NEWS
Newcastle College students are outstanding members of the Bambisanani Partnership in South Africa
Students and staff from Newcastle College have recently returned from the college’s second annual visit to South Africa as part of the Bambisanani Partnership.
Students and staff from Newcastle College have recently returned from the college’s second annual visit to South Africa as part of the Bambisanani Partnership.
The team, comprising of 12 members, two staff, Barry Rizza and Brogan O’Connor, and 10 students: Abby Morgan, Amber Johnson, Aurelia Penman, Cadence Parkin, Holly Hamilton, Jack Stanley, Jay Hopwood, Josh Knox, Kieran Thomas, and Niamh Thompson embarked on a 26-hour journey to Eshowe, South Africa. Over the course of three weeks, they volunteered in rural KwaZulu-Natal, using the power of sport to positively impact both their own lives and children in the local schools and orphanages.
The team worked at Matholamnyama Secondary School, Ngqamzana Primary School, Thembinfundo Special School and the Zulufadder Doremi Day Centre for orphans and vulnerable children, all located in KwaZulu-Natal. Engaging with children aged 2-13, they hosted sports and leadership sessions throughout the 16-day visit. These sessions, attended by 1,156 South African students, fostered skills in sports, leadership, communication, team building, and confidence.
Jack Stanley, a Level 4 PE and Sport Coaching student, reflected, “Seeing the children’s smiles when we arrived at the orphanage and primary school was so inspiring. It motivated me to make the most of each day with them and change their lives as best I could. I really enjoyed every moment; it was a pleasure to be there.”
Cadence Parkin, a Level 4 Aviation student, commented, “What a wholesome trip! We were there to teach the children, but they left the biggest impression on me. Their smiles and hearts are immense and will forever be in my heart.”
Sport Rehab student Kieran Thomas added, “This has been an absolutely life-changing experience. It was fulfilling, taught me so much, and made me value all the little things we take for granted in the UK. I have loved every second.”
The team began their stay with an administrative day, organising donations, preparing sports equipment, and planning their sessions. Following on from this, their second day was spent at Doremi Day Centre, affectionately dubbed the ‘happiest place in the world’ by the Newcastle College students. They engaged in reading, sports, singing and dancing with 52 young children, experiencing an incredibly warm and impactful welcome to Eshowe. The wonderful Popi Buthelizi who runs Doremi wrote, “Dear our family from Newcastle. Thank-you so much for visiting us, you made us feel so special and the children loved you. The books and clothes made the children very happy. The guardians of the children were delighted to see their children come back home with clothes from overseas, it is not every day you get to wear clothes from overseas. I am sure they will only wear them on Christmas Day since they are so special to them. Once again thank-you so much, until we meet again. Love, Popi.”
Over the weekend, the team visited Hluhluwe Imfolozi Game Reserve and and a visit to Dlinza Rainforest Boardwalk learning much about ecology and endangered wildlife.
During the second week, the group returned to Ngqamzana Primary School, almost a year after the university’s previous visit. They spent a day with each grade (3-7) and were treated to an impressive and emotional thank-you ceremony on Friday. The entire school performed traditional dances and songs, and Newcastle College student Abby Morgan and staff member Barry Rizza gave moving speeches on behalf of the group.
Mr. Ngobo, a Maths teacher at Ngqamzana Primary School, expressed his gratitude, saying, “We thank you for your support more than words can express. From the bottom of our hearts, thank you very much for your generous contributions. With supporters like you, we know we can achieve our goals. Thank you for believing in our mission and helping us make a positive impact in society. We are so grateful for our partnership which is making a difference. This is your home; you are welcome anytime. God bless you.”
Abby Morgan, a Level 4 Childcare and Education student, followed up with, “I want to thank everyone for the warm welcome and incredible atmosphere. It has been an honour and a privilege to spend time with you. This week has been special, showcasing teamwork, enthusiasm, and sportsmanship. The true spirit of sport is about coming together, supporting one another, and having fun. To the children, your smiles, determination, and energy have been inspiring. Continue to play with passion, be kind, and believe in yourselves. Thank you from the bottom of my heart. This week has been unforgettable, and I will carry the memories with me always.”
