NEWS
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.”
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!
Lilly completes the Leeds Marathon for the Bambisanani Partnership
Congratulations and many thanks to Lilly Chattoe who recently ran the Rob Burrow Leeds Marathon raising much needed funds for the charity.
Congratulations and many thanks to Lilly Chattoe who recently ran the Rob Burrow Leeds Marathon raising much needed funds for the charity.
It was her first ever Marathon and she finished the 26.2 mile course in a 4 hours 12 minutes and raised a remarkable £450 for the partnership in doing so. This is a great achievement on both counts and Lilly deserves great praise for her efforts. Lilly is very closely associated with the partnership, her Dad, Richard, played a significant in role in developing the partnership when he worked at St. Mary’s, School and her Mum, Catherine, is the current Bambisanani Partnership Co-ordinator at the school.
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.
Tharavadu Fundraising Event is a Great Success
Good food, good friends = good times
Good food, good friends = good times
The second annual Bambisanani Charity Lunch, held at the award winning Tharavadu Restaurant in Leeds, was a tremendous success. The completely sold-out event was organised by Charlotte Wood, David Farmer, Barbara Pounder and Catherine Chattoe and was attended by 80 Bambisanani supporters and young people who will be volunteering in South Africa this summer.
Tharavadu is Michelin recommended and serves the most wonderful Kerala food. Named in a list of Top 100 UK Restaurants it is a particular favourite of Indian cricket captain, Virat Kholi. The owner of the restaurant Mr Sibi Jose, provided all the food and drinks at no cost whatsoever to the charity. The friendly atmosphere, wonderful service and exceptional cuisine were enjoyed by all.
A raffle and auction included some outstanding items provided by The Kaiser Chiefs; Power Gym, Guiseley; Wild Camping Vans, Wakefield; The Edge, University of Leeds; Cloud Nine, Yorkshire County Cricket Club, Joan Wilkinson and Gerry Sayers.
A signed album from the Kaiser Chiefs was auctioned during the event
The event raised a remarkable £3,905 which will go towards funding key sports and education projects in what is one of the most challenging areas of rural South Africa. Somewhat uniquely, the Bambisanani Partnership has no employees or premise so all money raised goes to support front line projects.
David Geldart, Founder and CEO of the charity said. “On every level this event was a great success. So much goes into the organisation; I have nothing but praise for all those involved. The kindness and generosity of Sibi Jose and his wonderful Tharavadu team is quite remarkable. They have a real and genuine connection with our charity and nothing is too much trouble in ensuring that everyone has a great time in this outstanding restaurant. My special thanks to Charlotte, David, Barbara and Cath for making it all happen. Thanks also to all those who volunteered on the day, to those that donated raffle and auction items and of course to all those who bought a ticket to attend. There was a great atmosphere with lots of fun and camaraderie; good food and good friends does indeed equal good times. A good time was had by all and much needed funds were raised to ensure that our work in South Africa continues to make a difference.”
Education Excellence Award for Bambisanani teacher
Mazet Langa, a teacher from Mnyakanya High School, has recently been honoured for her outstanding work by the KwaZulu-Natal Department of Education. At a prestigious ceremony in Nkandla Mazet received a special award for her exceptional results in the mandatory curriculum area of Life Orientation where 100% of her final year students gained Distinctions.
Mazet Langa, a teacher from Mnyakanya High School, has recently been honoured for her outstanding work by the KwaZulu-Natal Department of Education. At a prestigious ceremony in Nkandla Mazet received a special award for her exceptional results in the mandatory curriculum area of Life Orientation where 100% of her final year students gained Distinctions.
Mazet was a key figure in developing the original collaborative work between Mnyakanya School and St. Mary’s, Menston which eventually led to the formation of the Bambisanani Partnership charity. For the past 18 years Mazet has worked tirelessly to develop the partnership in conjunction with her work teaching Life Orientation.
The curriculum area of Life Orientation aims to:
Guide learners to achieve their full physical, intellectual, emotional and social potential
Develop learners’ skills to respond to challenges and play an active part and responsible role in the economy and society
Teach learners to exercise their constitutional rights and responsibilities and to respect the rights of others
Guide learners to make informed and responsible decisions about their health, environment, subject choices, further studies and careers
Provide opportunities for learners to demonstrate an understanding of, and participation in activities that promote movement and physical activity.
