. I am immensely proud of Brogan who has made all this happen through her own outstanding leadership and commitment to global education. The inaugural visit has been a remarkable success; the feedback from South Africa has been exceptional. Newcastle College is helping to pioneer learning opportunities for students in both countries in incredibly challenging circumstances, this is real education that truly develops young people and makes the world a better place. Well done, Newcastle College and welcome to the Bambisanani team!”
Published: 01/09/2023
Bambisanani Partnership International Athletics Challenge unites young people in sport
The 3rd Annual Bambisanani Partnership International Athletics Challenge, supported by the KwaZulu-Natal Department of Sport and Recreation, brought together 15 primary schools: 11 from rural KwaZulu-Natal in South Africa and 4 from the Leeds/Bradford area of Yorkshire in the UK.
The 3rd Annual Bambisanani Partnership International Athletics Challenge, supported by the KwaZulu-Natal Department of Sport and Recreation, brought together 15 primary schools: 11 from rural KwaZulu-Natal in South Africa and 4 from the Leeds/Bradford area of Yorkshire in the UK. 335 students (aged 9 and10) participated in a range six of athletics challenges in their own schools and then compared performances ‘virtually’ to create competition between the schools. 852 children from both countries have now participated in the Challenge since its inception in 2021.
The South African schools involved were: Vumanhlamvu, Makhanyezi, Mvayiza, Iwangu, Kwa-Mtshwili, Mome, Ntumbeni, Sigananda, Mathiya, Iwangu and Ntolwane. The UK schools involved were all from the Bishop Wheeler Catholic Academy Trust and included St. Joseph’s, Pudsey; St. Mary’s, Horsforth; Holy Name, Cookridge; and Sacred Heart, Ilkley.
The Challenge was originally devised 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 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 of 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. There was a further development this year with a central venue Athletics Festival being held in South Africa for schools from the Nkandla region. This Festival was supported by young Sports Leaders from St. Mary’s School in Leeds and Eshowe High School. Additionally, three new South African schools joined the Challenge this year.”
The programme gives 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. Students were initially 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 76% 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 held their own competitions, which created 130 new School Champions with the top three performers in each event receiving a certificate. In addition to this, 22 students were identified as being the best all-round performers across all events, 22 students were recognised as making the most improvement over all events and 22 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. There were 42 International Champions.
David Farmer, Deputy Headteacher from St. Joseph’s Pudsey Primary School in Leeds travelled to South Africa with the team of volunteers from St. Mary’s, Menston and supported the Nkandla Athletics Festival said, “The children in both countries enjoyed the idea of an international competition and strived to beat their personal best. In competing against each other they wanted to win, but there was always a sporting camaraderie cheering their classmates to achieve better results. In South Africa the young leaders commented that leading the athletics festival was unbelievably satisfying. They loved seeing the smiles of every child and helping them improve their technique as they grew in confidence. This competition gives a sense of achievement that develops confidence in other academic areas. A true Olympian ethos underpins this work promoting greater understanding of our worldwide community and wanting a fair playing field for all.”
Children from both countries clearly enjoyed the competition:
“I liked competing against learners from the UK and learning about their country”
“I have won an international medal and now want to achieve more in sports and in school.”
“I love running, throwing and jumping and I want to go to South Africa now!”
“This challenge has been so much fun. We worked hard but it was worth it.”
David Geldart concluded, “My sincere thanks to all the schools, educators, volunteers and children involved in this growing event; we have had much to celebrate this year with some interesting new developments. Having student volunteers from Leeds and Eshowe to create an Athletics Festival for the South African primary schools was an outstanding success. 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 in the Olympic year of 2024; possibly involving even more schools, more countries, more festivals, more volunteering and more related learning activities in the classroom – Faster, Higher, Stronger - Together!”