On Saturday, the team joined forces with a fellow Bambisanani volunteer group from St. Mary's School, Menston, at Thembimfundo Special School. The Newcastle College and St. Mary’s teams were treated to an impressive display of traditional Zulu dancing by Thembimfundo students. The UK students then facilitated a carousel of 10 adapted sports activities. The principal of Thembimfundo Special School commented, “No words can best describe how happy I am for the wonderful things you have done for us. We had an amazing time, and our learners are so excited. We look forward to hosting you again in the future and working with you in partnership, creating learning opportunities for students from both countries.”
The team also spent time with Graham Chennells, the former Mayor of Eshowe and long-term supporter of the Bambisanani Partnership. Graham shared fascinating stories about his life in Eshowe and the history of the area.
Much of the final week was spent at Matholamnyama Secondary School, where the team delivered a range of sports and leadership sessions to different age ranges throughout the school. With 70 to 80 learners in each group the Newcastle College students frequently had a further 300 students watching the delivery of the session. The school organised a celebration event on the final day where the outstanding leadership and presentation skills of the South African students were clearly evident. One Grade 10 Matholamnyama student gave an outstanding speech on behalf of her school: “It is with great pleasure that I stand before you today to express our heartfelt gratitude to each one of you for coming to our school and teaching us sports, your dedication passion and willingness to share your knowledge has made a significant impact on our school. Sports plays a big role in the development of young minds, teaching us teamwork, discipline and the importance of physical fitness. Your efforts have not only enhanced our skills but also contributed to our overall personal growth. We extend a big applause on behalf of our sisters and brothers in all grades. Thank you for your time effort and commitment. Your contribution has not only inspired us but also created lasting memories that we will carry for years. We are deeply grateful for your support and hope to continue this partnership in the years to come.”
Brogan O’Connor, Enrichment and Development Manager at Newcastle College and Bambisanani Trustee, proudly summarized the visit: “Weeks like these make me immensely proud to represent both Newcastle College and The Bambisanani Partnership. The things our students have achieved in the past 18 days, the memories and friendships they have made and the impact they have left with their new friends in South Africa is nothing short of remarkable. Using the power of sport to work together with colleagues and friends at the Zulufadder Doremi Day Centre, Thembinfundo Special School, Ngqamzana Primary School and Matholamnyama Secondary School we have shown that anything is possible. I look forward to continuing to strengthen and grow The Bambisanani Partnership at Newcastle College and can’t wait to see what the next few years holds.
University Success for Bambisanani Student
Thobile Prudence Nsibande recently graduated from the University of South Africa (UNISA) with a Bachelor of Education Degree qualifying her as a teacher.
Thobile Prudence Nsibande recently graduated from the University of South Africa (UNISA) with a Bachelor of Education Degree qualifying her as a teacher.
Thobile was formally a student at Mnyakanya High School where she was inspired to become a teacher and where she was successful in gaining the necessary grades to win a place at university. The Bambisanani Partnership was able to assist Thobile with a bursary to cover some of her course fees. At university Thobile studied IsiZulu (home language), Natural Science, Life Science and Business Studies.
Thobile said “I am so delighted that I have graduated successfully. These special moments at the degree ceremony today were made possible thanks to the belief that the Bambisanani Partnership had in my potential. Thank you to the Bambisanani Partnership Trustees for their invaluable support. I am excited to embark on the next chapter of my life, carrying with me the knowledge and experiences gained through your sponsorship. I have now started job hunting believing that God will open doors for me.”
David Geldart from the partnership added, “Thobile is an outstanding young lady who deserves every success. She has faced many challenges in her life but never ever gave up on her dream to become a teacher despite considerable barriers. Her determination, persistence and resilience are an example to all students. Despite having outstanding ability Thobile was not blessed with opportunities that many students in the world might take for granted. She has had to work extremely hard for everything that she has achieved. She is an exceptional role model; and has already proved to be an inspiration to students from both he UK and South Africa involved in Bambisanani programmes. We are all very proud of Thobile and wish her well in her teaching career.”
Newcastle College Team Triumphs in UK 3 Peaks Challenge, Raising £2,845 for The Bambisanani Partnership
A dedicated team of nine staff members, supported by two drivers, from Newcastle College have successfully completed the formidable UK 3 Peaks Challenge in an impressive 23 hours and 53 minutes.
A dedicated team of nine staff members, supported by two drivers, from Newcastle College have successfully completed the formidable UK 3 Peaks Challenge in an impressive 23 hours and 53 minutes.
