NEWS
St.Mary’s student has article published about her volunteering experience in South Africa
Eleanor in South Africa, 2023
Former St. Mary’s student Eleanor Rock, now studying at Loughborough University, has had an article published in the Association of Physical Education’s prestigious journal Physical Education Matters. Eleanor is a previous winner of the Sbonelo Magwaza Award which recognised her outstanding leadership and volunteering in South Africa.
Link to read the article:
A Day in the Life of Eleanor Rock Physical Education Matters Autumn 2024 (PDF)
Also see related articles:
St. Mary’s School raise the bar with two remarkable visits to South Africa this year (14/11/2023)
Eleanor wins Bambisanani Leadership Award in memory of Sibonelo Magwaza (23/05/2024
A Warm Yorkshire Welcome for South Africans
South African teachers, Mrs Pk Zondi and Miss Mazet Langa from Mnyakanya High School and Mrs Eunice Mchunu from Umlazi Primary School together with students Amahle Nsbande and Bayanda Gcaba from Mnyakanya recently visited Leeds as part of the Bambisanani Partnership exchange programme. Mnyakanya School established the partnership with St. Mary’s, Menston 18 years ago. The visit was coordinated by Mrs Pk Zondi and Catherine Chattoe from St. Mary’s supported by Charlotte Wood, Barbara Pounder, David Farmer, Margaret Hattersley, Gerry Sayers, Brogan O’Connor and David Geldart.
South African teachers, Mrs Pk Zondi and Miss Mazet Langa from Mnyakanya High School and Mrs Eunice Mchunu from Umlazi Primary School together with students Amahle Nsbande and Bayanda Gcaba from Mnyakanya recently visited Leeds as part of the Bambisanani Partnership exchange programme. Mnyakanya School established the partnership with St. Mary’s, Menston 18 years ago. The visit was coordinated by Mrs Pk Zondi and Catherine Chattoe from St. Mary’s supported by Charlotte Wood, Barbara Pounder, David Farmer, Margaret Hattersley, Gerry Sayers, Brogan O’Connor and David Geldart.
During the one week stay the visitors participated in lessons at St. Mary’s, Menston and St. Joseph’s Primary School, Pudsey. They also toured the sights of Leeds and York as well as visiting Saltaire Village with local historian Andy Harrison-Beaumont and the Brontë Parsonage in Howarth with the benefit of expert, Diane Fare. The team also spent a day at key member of the Bambisanani Partnership, the University of Leeds, where they enjoyed the extensive facilities. The group were joined by many St. Marys students who have visited South Africa or will be visiting next year for an evening of Bowling and later in the week a bracing walk on Rombald’s Moor to the ‘Twelve Apostle Stones’. When visiting the Leeds Playhouse as special guests to watch A Raisin in the Sun, the visitors were stunned with an invitation from Emma Gill to have a backstage tour and meet several of the actors. As well as attending a service at York Minster the group were special guests at the annual St. Mary’s Mass of Welcome for new Year 7 students at St, Peter’s and Paul’s Church in Yeadon which happened to fall on Zulu Heritage Day. Whilst at St. Mary’s, the South African students taught Zulu to Year 7 students on International Language Day. Amahle and Bayanda also taught Zulu language at St. Josephs as well as Athletics. Over 40 members of the Bambisanani team in the UK attended a celebration meal with the South African guests at Tharavadu Restaurant in Leeds, a restaurant that has supported the partnership for several years. On the final day of the visit the visitors added much to St. Mary’s Open Day and were able to meet Graham Davies and Janet Kerr of the Rotary Club of Aireborough who have supported the partnership since it began. At a final lunch event the guests had the opportunity to meet 8-year-old Althaea Dickinson, who earlier in the year had organised a campaign to get over 1,000 reading books into South African primary schools and Graeme Collin who has been instrumental in providing kit for the Bambisanani Cycling programme in South Africa. It certainly was a very busy and exciting week which created many wonderful encounters.
Suzzi Garnet from the University of Leeds said, “Leeds Sport was delighted and honoured to host staff and pupils from Mnyakanya High School at the University of Leeds for the first time. Our visitors had lots of fun trying out various pieces of equipment in the Edge gym, followed by a raucous session on our climbing wall, experiencing both bouldering and rope climbing. A special lunch reception was followed by a tour of various prominent buildings on campus including the Brotherton Library, a lecture theatre and the Great Hall. It was particularly special that one of the pupils, 14-year-old Bayanda showed University staff and students around Mnyakanya back in 2023 and we got to return the favour last week!
15-year-old Bayanda and 17-year-old Amahle said that they were overwhelmed with joy when their dream to visit UK came true and that all their friends were surprised when their departure date was announced by the Principal at a school assembly.
