NEWS
Internationalism honour for The Bambisanani Partnership
The Bambisanani Partnership has been invited to become a partner of the British Council’s influential Internationalism Alliance.
The Bambisanani Partnership has been invited to become a partner of the British Council’s influential Internationalism Alliance.
Since 2006 the multi award winning, Leeds based charity has gained international acclaim for it work in South Africa using sport to promote education, health, global citizenship and leadership in one of the countries most deprived rural areas. Over the past 15 years more than 10,000 young people from South Africa and the UK have engaged in Bambisanani projects and programmes. The work of the partnership now spans primary schools, secondary schools, colleges of further education and universities.
In a recent event celebrating the 15th Anniversary of the Bambisanani Partnership John Rolfe from the British Council said: "This partnership has developed some of the best international education programmes and practice in the world.”
The International Alliance aims to offer every child and young person in the United Kingdom, whatever their background or interests, the opportunity to learn from – and connect with – other people in the UK and around the world. The Alliance is committed to working with a range of partners in order to:
champion international and intercultural experiences for children and young people
advocate for increased opportunities for international learning
build resources to support high-quality international experiences.
There are over fifty Internationalism Alliance partners including: The Princes Trust, National Union of Students, Curious Minds, Voluntary Service Overseas, Scouts UK, Girl Guides. The Brilliant Club, Step up to Serve Network, Jane Goodall Institute, Tate Collective, Centre for International Learning and Leadership and the Economist Foundation.
Partners are part of a community of organisations working with young people who are committed to working collaboratively in order to:
identify priorities and work towards shared goals with other members
participate in regular, themed workshops and meetings
be part of advocacy campaigns to influence leaders and decision-makers to increase opportunities for young people
ensure young people’s voices are always part of the thinking.
The Alliance has already expressed an interest to use examples of Bambisanani programmes and projects as case studies of good practice.
David Geldart, Founder and Chair of the Bambisanani Partnership said; “It is a real honour to be invited by the British Council to become a partner in its influential Internationalism Alliance. Having already attended one meeting I was very impressed with the expertise, experience and commitment of fellow partners: the Bambisanani Partnership cannot fail to learn from this. In an increasing interrelated planet, all young people deserve the opportunity to broaden their horizons through a better understanding of the world and its peoples. International experiences give young people a wider perspective of the world and on life itself. Such experiences should form a vital part of every young person’s education; preparing them, and indeed their countries, to play their part in creating a better, more equal and sustainable world. The Bambisanani Partnership is delighted to have the opportunity to contribute to this goal.”
Jordan Sinnott's Family launch Charity
The Bambisanani Partnership is delighted that the family and friends of Jordan have established a charity in his name.
The Bambisanani Partnership is delighted that the family and friends of Jordan have established a charity in his name.
Like the Bambisanani Partnership, the charity will be using sport to change lives. We wish the charity all the very best and we look forward to working with them closely in the future.
2021 Bambisanani Highlights
The Bambisanani Partnership has gained international acclaim for its work in South Africa using sport to change lives. The considerable challenges posed by Covid 19 have not deterred the Menston based charity from its ground-breaking work; most projects have been sustained and new ones have actually been introduced.
The Bambisanani Partnership has gained international acclaim for its work in South Africa using sport to change lives. The considerable challenges posed by Covid 19 have not deterred the Menston based charity from its ground-breaking work; most projects have been sustained and new ones have actually been introduced.
David Geldart, Bambisanani Founder and CEO said: “Despite everything, or quite possibly because of everything, 2021 was a remarkably important and successful year for The Bambisanani Partnership. Covid restrictions have curtailed our exchange visits for the past two years but despite the frustration and disappointment at this we have continued to make exciting progress in many areas. Most significantly, our mindset has been to focus on the many things that COULD be done rather on things that could not. Existing connections and friendships have been strengthened, and very importantly, new relationships have been established during this time with schools, universities, organisations and individuals. All of this has provided us with new opportunities and an enhanced capacity to work in partnership with others. As a consequence, many of our existing programmes have continued to flourish and several new ones have been introduced. Many have said that we have succeeded ‘against all odds’ this year but our view is that ‘these odds’ have ‘simply’ made us look at things differently and more imaginatively in order to achieve our goals. We have learned and grown enormously as result.”