The team conquered the highest peaks of Scotland, England, and Wales, raising £2,845 for the Bambisanani Partnership in the process. The Challenge includes 23 miles of walking/climbing, 3,064 metres of accent and 462 miles of driving between countries. The triumphant team included walkers: Brogan OConnor, Barry Rizza, Paul Whitfield, Joe Adams, Jack Redpath, Alan Fenton, Catherine Orridge, Jonathan Rees and Maria Gibson and drivers: Neil Anderson and Terry Aisbitt.
The funds will contribute significantly to the MyWalk campaign, an initiative providing school shoes for children in rural South Africa who currently walk barefoot. The shoes, crafted from recycled hospital waste, cost less than £2 per pair. Half the money raised will equip an entire primary school of 700 children with shoes, while the remaining funds will support other Bambisanani activities across schools and communities in rural South Africa.
Brogan O'Connor, Enrichment and Development Manager at the college and trustee of the Bambisanani Partnership, expressed her pride in the team's achievement, stating, "It is an honour to come together as a college annually and raise funds for a charity that has been a huge part of my life since the age of 16, and does amazing work in the UK and in South Africa. Whilst they are challenging, our annual fundraisers are a key part of our academic calendar now and something I, and many of us, really look forward to. We are already planning next year’s! To have hit our target and raised so much money makes all the effort worth it and a huge thank-you must go to the staff and students across the Newcastle College network who supported with donations, messages of support, and shares on social media."
The challenge, which included scaling Ben Nevis, Scafell Pike, and Snowdon, was not only physically and mentally demanding but also conducted under the constraints of a minibus limited to 60 miles per hour, with minimal sleep and fuel stops. Despite these hurdles, the team's cohesion and determination saw them complete the challenge with just seven minutes to spare.
“Walking the Walk”
David Geldart from the partnership added, “Brogan and her team deserve the utmost credit on successfully completing this world-renowned endurance challenge on behalf of the Bambisanani Partnership. Newcastle College is a key member of the partnership and has added new dimensions to both our work in South Africa and to our fundraising. The college has developed a great link with the wonderful MyWalk initiative and students from the college will be volunteering in South Africa next month. It is fantastic to see institutions provide genuine global learning opportunities for their students; it’s always about walking the walk. Well done to Brogan and her team for outstanding leadership on all fronts.”
The Bambisanani Partnership, renowned for its work in promoting education and development through sport in South Africa, will utilize the raised funds to make a tangible difference in the lives of countless children, enhancing their educational experience and overall well-being.
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)
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
Newcastle College raises funds for the Bambisanani Partnership
Students and staff at Newcastle College recently took part in the Goggins Challenge, in an effort to raise funds for their visit to South Africa later this year, where they will spend three weeks working with children in schools and orphanages.
Students and staff at Newcastle College recently took part in the Goggins Challenge, in an effort to raise funds for their visit to South Africa later this year, where they will spend three weeks working with children in schools and orphanages.
The Goggins Challenge involves running four miles, every four hours, for 48 hours. In total the team ran 48 miles over the course of the challenge. Brogan O'Conner, Sports Development Manager explained how it went: "It was an honour to host and take part in the Goggins Challenge. In the end, five people (two students and three staff, pictured above) managed to complete all 12 runs, and a further 12 people (four students and eight staff) ran one or more of the legs in support.
"Although it was a tough mental and physical challenge, it was a great opportunity to give students and staff different memories and experiences outside of their regular college days and one which I will personally remember for a long time.
"I would like to say a big thank you to everyone who made the challenge possible: the Hospitality team for providing food throughout the challenge, the HE sport rehab team for providing massage treatments, all the staff and students who popped in to wish us good luck or joined us on a run, Hollinside Homes for sponsoring the event and finally Barry Rizza, Tuition Fund Coach, for coming up with, and organising the event."
David Geldart, Founder and CEO of the Bambisanani Partnership said: "Massive thanks to the team at Newcastle College for participating in the gruelling Goggins Challenge for the Bambisanani Partnership charity. Brogan, Barry and the students deserve tremendous praise for their efforts and commitment to the partnership. We are rather unusual as a charity in that we have no paid staff or premises - we are all volunteers which means that any money raised goes directly to support our sports projects programmes in one of South Africa’s most deprived rural areas.
"The team of volunteers from Newcastle College will see for themselves just what impact this has when they visit South Africa this summer to work on these programmes."