An extremely enthusiastic Bayanda Gcaba commented: “I’m so excited that this visit to the UK was successful. When we started preparing for it by asking for donations and selling some snacks at school to raise money, many people did not believe that the trip could really be possible. Some people doubted us so our travels have surprised many people. I just cannot explain how much I enjoyed every single thing about this very wonderful visit. We learned so many things about how people in the UK behave and how young people achieve their goals. I especially loved visiting the theatre for the very first time to see the drama called ‘A Raisin in the Sun’. I also very much enjoyed learning about Titus Salt and how he cared for his workers and about Emily, Charlotte and Anne Bronté who were strong women and great writers. The university experience was amazing and I would like to study there one day. We learned so much all week and had great fun meeting so many kind and respectful people. All this wonderful experience wouldn’t have happened without the effort and support of Mrs Pk Zondi, our Bambisanani Partnership coordinator at school who helped to communicate with our relatives and community for assistance. I would also like to pass my thanks to all my family especially my grandmother Mashandu Gcaba and my father Siyabonga Gcaba who all encouraged me to take this trip. In conclusion, I wish to send my words of appreciation to all the Bambisanani UK team for their massive support and hospitality when we were there. It was a dream come true for me, I experienced so much and learned so much. I am inspired further and have many ambitions for the future.”
Amahle Nsibande still cannot quite believe her amazing adventure as she commented: “I just joined Mnyakanya High School last year in 2023. I was attracted by the Bambisanani Partnership even before I joined the school. Today I’m so excited to know that I received this opportunity to visit the UK as part of the partnership. We visited several schools and University of Leeds, sharing experiences and learning about each other’s cultures through sports and educational activities. I was so excited to meet new friends, participate in different events and visit different parts of Yorkshire. This trip broadened my horizons of thinking and left me inspired by the spirit of collaboration and mutual respect. I wish to thank all the UK Bambisanani team for all the love they showed to us. We don’t hesitate to say that every member of the team was willing to do so much for us with open hearts.”
Bayanda’s father and Amahle’s mother said that the travelling of their children to the United Kingdom gives them hope that there is still more to come for their children. Bayanda’s father said:
“My son’s experience to visit abroad has made all the Gcaba family to be proud of him. We believe that this is an indication that he will have a brighter future. I wish to thank all Mnyakanya teachers who enabled this to happen. It is my wish that he continues to travel to different places, so that he will learn from the young people of other countries. I also hope that the Bambisanani Partnership will continue to develop our children for a better future.”
Miss Zanele Langa, a teacher at Mnyakanya High School said: “It was indeed a great pleasure to visit our friends in the UK. We share many great memories and created many more,. This was another fantastic opportunity for young people of both countries to ‘work together and learn together’ as is the aim of the Bambisanani Partnership. Our young people had the opportunity to attend lessons but also to teach lessons and coach sport. We learnt many new things about history and culture in Leeds York, Saltaire and Howarth. Learning about Titus Salt and the Brontë sisters was inspirational as was the visit to Leeds Playhouse. Interacting with students, teachers and families made us feel welcomed. Visiting the University of Leeds was a great experience for both learners and teachers. Touring different places helped us learn more about the life in UK. The genuinely warm welcome that was given to us absolutely everywhere in Yorkshire was truly amazing.; we were treated like VIP’s! We felt as if we were at home, and even now we are convinced that we have our second home in the UK; the true spirit of Ubuntu surrounded us. Words cannot express how much we appreciate all that our UK friends did for us. We hope and pray that this partnership will grow even stronger and reach to different generations.”
Mrs Pk Zondi, the Bambisanani Partnership coordinator at Mnyakanya said, “It is still difficult to convince my mind that the visit to the UK took place and was so successful, since it had been our dream for many years. The Mnyakanya visit to the UK has drawn the attention of many people to the partnership between UK schools and Mnyakanya High school. Many teachers and learners who have recently joined Mnyakanya High School have developed strong interest in the Bambisanani Partnership because of this visit. The families of the students who were part of the visit are extremely proud about the experience gained by their children. We believe that the life of these two students will change for better, and their way of thinking will never be like before. I do not have enough words to appreciate all the UK Bambisanani team for the love they showed to us, for orientating us with almost all parts of their life, places and cultures. The hospitality we received was AMAZING! The visit has taught us so much about the people, the culture and life in UK. There is something very special about the Bambisanani Partnership, not least its ability to bring people together, broaden perspectives and change lives for the better. It creates friendships and understanding of other people.”
Member of the Bambisanani team, Gerry Sayers said “It was my great pleasure to help to transport our friends from Mnyakanya School during their stay. We had such a good time chatting on the journeys to the various events which had been organised for them. I was able to catch up with Pk and Mazet who I had not seen since 2007 when I visited Mnyakanya. I also acted as a tour guide describing the geography of Leeds in which all were very interested. What a great time we had together learning from each other, enjoying each other’s company and making very special memories.”