Results and Award Winners
Bambisanani International Athletics Champions 2022
Girls Events
| 50 metres | 1. Ngcebo Shezi (Vumanhlamvu) |
| 2. Nonjabulo Skhakhane (Vumanhlamvu)) | |
| 3. Awande Biyela (Sigananda) & Senamile Ngema (Mome) | |
| 200 metres | 1. Mary Elizabeth Moran (St. Joseph's) |
| 2. Kaitlin Brown (St. Joseph's) | |
| 3. Alondwe (Kwa-Mtshwili) | |
| Standing Long Jump | 1. Nongcebo Zulu (Iwanga) |
| 2. Awande Sithole (Vumanhlamvu) | |
| 3. Nolwazi Biyela (Iwanga) | |
| Three Hop Jump | 1. Lucy Mathew (St. Joseph’s) |
| 2. Evelyn Ince (St. Mary’s) | |
| 3. Charlotte Caden (St. Mary’s) | |
| Tennis Ball Throw | 1. Lwanda Shezi (Mvayiza) |
| 2. Thembelihle Kuyene (Vumanhlavu) | |
| 3. Thandeluhle Khumole (Mvayiza) | |
| Football Throw | 1. Senamile Ngoma (Mome) |
| 2. Ayandiswa Mthembu (Mome) | |
| 3. Noluvu Mthembu (Mome) | |
| 400m (10x40m) Relay | 1. Holy Name |
| 2. St. Mary’s | |
| 3. Sigananda |
Boys Events
| 50 metres | 1. Ngcebo Shezi(Vumanhlamvu) |
| 2. Siphesihle Zulu (Vumanhlamvu) | |
| 3. Amekelo Maduna (Vumanhlamvu) | |
| 200 metres | 1. Milo Long (St. Joseph’s) |
| 2. AJ O’Connor (St. Joseph’s) | |
| 3. Oscar Enright (St. Mary’s) & Njabulo Kunene (Mome) | |
| Standing Long Jump | 1. Aphelele Biyela (Iwangu) |
| 2. Bonga Mkhize (Iwangu) | |
| 3. Cebo Thusi (Vumanhlamvu) & Oscar Enright (St. Mary’s) | |
| Three Hop Jump | 1. Fabio Zeqiraj (St. Mary’s) |
| 2. Oscar Enright (St. Mary’s) | |
| 3. Beau Smith (St. Joseph’s) | |
| Tennis Ball Throw | 1. Stan Bates (St. Mary’s) |
| 2. Mhlengi Lindu (Kwa-Mtshwili) | |
| 3. Aphiwe Khangile (Mathiya) | |
| Football Throw | 1. Sfundo Ntuli (Mome) |
| 2. Njabulu Kunene (Mome) | |
| 3. Siphosethu Mhlongu (Mome) | |
| 400m (10x40m) Relay | 1. St. Mary’s |
| 2. Holy Name | |
| 3. St. Joseph’s |
Mixed Event
| 400m (10x40m) Boys and Girls Mixed Relay | 1. Mvayiza |
| 2. Holy Name | |
| 3. Sigananda |
School Champions
Senamile Ngema, Mahaye Kwazi, Lwanda Shezi, Sifundo Ntuli, Ayaandiswa Mlhembu, Senamile Ngema, Siphosetha Mhlungo, Ayandisiswa Mthembu, Amiswa Hadebe, Ngcebo Shezi, Asimonge Shange, Siyemukela Cebekhulu, Awande Sithole, Cebo Thusi, UyaphilaUkristu Zulu, Amkelo Maduna, Nonjabulo Sikhakhane, Lukhona Mpungose, Cebile Khanyile, Sibukosezwe Zulu, Dludla Okuhle, Sbiya Lethokuhle, S’nqobile Biyela, Alwande Qwabe, Bonga Mkhize, Okuhle Dludla, Subusiswe Qwabe, Nkonzenhle Mhlongo,Mary Elizabeth Moran, Milo Long, Harriet Spillane, Ed Third, Lucy Mathews, Beau Smith, Daisy Burton-Nickson, Oliver Maskell, Mia Hefferon, Beau Smith, Lauren Spence, Stan Bates, Emily Stokey, Oscar Enright, Tiffany Yip, Fabio Zeqiraj, Evelyn Ince, Stan Bates, Callum Gaughan, Alexandra Koroma, Joel Odeyo, Rene’e Elliott, Tommy Joy, Mollie Warburton, LilyMae Bootland-Freeth, John James McDonagh, Emelia Holmes, Ethan Cadogen, Lottie Dalton, Finnbar Kennedy, Lorcan Doherty, Emily Oddy, Edward Wade, Lucy Mason, Jack Thompson
Most improved Athletes
Mia Hefferon, Ed Third, Mthembo Noluvu, Ntuli Sifundo, S’nqobile Biyela, Nonjabulo Sikhakhane, Amkelo Maduna, Ayzah Hussain, John James McDonagh, Evie Dyson, Findlay Shaw, Emily Oddy, Elijah Helliwell Del Pino
Best all-round Athletes
Amiswa Hadebe, Amkelo Maduna, Mollie Wharburton, Joel Odeyo, Lauren Spence, Oscar Enright, Okuhle Dludla, Alwande Qwabe, Mary Elizabeth Moran, Milo Long, Ngoma Senamile, Kunene Njabulo, Lucy Mason, Finnbar Kennedy
*Special mention to Joel Odeyo from Holy Name Primary School who finished in the top three all six school-based events: three 1st places, one 2nd place and two 3rd places
Outstanding Leaders
Cyaba Mpendulo, Uyaphila Ukristu Zulu, Siphesihle Zulu, Alexandra Koroma, Joel Odeyo, Mthembi Ayandoliswa, Phoebe Busch, Callum Gaughan, Nolwazi Biyela, Lethokukle Sbiya, Olivia Massie, Rocco Hamill, Emma Dowling Cunningham, Edward McNally
Uniting Young People through Sport: 2023 Bambisanani Partnership International Athletics Challenge [DIOCESE OF LEEDS]
Bambisanani Partnership International Athletics Challenge unites young people in sport…UK vs SA! [SOUTH AFRICA GOOD NEWS]
International athletics challenge unites young people in sport [ILKLEY GAZETTE]
Published: 08/08/2023
Bambisanani Charity Dinner at Tharavadu is a great success
On Sunday 9 July, over 130 people gathered at the amazing Tharavadu restaurant in Leeds to celebrate the work of the charity and to raise funds for future projects. The event was organised by David Farmer and Catherine Chattoe from the partnership and Mr Jose, owner of the restaurant.