The team raised a staggering £1,534, but they'd like to reach £5,000 to purchase essential supplies and sporting equipment for the children they'll be supporting in South Africa.
You can help them to reach their target by donating to their JustGiving page.
Newcastle College Students Take Part in Goggins Challenge [NEWCASTLE COLLEGE]
Bambisanani Partnership will deliver its most ambitious volunteer programme in South Africa
This summer will see the most ambitious Bambisanani Partnership volunteer programme in South Africa to date.
This summer will see the most ambitious Bambisanani Partnership volunteer programme in South Africa to date.
In June, July and August volunteer teams from St. Mary’s School, Menston, the University of Leeds, Leeds Trinity University and Newcastle College will work in partnership with schools and other organisations in the rural Nkandla region of KwaZulu-Natal to deliver a range of existing Bambisanani programmes as well as introducing new ones. In total, 58 students and members of staff have volunteered to work with local communities and schools in one of South Africa’s most challenging and deprived rural and remote areas.
Over the past 17 years, the Bambisanani Partnership has gained international acclaim for its work using sport as a catalyst to promote, education, health, global citizenship and leadership. Based on needs identified by local communities the partnership is committed to a range of collaborations that create learning opportunities for both students from South Africa and the UK under the banner of ‘Working together and learning together’.
The Bambisanani Partnership volunteer visits to South Africa were suspended during Covid and their reinstatement has been welcomed by all concerned: “It is wonderful that the visits will be starting again. Over the years they have made an incredible impact and changed the way that young people from both countries see the world and themselves. The visits enable special human connections to be made that change lives for the better and forever.” Mrs PK Zondi, Bambisanani Coordinator, Mnyakanya High School.
During the three years of Covid the charity demonstrated great resilience, determination and creativity in not only sustaining many of its ongoing activities but actually introducing some new projects with students in both countries. Much time was spent on maintaining the international relationships but also developing new ones. As a consequence, these visits will involve new schools, colleges and other organisations.
This year’s programme of varied activities will see Bambisanani volunteers work with over 1,000 Zulu students in primary, secondary schools and in the wider community. More than 200 students will participate in Bambisanani Sports Leadership programmes. Students from St. Mary’s and Newcastle College will collaborate with Zulu students to jointly deliver Sports and Reading Festivals for over 400 primary school learners. Students from the University of Leeds and Leeds Trinity University will deliver a Sports Leadership Festival for primary school learners in the town of Eshowe. The university teams will also work on the Bambisanani and KZN Cycling initiative that will launch this summer and see the collaboration teach 5,000 young people a year how to ride and maintain bikes. Considerable sports coaching will also take place as well as the teaching of other subject areas in all schools. All four UK institutions will work in collaboration with the Norwegian charity, Zulufadder, at the Doremi Day Care Centre for orphans and vulnerable children.
Newcastle College is the latest UK institution to join the Bambisanani Partnership and are clearly delighted to be taking students to South Africa for the very first time. Brogan O’Connor from the college said. “Newcastle College is honoured and excited to be joining the Bambisanani Partnership and will commit to representing the partnership with positivity and pride to uphold the values and standards set by both organisations. We recognise the amazing work that has been done over the last 17 years and we commit fully to this, aiming to add further value to the partnership by the continued involvement of Newcastle College.”
St. Mary’s School will have two groups working in South Africa this summer involving 34 Sixth Form students and staff. Miss Charlotte Wood from St. Mary’s said: “It is just wonderful that we are very much ‘back to work’ with the volunteer visits. It will allow for students to work hand in hand with their South African counterparts and explore the programme which has brought so much success over the years. It will hopefully, make the St. Mary’s students more aware of how valuable the work of Bambisanani is, allowing them to pass on their experiences to younger members of the St. Mary’s community and in doing so inspire the next generation of volunteers.”
Suzzi Garnett from the University of Leeds added: “The joint University of Leeds and Leeds Trinity University visit this summer represents a great chance to build on the projects of the past as well as look to a sustainable future for the Cycling to Success project. This group of students will deliver new things in new ways and help determine the next steps for the project'.
David Geldart, Founder and CEO of the Bambisanani Partnership was full of praise for all those involved in both countries for organising the volunteer programme: “The commitment and dedication of our team to create such amazing learning opportunities is simply remarkable. We created a fantastic platform during Covid to massively extend our work further and this is a great example of that. The encounters that will result have the potential to influence young people from South Africa and the UK that will be responsible for shaping society in the future. This is real education for a better world and we are indebted to the very special individuals and institutions that enable this to happen.”