The Mnyakanya High School Principal, Mr Siyabonga Ngubane, forwarded words of praise and gratitude to students Bayanda Gcaba and Nsibande Amahle who worked very hard to raise funds for themselves to visit United Kingdom to represent their school and their country. He further mentioned that this visit will strengthen the Bambisanani Partnership even more. He said: “It was so exciting to see our learners in posted videos, enjoying themselves participating in classroom, sports, cultural and social activities. I wish to thank all the Bambisanani team in UK for taking such good care of our students and teachers while they were there.”
Pricillia Guliwe from the KwaZulu-Natal Department of Education praised all involved in the visit for their vision and determination to make it happen and said that it is her dream that more schools in the remote rural areas had the opportunity to visit the UK.
David Geldart, Founder and CEO of the partnership said, “Huge thanks to Catherine and the team for going well beyond the extra mile in organising a wonderfully varied, action packed week for our guests. Enormous credit must go to Pk and Mazet who despite considerable challenges, worked tirelessly in South Africa to make the visit possible. Special thanks to many of our sponsors and supporters who stepped in at late notice to make this a fantastic experience for all involved. The wonderful hospitality and kindness were typified by Bambisanani Trustee, Barbara Pounder, who provided her house to accommodate our guests. Pk, Mazet, Eunice, Amahle and Bayanda were outstanding ambassadors for their country and we learned much from them during the course of their stay. Such educational exchanges, based on mutual respect and learning, have the potential to broaden horizons, change world views and promote genuine global citizenship. Long may this continue in Bambisanani visits to and from South Africa.”
Eleanor wins Bambisanani Leadership Award in memory of Sibonelo Magwaza
Bambisanani Partnership Awards in memory of Sbonelo Magwaza are presented annually at Mnyakanya High School and St. Mary’s, Menston; the two founding schools of the Bambisanani Partnership.
Bambisanani Partnership Awards in memory of Sibonelo Magwaza are presented annually at Mnyakanya High School and St. Mary’s, Menston; the two founding schools of the Bambisanani Partnership.
Sibonelo was an outstanding young leader from Mnyakanya School who had completed the Bambisanani Leadership with St. Mary’s students in 2010, sadly he died a few months later. The award has a very special meaning and importance in both schools.
This year’s winner from St. Mary’s is Eleanor Rock who travelled to South Africa as a member of the St. Mary’s volunteer team last year. Catherine Chattoe, Bambisanani Coordinator at St. Mary’s presented the prestigious award at the schools annual Leavers Mass and said, “Eleanor is indeed an outstanding leader who has demonstrated excellent leadership skills and commitment to the partnership. She made a remarkable impact in South Africa making many new friends that she still stays in contact with. Eleanor’s kindness and compassion always shines through; she does all that she does with a beautiful smile. She is an exceptional young person.”
Whilst in South Africa last year Eleanor made a strong friendship with the winner of the Sibonelo Magwaza Award at Mnyakanya School. Bayandu Gcabu.
On hearing that Eleanor was to receive the award at St. Mary’s Bayandu forwarded a message which Mrs Chattoe read out at the presentation event:
Eleanor receives award from Catherine Chattoe’
“I wish to pass on my congratulations to my amazing friend. We became such good friends when they came to work at my school. I am happy that our friendship continues even when we are 6,000 miles apart. They are my first friend from overseas. She helped me with many things and did not hesitate to support me when I was trying to teach tennis to my local primary school children.
We shared everything together even eating our lunch. I learnt a lot from their kindness and discipline. We shared lots of information about our countries and I loved teaching them my Zulu language. Keep on doing good things my special friend. I am also working very hard at school. Please wait for me, I promise to come and visit you some day to see your country. This student has empowered the students at Mnyakanya High School to believe in themselves and to have and follow a dream.”
Congratulations to Eleanor and indeed to Bayandu; two exceptional young leaders who are an inspiration to others. We will follow their progress with great interest!
Teacher runs, swims, cycles and rows his virtual way to Africa to raise funds for Special School
During the St. Mary’s School, Menston visits to South Africa in 2023, as part of the Bambisanani Partnership, the students and staff had their first visit to Thembimfundo School– a school dedicated to children with Special Educational Needs.
During the St. Mary’s School, Menston visits to South Africa in 2023, as part of the Bambisanani Partnership, the students and staff had their first visit to Thembimfundo School– a school dedicated to children with Special Educational Needs.
A very special relationship was immediately created with the children relishing the opportunity to learn through movement and sound. Unfortunately, there was a lack of resources to promote these aspects of learning and a teacher on the visit, Matt Harvey, wanted to make a difference and ensure that additional equipment was provided. Tragically, over the summer Mr Harvey passed away and never had the opportunity to raise the required funds.