On Sunday 9 July, over 130 people gathered at the amazing Tharavadu restaurant in Leeds to celebrate the work of the charity and to raise funds for future projects. The event was organised by David Farmer and Catherine Chattoe from the partnership and Mr Jose, owner of the restaurant.
Tharavadu has been named in a list of the Top 100 UK restaurants; it serves the most amazing Kerala food and is Michelin recommended. Indian cricket captain Virat Kholi has described it as his favourite restaurant in Leeds. The dinner provided the opportunity to take stock of the many achievements the partnership has made and celebrate the return of student volunteer visits to South Africa after Covid.
At absolutely no cost to the charity Mr Jose, most generously, provided the premises, food, drink and his amazing staff to enable the dinner to take place. Normally, Sunday is his day off but he opened the doors and provided a welcoming smile and his renowned service to everyone.
The afternoon enabled parents and student leaders from the visits to South Africa to exchange stories and meet with wider members of the Bambisanani team. Old acquaintances were reunited and new connections were made. There was a wonderful joyous atmosphere and the very special camaraderie associated with the partnership had an impact on all who were fortunate to be there.
The cuisine and hospitality were exceptional and made the occasion very special indeed. The event made over £3,700 and David Geldart, Founder of the partnership thanked all those involved for making it such a wonderful Bambisanani occasion. To rapturous applause from all those gathered Mr Jose received a special Bambisanani award for his outstanding commitment to supporting the charity.
Mr Jose announced that he and his team would like to offer the restaurant for a Bambisanani event on an annual basis. In addition to raising much needed funds this will provide families of the student leaders to celebrate their achievements, share their stories and sow further seeds for the partnership to grow and flourish.
So, the big question for everyone will be when will the tickets go on sale for next year? Book early – it will be a sell out!
Changing lives through Sport brings International Award for the pioneering Bambisanani Partnership
The Bambisanani Partnership has been named as International Sport and Physical Education Charity of the Year at the annual Acquisition International Non-Profit Organisation Awards.
The Bambisanani Partnership has been named as International Sport and Physical Education Charity of the Year at the annual Acquisition International Non-Profit Organisation Awards.
Members of the Bambisanani Team
The Bambisanani Partnership is a multi-award-winning charity that originated as a partnership between St. Mary’s Catholic School in Menston, UK and Mnyakanya High School in rural KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa in 2006. The partnership, which is run entirely by volunteers, uses the power of sport as a catalyst to promote education, health, global citizenship and leadership and has gained international acclaim for its work.
John Rolfe MBE, Global School Alliance said “Congratulations on this richly deserved global award to all the at the wonderful Bambisanani Partnership. This Inspirational partnership has developed some of the best international education programmes and practice in the world.”
The partnership now involves over 30 schools, colleges and universities in both the UK and South Africa. The University of Leeds, Leeds Trinity University and Newcastle College are key members of the partnership. In South Africa, the partnership operates in the Nkandla region which one of most remote and deprived parts of the country, with over 90% unemployment and one of highest Aids/HIV rates in the world. ‘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. The partnership has been recognised as making a ‘significant contribution’ to UN Sustainable Development Goals relating to Health and Education and is a founding member of Sport and Sustainability International.