Beyond the Bambisanani volunteer programme the charity also has an extensive range of initiatives that operate throughout the year including its Cycling programme in partnership with KZN Cycling, International Athletics Challenge that links primary schools in both countries, joint training of Physical Education and Sports Coaches linking universities in both countries, Bambisanani Awards that promote Global Citizenship, Leadership and Volunteering for secondary and primary school students in both countries and a Bursary scheme supporting South African students into university and college.
South African visit strengthens Bambisanani Partnership
Members of the Bambisanani Partnership team have recently travelled to South Africa in a post Covid ‘Research and Development’ visit to reinstate programmes and to develop new ones.
Members of the Bambisanani Partnership team have recently travelled to South Africa in a post Covid ‘Research and Development’ visit to reinstate programmes and to develop new ones.
Catherine Chattoe, Bambisanani Partnership Coordinator at St. Mary’s, Menston, Barbara Pounder, Bambisanani Trustee and Brogan O’Connor and Barry Rizza from the very latest Bambisanani partner institute, Newcastle College, were able to spend valuable ‘in person time’ with old colleagues and friends as well establishing new contacts and relationships. This follows on from a very effective Research and Development visit made by Bambisanani team members from the University of Leeds and Leeds Trinity University last year.
A key element of both trips has been to plan and prepare for the resumption of student volunteer visits later this year. For Newcastle College these would be the first student visits ever to South Africa. Student visits from all four Bambisanani partnership UK based institutions have subsequently been confirmed to the Nkandla region of KwaZulu-Natal from June to August this year.
The KwaZulu-Natal Department of Education has been an important Bambisanani partner since the inception of the initiative seventeen years ago. This has been led by Chief Education Advisor, Tony Moodley. The team were able to meet with Tony and his colleague Priscilla Guliwe to be updated on the challenges faced in the deep rural areas. These meetings were incredibly successful and afforded the team the chance to explore emerging opportunities for South African and UK Bambisanani partners to review and strengthen existing programmes as well as to consider new collaborations with both existing partners and potentially new ones.
After three years it was an emotional return to longstanding Bambisanani partners Mnyakanya High School, Ntolwane Primary School and to Doremi Day Care Centre for orphans and vulnerable children. Again, based on local needs, existing and potential programmes were discussed. The visit to Mnyakanya School was aptly timed so that Catherine Chattoe and the team could support the final part of the International Rotary Grant that provided Mnyakanya High School with equipment for a ICT suite of 40 computers and the finances to fund a teacher to deliver the newly introduced Computer Applications Technology (CAT) course at the school. Catherine and the team were on hand to help set up and install the final 20 computers into the suite and meet with the newly appointed CAT teacher; Phakamani Mbambo, the day before teaching would begin at the school. This development, over several years, has contributed to a significant improvement in educational attainment at the school and so it was timely to see new computers arrive and hear about how all of this will further raise standards in the future.
Tony Moodley and Mr Dlamini, Principal of Thembinfundo Special School
Just before the outbreak of Covid the partnership had started to explore the idea of working with Thembinfundo Special School to develop a programme of adapted Physical Education and Sport. The opportunity to visit the school, see the children and meet with the Principal Mr Dlamini simply could not have been replicated by any number of Zoom meetings. Barbara Pounder, who is a specialist in this area, said, “The meeting and whole experience was very positive. There is enormous potential at Theminfundo Special School to support considerable curriculum development and to create volunteer opportunities for UK students. To work with children with such a range of Special Needs in such a warm and encouraging environment could be one of the ways the Bambisanani Partnership makes a significant difference in the future.” The partnership has already committed to providing specialised equipment to the school with support of the Rob Stephenson Trust and there are now plans to start volunteer visits in July.
Several meetings also took place with ‘new’ schools that are keen to join the partnership, these included: Ngqamzane Primary, Thembalesizwe Primary, Enyawoshane Primary, Kwa-Manqondo Primary, Ndukuyakhe Primary, Magqama High and Matholamnyama High. These meetings enabled the team to listen to different partnership possibilities and to explore other areas to develop the Bambisanani Cycling initiative, Cycling for Success, which teaches young people how to both ride and maintain bikes. These meetings were particularly useful for Newcastle College who are looking to establish completely new additional partnerships links within the Bambisanani family.