Mazet in exchange visit to St.Mary’s, Menston.
This work compliments the work of the Bambisanani Partnership which aims to promote education, health, global citizenship and leadership through sport.
A delighted Mazet said, “Being recognised for your dedication and the support given to children is such an amazing experience. We must thank God for giving us the strength to do this even in difficult times and circumstances so that we can change the lives of children, especially in the rural areas. The work of the Bambisanani Partnership contributes massively to the education of young people at Mnyakanya.”
Mazet visiting Ilkley with students and colleagues
David Geldart, from the partnership added, “This is such a well-deserved honour for Mazet. Her dedication to her students and indeed to the partnership is immense. She is passionate about education and has been instrumental in developing the partnership which is impacting the lives of young people in both South Africa and the UK. I met her on my first ever visit to South Africa and I doubt if we would be where we are today without her vision, dedication and positivity”.
Also see related article:
Mnyakanya High School do it again! (07/02/2024)
Bambisanani supporters ‘March through March’ to raise funds
Supporters of the Bambisanani Partnership recently participated in a sponsored 100-mile walking event – Marching through March – in order to raise much needed funds for the charity.
Supporters of the Bambisanani Partnership recently participated in a sponsored 100-mile walking event – Marching through March – in order to raise much needed funds for the charity.
Jenni Tomes-Green
The event was organised by Bambisanani trustee, Barbara Pounder who said:
“Many congratulations to everyone who took part in the Bambisanani Challenge of walking 100 miles in March. Through wind, rain and shine and more rain! the walkers completed the challenge with a smile. So many different routes and some incredible scenery. The Yorkshire Dales, the streets of Guiseley, Menston, Bramhope, Horsforth, Otley and Yeadon Dam. Along the coast of Crosby in Liverpool, Bamburgh in Northumberland and amazingly also in Thailand, Barbados and Italy. A total of 1,300 miles were walked and just over £2,000 was raised. Using the power of sport to change lives, the Partnership is currently involved in five projects in South Africa and every penny raised from ‘Marching through March’ will go towards sustaining and developing them. Once again, many congratulations to all the walkers and a big thank you to everyone that sponsored them.”
Participants included Jenni Tomes-Green, Tracey Weaver, Katherine Sayers, Duncan Baines, Vincent Bulman, Catherine Chattoe, David Geldart, Christine Wallis, Richard Giles, Graham Chennells, Ali Roberts, Martin Waddington, Loris Stringhini and the Pounder family.
‘Marching through March’ will hopefully become an annual fundraiser for the Bambisanani Partnership charity. To register your interest for the 2025 event please contact Barbara Pounder: bmpounder@yahoo.co.uk
March was a wet and windy month!
Team effort from the Pounder family
Kate walks all day long in school from room to room and building to building
Ambitions for 2024 and funding requirements: Can you help?
This year 39 young people from St. Mary’s School, Menston, University of Leeds and Newcastle College will volunteer in South Africa developing existing programmes and introducing new ones. Between them they have raised a remarkable £102,000 to fund their volunteering; many of them have worked incredibly hard for almost two years to raise this amount of money.
This year 39 young people from St. Mary’s School, Menston, University of Leeds and Newcastle College will volunteer in South Africa developing existing programmes and introducing new ones. Between them they have raised a remarkable £102,000 to fund their volunteering; many of them have worked incredibly hard for almost two years to raise this amount of money.
We are not seeking funding for our volunteers; this is their responsibility and we believe that there is much learning to be gained from this process. These are remarkable young people who have a real desire to become global citizens and make a difference in the world, they are a constant inspiration to myself and the rest of the Bambisanani team.
All of our projects are driven by community needs and engage local community members at all stages of planning and delivery. We have a policy of never funding 100% of any project. We always insist on an element of funding or contribution ‘in kind’ from South African sources. The partnership is absolutely committed to building capacity in the communities in which we work and empowering the people that we work with. Bambisanani means ‘working hand in hand’ and we are committed to that principle. All over the world I have seen ‘100% grants’ develop a ‘dependency culture’ within the communities that they are supposed to serve. This approach is frequently accompanied by a lack of real consultation with the local community - at best patronising and ultimately self-defeating; we operate very differently.