Mr David Farmer, Deputy Headteacher from St. Joseph’s Primary School, Pudsey, who was part of the Bambisanani team to visit South Africa took up the mantle and decided to travel virtually from Leeds to Africa to raise funds by running, swimming, cycling and rowing the equivalent distance.
To do this he:
Ran from Leeds to Dover – 274 miles
Swam from Dover to Calais – 31 miles
Cycled from Calais to Gibraltar – 1,442 miles
Rowed across the Gibraltar Straits to Africa – 9 miles
A remarkable total of 1,756 miles!
The journey has taken almost a year of visiting the gym and pool; recording distances meticulously throughout. Mr Farmer has raised approaching £1,000 with the Gift Aid included, which will enable the Bambisanani Partnership charity to purchase items such as a sound system, play parachutes, netball, football and boccia equipment and jingle balls for the blind. The children at Thembimfundo will enjoy using the equipment and no doubt Mr Harvey will be looking down with a smile on his face.
David Geldart from the Bambisanani Partnership said, “This is an absolutely amazing feat of endurance and commitment from David and indicative of his tremendous enthusiasm and commitment for the Bambisanani Partnership. We are now working very closely with the Principal, local community and other agencies in South Africa to develop sport and the creative arts at Thembinfundo Special School. This has become a major focus for the charity and will be a lasting legacy to Matt.”
Published 03/03/2024
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
Chocolate Hamper raises funds for the Bambisanani Partnership
The annual Bambisanani Chocolate Hamper raffle was a great success this year with tremendous support from within the school community and beyond.
The annual Bambisanani Chocolate Hamper raffle was a great success this year with tremendous support from within the school community and beyond.
The hamper was won by St. Mary’s Headteacher and Vice Chair of the Bambisanani Partnership, Miss Hattersley. Miss Hattersley immediately donated the hamper back and it was re-raffled as smaller prizes which meant that more money was raised for the charity and many more students went home with some chocolates! Thank you to Miss Hattersley and to all those who supported this popular fundraising event which will help us make a difference in South Africa.
Wonderful Christmas Messages between the Two Bambisanani Founding Schools
The wonderful Christmas messages between St. Mary’s school in Menston and Mnyakanya High School in Nkandlda epitomise the very special relationship that exists between the two schools – two schools that have been committed to working together and learning together for 17 years.
The wonderful Christmas messages between St. Mary’s school in Menston and Mnyakanya High School in Nkandlda epitomise the very special relationship that exists between the two schools – two schools that have been committed to working together and learning together for 17 years.
Message from Mnyakanya to St. Mary’s
As the joyous season of Christmas approaches we find ourselves thinking of each and every one of you at St Mary’s Menston. Although we may be physically separated by 9,000 miles, know that you are always close in our hearts, especially during this magical time of the year.
Christmas is a time for celebration, love and togetherness. It is time to reflect on the blessings we have received and share warmth and happiness with the people we hold dear. Even though we cannot be physically together with one another, our partnership transcends distance and time.
We want St. Mary’s to know that you are always in our thoughts and your presence is felt even from afar. The memories we have created together, the laughter and the shared experiences are etched in our hearts and bring a smile to our faces, no matter where life takes us, the bonds we've formed remain unbreakable.
Mnyakanya High School and St. Mary’s cannot gather around the same table or exchange gifts at this time of year but we would like to express our heartfelt appreciation for our partnership. Thank you for bringing light into our lives and enriching it with your presence, we will be forever grateful and eternally thankful.
May the spirit of Christmas fill your hearts with peace and happiness. May the twinkling lights and cheerful melodies remind you of cherished moments we've shared and bring a sense of warmth and familiarity.
We wish you all a very Merry Christmas filled with love, laughter and beautiful memories. May the coming year bring you boundless opportunities, success, and happiness. Know that you are cherished and loved.
With warmest wishes
The Mnyakanya Community
Message from St. Mary’s to Mnyakanya
Please find below a Christmas blessing to the Mnyakanya community from St. Mary's.
Our dearest friends-
'In praise and thanksgiving,
Lets us rejoice as we await our Saviour
Christ the Lord,
God within us,
Prince of Peace'
In this season of advent our hearts reach out to you across the miles.
Our partnership consolidates that mutual warmth, happiness, laughter and shared experience.
Those unbreakable bonds of friendship and brotherhood are felt never so strongly as at this time of year.
We wish you all the joy of Christmas and every blessing in the new year to come, with new challenges, new opportunities and endless possibility.
With our love and warmest wishes
All your friends…
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)
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
St. Mary's Menston Year 12 South Africa Visit 2023 Blog
St. Mary’s Menston Year 12 South Africa Visit 2023 Team
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