John Rolfe MBE from the British Council added:
“This partnership has developed some of the best international education programmes and practice in the world.”
Bambisanani Partnership Highlights from 2021
15th Anniversary of Working Together and Learning Together
2021 saw The Bambisanani Partnership mark its 15-year anniversary of ‘working together and learning together’ in South Africa and in the UK using sport to promote education, health, global citizenship and leadership.
2021 saw The Bambisanani Partnership mark its 15-year anniversary of ‘working together and learning together’ in South Africa and in the UK using sport to promote education, health, global citizenship and leadership.
Projects and Programmes developed over that time include:
The Bambisanani Leadership Programme has trained young sports leaders in both countries then brought them together in South Africa to jointly plan, deliver and evaluate community Sports Festivals, Reading Festivals and Numeracy Festivals for over 100 primary school children every year. Significantly, gaining the Bambisanani Leadership Award is seen a starting point not an end point. Young Leaders, from this programme, have gone to use their leadership skills in the most remarkable ways.
International exchange visits for teachers and students
Art through Sport Projects
Creative Writing through Sport Projects
Student led Enterprise Projects to support the partnership
Training of Community football coaches and referees
Education through Football Project (Premier Skills)
High School Bambisanani Award Scheme promoting Leadership, Enterprise and Global Citizenship at Bronze, Silver and Gold levels
University and Vocational College Scholarships
Achievement Awards established in both secondary and primary schools
Bambisanani Sports Leadership Award for primary school children
Primary School Sports Festivals
‘Cycling to Success’ programme which teaches young people how to ride and maintain bikes
Collaborative ‘virtual space’ training of Physical Education teachers and Sport Coaches
Bambisanani International Athletics Challenge that has brought primary school children together, albeit virtually, to learn, enjoy and compete in a range of fun athletic challenges
Four Bambisanani books have been published
Impact
More than 10,000 young people from both countries have engaged in a variety of Bambisanani projects and programmes
More than 3,000 students have participated Bambisanani Sports Festivals
More than 775 students have gained Bambisanani Leadership Awards
More than 280 UK students have volunteered on Bambisanani programmes in South Africa
More than 270 students have completed the Cycling to Success course
More than 1,200 South African students have been supported into school by the partnership
More than 1,700 students have participated in Bambisanani Reading Festivals
More than 650 students have participated in Art/Creative Writing through Sport projects
55 UK/SA teachers have visited each other’s countries on Exchange Visits
The work of The Bambisanani Partnership has been highlighted at 5 International Conferences
““Much of our life in the UK has become obsessed with materialism and ‘celebrity’. We have lost touch with things that really matter. My visit to South Africa has given me a much more meaningful perspective on life””
““We have worked together…people of different colours, countries, religions and cultures…we have proved it can be done””
““My world has just got bigger; I realise that it is my duty to be a global citizen””
““I have learned to help other people and I have learned that respect is everything. Through sport we have worked hand in hand- we have different colour skin and it does not matter. I am a leader now and I want to help my community””
““The Bambisanani Partnership has reminded me why I became a teacher.””
““There is a saying in Zulu culture: Umuntu ngumuntu ngumuntu which means ‘I am because you are’. This is the very spirit of The Bambisanani Partnership: it is what makes it an equal partnership in an unequal world, it is what creates the belief and hope that sustains and motivates our life changing work””
““South Africa has a history of people from abroad attempting to ‘serve’ the local community. Many of these missions’ flounder because they are designed to engender a feeling of goodwill more for the giver than the recipient. Bambisanani – working hand in hand – works because there is neither giver or receiver. Two groups from different ends of the planet, each borrowing from the culture of the other forge relationships through the medium of sport, changing perspectives of both from the experience.””
““The special relationship and legacy that Nelson Mandela spoke about in Leeds certainly continues through the outstanding and influential Bambisanani Partnership.””
““The partnership clearly has the power to change lives for the good and develop long-standing friendships across nations. Many schools around the world would benefit from knowing more about this partnership and adopting similar innovative approaches to genuinely enhancing young people’s lives””
Looking Forward
David Geldart, Founder and CEO of the multi award winning charity said, “I cannot thank the members of the Bambisanani team and our supporters enough for what has been achieved to date; the determination to succeed has been remarkable. Our focus now is very much on the future. Put simply, we have never been in a stronger position to move forward than we are now. We have ambitious plans for 2022 and with continued support we can continue to make a small but significant difference in the world.”