The work of the partnership has been highlighted at conferences throughout the world, most recently at the Global Sport for All Summit held at the Vatican. At the event, Bambisanani Founder and CEO, David Geldart was honoured by an Audience with Pope Francis. The Bambisanani story is testimony of the power of sport to change the lives of individuals and communities. The charity has raised over £670,000 to facilitate its life changing work.
Over the past seventeen years, more than 12,000 young people from the UK and South Africa (from primary school to university) have participated in a variety of Bambisanani Partnership programmes and projects including Leadership through Sport, Sports Festivals, Cycling to Success, Literacy through Sport, Numeracy through Sport Art through Sport, Learning through Football, International Athletics Challenge and the joint training of Physical Education teachers and Sports Coaches.
Beyond this, the charity has been instrumental in bringing clean drinking water and computers to schools as well as rebuilding houses and providing university bursaries to disadvantaged young people, always working in partnership with the local community. The partnership has a policy of never funding 100% of a project and always seeks to ‘lever’ funding from South African sources. David Geldart said “Our work is about building capacity and empowering people and communities not developing a ‘dependency culture’. Funding everything would be patronising to say the least and ultimately self-defeating. We don’t do anything that isn’t driven by the local community; engagement and ‘buy in’ are essential. Partnership means partnership.”
David Geldart with the South African High Commissioner, His Excellency JN Mamabola
The South African High Commissioner to the UK, His Excellency JN Mamabola said “It is heartening to see that a project that is so mutually reinforcing and beneficial can have such a wide and profound impact in rural KZN. The KZN Cycling programme, Sports Leadership Programmes and Sports and Reading festivals are exactly the kinds of projects that bring together the youth from both the UK and SA. We are deeply appreciative of the work being carried out by the Bambisanani Partnership over the past 17 years and are impressed by the ways in which this project has grown to best serve the needs of the local communities in Eshowe and further afield. Given the impact and magnitude of the work carried out by the Bambisanani Partnership, we think it highly fitting that the Partnership has been awarded the International Sport and Physical Education Charity of the Year and we offer our congratulations and support.”
Mrs PK Zondi has been instrumental in developing the parternship at Mnyakanya School'
Mrs Pk Zondi, Bambisanani Coordinator from Mnyakanya School said “Being a member of the Bambisanani Partnership can be transformational for schools and learners - we have seen significant improvements in terms of academic success, attendance, enrolment, behaviour, confidence and self-esteem as a result of the various Bambisanani programmes. We feel connected to a wider world and involved in something bigger than ourselves. Above all this partnership has given us hope and belief. In this partnership we all play our part; we work together and we learn together in the spirit of Ubuntu. Long live Bambisanani!”
Young people involved the partnerships various programmes have no doubt about their value:
“Much of our life in the UK has become obsessed with materialism and ‘celebrity’. We have lost touch with things that really matter. My visit to South Africa has given me a much more meaningful perspective on life.” - UK student
“We have worked together…people of different colours, countries, religions and cultures…we have proved it can be done.” - South African student
From the USA Philip Leopold, CEO and Executive Director, Sport for Humanity Foundation said: “On behalf of Sport at the Service of Humanity, I’d like to express my personal congratulations to David and his colleagues for this wonderful and deserved recognition, and more importantly I want to thank the Bambisanani Partnership for the terrific and important work they do, all day, every day.”
Logan Govender, South African businessman and entrepreneur commented: “South Africa has a history of people from abroad attempting to ‘serve’ the local community. Many of these ‘missions’ flounder because they are designed to engender a feeling of goodwill more for the giver than the recipient. Bambisanani – working hand in hand – works because there is neither giver nor receiver. Two groups from different ends of the planet, each borrowing from the culture of the other, forge relationships through the medium of sport, changing perspectives of both from the experience.”
David Geldart receiving the award
David Geldart concluded, “This is a tremendous honour. I am absolutely delighted that this award recognises the selfless, dedicated, pioneering work of our volunteers in both the UK and South Africa; we wouldn’t achieve anything without this amazing team of people who are committed to changing lives through sport. We are embarking on our most ambitious plans to date and this prestigious accolade will certainly spur the team on. This summer, 58 young volunteers from the UK (St. Mary’s School, University of Leeds, Leeds Trinity University and Newcastle College) will work with counterparts in South Africa to deliver a wide range of existing Bambisanani projects and programmes and introduce new ones. Our new cycling partnership with KZN Cycling will see us teach 5,000 children a year how to ride and maintain bikes. In the next 18 months we aim to increase the number of young people that we have worked with from 12,000 to 20,000. We are totally dependent on donations to fund our work and would be delighted to hear from anyone that can support us. With no employees or premises, any donations received go directly to our ‘front line’ projects. There is much more for us to do.”