A major area of success for the partnership during the ‘Covid years’ was the development of the Bambisanani International Athletics Challenge that linked primary schools in the UK and South Africa in fun Athletic Challenges. During the visit the team were able to visit Vumanhlamvu Primary School and provide a Training Workshop for teachers from schools already part of the programme and for schools that will join the programme this year. The training was a great success as indicated by the Vumanhlamvu Principle, Mr William Vilakazi, ‘We feel so blessed to be reconnected in person after Covid 19. Thank you very much for the coaching session you delivered to our local primary school educators. Educators know exactly what to do when it comes to delivering the International Athletic Challenge; they have confidence now and will pass this on to other educators. There was a little bit of confusion previously with some elements of the programme but not now. It has helped our educators a lot. You instilled the love of Athletics to both my educators and learners. It has increased the competition in both sports and in classrooms. Together with the equipment provided we can now interact, compete and learn with educators and learners in the UK on equal terms. We are now well placed to grow the programme further.” William has been instrumental in a number of Bambisanani developments and has coordinated the Athletics Challenge in the area with many schools that had no previous experience of Athletics. Whilst at the school the team were able to deliver more Sinnott 25 football shirts in memory of Jordan Sinnott. Jordan was a big supporter of the Bambisanani Partnership and the Jordan Sinnott Foundation now works in close cooperation with the charity.
A particularly rewarding part of the visit was when Catherine and her team were able to deliver handmade kits designed to help girls who are menstruating. Over 80 South African girls were gifted a kit that provides menstrual care and allows them to manage their periods so that they can attend school every day. The kits were made by a group of volunteers from Aireborough Rotary Club and delivered by the Bambisanani team; the two institutions have been working closely together for 17 years. The South African girls were delighted with the kits and many claimed it allows them to live their lives with dignity.
Other valuable meetings took place with Nick Phillips and Graham Chennells from Eshowe Rotary Club. Nick and Graham are vasty experienced in rural development projects have supported and guided the partnership in a range of projects and programmes over the years. Their insight and advice are a phenomenal asset to the partnership and greatly appreciated.
No Bambisanani visit to South Africa is ever complete without spending time with the longest serving Bambisanani supporters, Logan Govender, Rajes Govender and Mahesh Naidoo and this visit was certainly no exception in that regard. The team were welcomed into the country at the airport by Logan, Rajes and Mahesh and also spent time with them at their home in Durban on the final day of the visit. Every encounter with members of this amazing family encourages, empowers and inspires the work of the partnership and the individuals involved.
Summarising a remarkable week in South Africa, visit leader Catherine Chattoe said, ‘The whole experience was so invaluable, existing connections and friendships have been strengthened and very importantly new relationships have been formed during the visit. We had worked really hard with virtual meetings during the last three years to maintain existing relationships and indeed to develop new ones but nothing quite compares to the very special human connection when meeting and spending time with people in person. The visit has enhanced the capacity of the two countries to work together, existing programmes can now flourish and new ones will be created. The vision for the future looks very exciting.”
Bambisanani Trustee, Brogan O’Connor added, “The visit has been absolutely invaluable for me personally, for Newcastle College and of course for the ongoing development of the partnership. Reconnecting with old friends and creating new contacts was a great learning experience for me. That experience will now certainly lead to a visit to South Africa by staff and students from Newcastle College this summer as we become the latest members of the partnership from the UK. As with every visit to South Africa we have returned home with great positivity, motivation, and a greater understanding of a fascinating culture; all four of us are inspired by the possibilities that lay ahead. We now have a clear vision for the future of Newcastle College as a member the Bambisanani Partnership and we will be spending the next five months working towards making that a reality.”
David Geldart, Founder and Chair of the Bambisanani Partnership was full of praise for the team, “Massive thanks must go to Catherine, Barbara, Brogan and Barry. They have worked extraordinarily hard and have clearly moved the partnership forward, creating a tremendous platform on which to launch our most ambitious year to date. It is difficult to believe that they did so much and achieved so much in such a short time. Their outstanding work will create so many more opportunities now for educators and learners from both countries to ‘work together and learn together’ in the true spirit of Ubuntu and Bambisanani. Their enthusiasm, determination and proactivity are inspirational and are the very reason that we are continually able to achieve so much. Thank you also of course to our amazing and rapidly growing team in South Africa who were so welcoming and made the week so positive and productive. We will build on this.”