Rest in Peace Archbishop Desmond Tutu 1931–2021
His vision, courage and humanity made such a difference in the world. His wonderful spirit will live on if we can rise to the challenges and wisdom that he gave us.
His vision, courage and humanity made such a difference in the world. His wonderful spirit will live on if we can rise to the challenges and wisdom that he gave us.
“Do your little bit of good where you are; it’s those little bits of good put together that overwhelm the world.”
“My humanity is bound up in yours, for we can only be human together.”
“Hope is being able to see that there is light despite the darkness.”
“If you are neutral in situations of injustice, you have chosen the side of the oppressor.”
“Don’t raise your voice, improve your argument.”
VIDEO: Children from Vumanhlamvu School in South Africa wishing us all a Merry Christmas
Watch the video message
Wishing you a wonderful Christmas and a Happy New Year from all the Bambisanani team
Ngikufisela Ukhisimusi Omuhle Nonyaka Omusha Omule
Ngikufisela Ukhisimusi Omuhle Nonyaka Omusha Omule
At Christmas, time deepens’ by John O’Donohue
At Christmas, time deepens. The Celtic imagination knew that time is eternity in disguise. They embraced the day as a sacred space. Christmas reminds us to glory in the simplicity and wonder of one day; it unveils the extraordinary that our hurried lives conceal and neglect. We have been given such immense possibilities. We desperately need to make clearances in our entangled lives to let our souls breathe. We must take care of ourselves and especially of our suffering brothers and sisters. Without realizing it, we are so privileged.
Picture by Lilly Rigby 7P, St. Mary’s Menston
UK and South African students collaborate to become Physical Education teachers and Sports Coaches
Digital placement provided second-year Leeds Trinity University students, across a range of degree programmes, with the opportunity to use their theoretical knowledge of Sport and Physical Education to develop teaching and coaching resources for use in South Africa
Earlier this year The Bambisanani Partnership CEO, David Geldart, met with Dr Thobile Sifunda, Head of the KwaZulu-Natal Department of Sport and Recreation to discuss a range of potential collaborations. It was agreed that some joint training of Physical Education teachers and Sports Coaches in both the UK and South Africa could have enormous potential benefits for all concerned and should be explored. As a result, key Bambisanani partner, Leeds Trinity University was soon in contact with representatives from The Department for Education and The Department of Sport and Recreation in KwaZulu-Natal. What emerged, in a time of Covid restrictions and lockdowns, was the idea to link both lecturers and students within a ‘digital space’ in order to ‘work together and learn together’ in the true spirit of the Bambisanani Partnership. Students at Leeds Trinity University were unable to undertake professional work placements within their chosen occupational fields at the time, so the alternative possibility of ‘digital placements’ was discussed and developed.
More specifically, digital placement provided second-year Leeds Trinity University students, across a range of degree programmes, with the opportunity to use their theoretical knowledge of Sport and Physical Education to develop teaching and coaching resources for use in South Africa, under the supervision of Sheila King, Dr Chris Rowley and Dr Nicola Arjomandkhah. Leeds Trinity University students worked in collaboration with their South African peers who were also on placements themselves across a range of colleges within the KwaZulu-Natal region, to design and produce resources which aligned with the South African curriculum. In keeping with the collaborative nature of the Bambisanani Partnership, the placement officially launched with a virtual meeting between the five Leeds Trinity University students and their peers in South Africa, who were joined by the aforementioned staff from Leeds Trinity University, and Mr M Madlala as the project leader and key contact within South Africa. Following on from this initial exchange of ideas, questions and information, sub-groups were set up for the remainder of the project, led by at least one student from both countries. This enabled continued communication and collaboration for the duration of the project, as the students sought to establish specific project aims, and to monitor subsequent progress towards these objectives.
Students from both countries involved in this project have received a valuable opportunity to; apply their theoretical and practical knowledge within a real-world setting; develop their digital skills across a range of software and platforms; broaden their cultural awareness through active engagement and collaboration with peers in South Africa; develop their leadership and communication skills; and to work effectively as part of a wider project team, collaborating with a range of stakeholders both within the United Kingdom, and in South Africa.