Total funding requirement for 2024 = £119,600
Amount already raised by UK student volunteers and their institutions = £102,000 (85% of total)
Remaining funding required for 2024 = £17,600
In the year ahead we would like to develop five community ‘needs led’ projects as identified below. There may be one that you may consider supporting in some way?
1. Cycling to Success
Our cycling project has proved a remarkable success in those remote, rural hills transforming lives as a means of transport, sport and recreation. Working in partnership with KZN Cycling (the Governing Body for Cycling in KZN) we aim to train 5,000 children (a year) how to both ride and maintain bikes. We need to raise £9,000 a year for the next two years which will be matched by KZN Cycling.
2. Bambisanani International Athletics Challenge
This project started during Covid to link primary schools in the UK and in South Africa in a series of athletic challenges. Principals have hailed the programme as a tremendous success - improving academic performance, behaviour, attendance and self-esteem. The majority of the South African schools had no prior experience of athletics. £2,300 is required to provide the basic equipment for the South African schools. £900 is available from South African sources and UK primary schools (fund raising events) so we need to raise £1,400 to make this programme happen for over 500 learners.
3. Leadership programmes
Our ‘leadership through sports programmes’ are our longest running programmes and they have proved an exceptional success in both primary schools and secondary schools. In my first ever meeting with the local Zulu Chief he spoke about the importance of developing young leaders with integrity in his community. The medium of sport has proved a tremendously powerful vehicle for developing generic leadership skills. Many young people who have successfully completed this course have gone to use their skills in the wider community to great effect. We need to purchase £2,200 of sports equipment each year to facilitate these programmes in both the primary and secondary schools. £1,000 is already in place to fund this programme but another £1,200 is required to train 150 young Sports Leaders.
4. Special School Physical Education and Sport
The latest school to join the Bambisanani Partnership is Thembinfundo Special School (a school dedicated to children with special educational needs) where we are introducing Physical Education or Sports programmes for the learners. We made a good start with this in 2023 introducing some basic equipment and training which had a significant impact. We are currently working with a number of agencies in South Africa to expand this programme at the school and we wish to introduce more activities for learners and more training for educators. This next stage of development will cost £4,200 of which £2,000 is already in place. £2,200 is therefore required. The development of Physical Education and Sport will transform the school experience for its 200 learners.
5. University Bursaries
Each year we try and support at least two students, who, against all the odds, gain a university place, but cannot raise all the funding required. We are currently supporting two young ladies who are training to become teachers at the University of South Africa. They have both raised between 70 and 80% of course fees themselves and we will try and make up the shortfall (that will make the difference) i.e. £2,000 (£1,000 each).
Administration
Not the most exciting aspect of our work to fund but nevertheless vitally important. With no staff to pay or premises to look after our administration costs are absolutely minimal but we do have pay some basic but essential costs for insurances, shipping and website use and development. Our costs for the year ahead will be in the region of £1,800
For the future we also have a longer-term plan to build a Football/Sports pitch near Mnyakanya School to serve both the school and the wider community. The land has already been gifted to us and the plans have been drawn up. The total cost of the project will be £85,000 with over half of the funding to come from South African sources. There is no such facility in the area; it has the potential to have a transformational impact on the lives of young people through all the benefits that sport can bring.
I would be more than happy to supply further information if required and indeed to meet with you to discuss our programme and aspirations in more detail.
David Geldart
Founder/CEO The Bambisanani Partnership
Also see related article:
Bambisanani in the news: Small Charity Big Impact (20/02/2024)
Fundraising Event at Michelin standard Indian restaurant
Date: Sunday 12 May 2024
Date: Sunday 12 May 2024
Time: 12.30pm for 1pm lunch
Venue: Tharavadu Indian Restaurant in Leeds
7-8 Mill Hill
Leeds
LS1 5DQ
2 minute walk from Leeds train station
Cost: £25 per adult, £12.50 under 16’s, Under fives free
Food: Two course Kerala Indian lunch
This will be a great afternoon for people to experience Michelin standard Kerala food
There will be the opportunity to take part in an auction and some fundraising games, so could you please bring some cash as well
This will be a fantastic event for the whole family as well as raising money for a great cause
The Indian cricket captain Virat Kohli has referred Tharavadu as his favourite restaurant - the reviews are amazing
Tickets are available from Catherine Chattoe at St. Mary’s Menston c.chattoe@stmarysmenston.org
01943 883000
Also see related article:
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