Students from both counties were very positive and enthusiastic about the initiative:
“I loved meeting new people during this placement. One of the most challenging aspects was communicating with the South African students over WhatsApp and working on through despite the poor-quality reception via video connection. What I've learnt during this placement is to always be proactive and make things happen”.
Nathaniel Wilson-Fleming, 2nd year Sports Coaching student at Leeds Trinity University
Eilish McGovern, 2nd year Exercise, Health and Nutrition at Leeds Trinity University added:
“My experience for this South African placement was filled with many challenges and rewards. I started the process feeling quite unsure but excited about the work I would be involved in, working with new people as well as people abroad in a collaborative project was very appealing. A challenge throughout the experience was communication with our South African colleagues as both sides were working with different internet access. This made finding out exactly what was expected more difficult, however this was all solved in the end. One thing I really enjoyed was asking our colleagues about their experiences and getting to know them better. This allowed me to see the bigger picture and how the work that we would be doing would impact the community. This made the experience a lot more impactful and rewarding. Overall, I found the experience to be very fulfilling and worthwhile and I am very thankful for the experience.”
Mbongeni Masinyane, a qualified graduate in Coaching Science from Esayidi TVET College in KwaZulu- Natal commented:
“I have gained so much more knowledge and experience through this collaboration, particularly in the session planning for ‘soccer teamwork’. I would be very happy indeed to continue interacting with the students in the UK.”
Mr Mduduzi Madlala from the KwaZulu-Natal Department of Higher Education said:
“The effective delivery of this project could hopefully lead to further exciting developments in the future for the universities and the Bambisanani Partnership. Further on, there is now a strategic opportunity with the involvement of the Durban University of Technology (DUT) which has been identified as the University in the KZN Province to collaborate with the UK Leeds Trinity University and TVET Colleges in the implementation of this programme. Meetings have already taken place between DUT staff from the Sport Science Department and staff from the UK Leeds Trinity University. Possible areas of collaboration have been identified and discussed as follows: Information Exchange, Skills Transfer for both Students and Lecturers. It is interesting that a direct university to university linkages has now been developed to initiate university-university international collaborations in order to take the programme to higher levels.”
Dr Chris Rowley, Senior Lecturer for Sports Psychology at Leeds Trinity University added,
‘’The Digital Placement ‘pilot’ programme was successful in providing an effective, and hopefully enjoyable, learning experience for all involved, including the staff who helped facilitate it. Through engaging in digital platforms, students have been able to learn a considerable amount from each other, during a time where physical travel and cultural exchange was seemingly not a readily apparent opportunity. This cultural exchange stands a key aim of this particular initiative, and a fundamental principle of our collective work as part of the Bambisanani Partnership. This project came at a really good time for our students in the absence of international volunteering trips being able to take place in person, and this digital platform will hopefully allow for further partnership developments in the areas of Knowledge Exchange, Workshops, Skills Transfer, Face to Face discussions as a means of further internationalising our curriculum in the area of Physical Education and Sports Coaching.’’
Michael Mbatha Sports Officer from Durban University of Technology-Sports Department commented,
‘’Despite some early technical difficulties this was a really positive experience for all concerned. We need to strengthen our relationship even further with Leeds Trinity University and are excited to work with their professors and students.’’
Mr M Shozi, Project Manager for Durban University of Technology, Imbali Education and Innovation Precinct. said,
‘’This programme has considerable potential for students in both countries. We need to work together in the area of exchange programmes, with the involvement of the local schools and TVET Colleges, sharing resources and developing joint modules of study.’’
David Geldart from the Bambisanani Partnership said, “Massive praise must go to all involved in what was effectively a Pilot project in a completely new area of collaboration for us all. New contacts have been made and new relationships developed. The UK students learned from the strengths of the South African students and the South African students learned from the strengths of UK students. This is precisely what we are about. There is clearly a desire to take this forward from both sides and I look forward to seeing this develop.”
Also see related video:
Two members of the Bambisanani Partnership team involved in Vatican led Global sports initiative
The Bambisanani Partnership Founder, David Geldart and fellow Trustee of the charity, Brogan O’Connor were recently invited to be involved in an exciting initiative that aims to create a global technology platform to support the practice of inclusive sport and its educational and societal values.
The Bambisanani Partnership Founder, David Geldart and fellow Trustee of the charity, Brogan O’Connor were recently invited to be involved in an exciting initiative that aims to create a global technology platform to support the practice of inclusive sport and its educational and societal values.
“What a privilege it has been to contribute to such an important global project. With the organisations and individuals involved there is no reason why this vision will not become a reality; the possibilities are endless.”
Brogan O’Connor, The Bambisanani Partnership
Under the aegis of the Vatican Pontifical Council for Culture, Sport at the Service of Humanity and Save the Dream, launched yesterday the Global Digital Community (GDC), a joint initiative with the aim to serve as a global technology platform, to support the practice of inclusive sport and promotion of its educational and societal values in faith-based communities.
The launch took place through a virtual GDC kick-off meeting and working group sessions, bringing together experts from a range of institutions, international organizations, NGOs, representatives from the world of sport, religious institutions, grassroots initiatives, and the business sector, to undertake a wide-ranging mapping process, pooling knowledge, expertise, and networking potential to meet the needs of the community.
Initially for the benefit of over 60 million children across nations, namely the number of children reached by the eco-system comprised of parishes, orphanages, and schools already in place in the Catholic community, the GDC was conceived, from the outset, to take an inter-faith approach and to involve institutions representing other faiths and religions.
Building on Pope Francis' call during the 2016 First Global Conference on Faith and Sport to leverage the power of faith and sport to serve humanity, GDC has been established to support and empower local faith communities to use sport as a tool for the education of youth, social inclusion, and the promotion of healthy lifestyles.
“It is a fantastic honour to be involved in such an important initiative that has the potential to make a real difference to people’s lives through sport globally. A focus on the positive values that can be gained through sport is precisely what sport needs right now.”
David Geldart, The Bambisanani Partnership
Save the Dream and Sport for Humanity have identified a need and an opportunity to provide local faith communities with a global digital platform where they can access and learn from tools, best practices, case studies, and other resources to support their programs using the practice of sport and exposure to its educational and societal values.
The event was opened by the GDC initiative partners along with its first benefactor, the Solow Art and Architecture Foundation who welcomed all participants. The meeting also featured keynote messages by Gabriela Ramos, Assistant Director General for Social and Human Sciences, United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO), Raffaele Chiulli, President, Association of IOC Recognised International Sports Federations (ARISF) and Lorenzo Bernardi, World Champion and Volleyball Player of the Century.
Fifty experts and practitioners from international organizations, sport bodies and civil society took part in five thematic sessions, including but not limited to UNESCO, the International Labour Organization (ILO), the United Nations Office of Counter-Terrorism (UNOCT), United Nations Institute for Training and Research (UNITAR), European Education and Culture Executive Agency (EACEA), Sport and Dev, Peace and Sport, Harvard University Global Sports Initiative, Education Above All, Generation Amazing, Confederation of African Football (CAF), Confederation of North, Central America and Caribbean Association Football (Concacaf), Big East Conference, representatives of the Olympic Movement, 2 Religions for Peace, Maccabi World Union, and the Pontifical Council for Interreligious Dialogue (PCID), to name but a few.
“GDC was conceived as a platform to support the practice of sport and the exposure to its educational and societal values, initially to benefit over 60 million children within the Catholic community,” said Msgr. Melchor Sanchez, Undersecretary at the Pontifical Council for Culture. “Importantly, the GDC’s intent is to have a multi-faith approach and the long-term vision is to include a higher number of beneficiaries through the involvement of other faith-based organizations and groups.”
“I believe that the main strength of this initiative lies in its simplicity, but at the same time, in its capacity to apply in the field the important policy frameworks developed at the international level, frameworks such as the Kazan Action Plan,” explained Massimiliano Montanari, CEO of Save the Dream. “It is also instrumental to put into practice Pope Francis' call to action, when he urged all of us back in 2016 to bring a ball to the outskirts of the world, wherever these are. So, hopefully, in a few years, this ball will finally reach its destination,” he added.
“As our world continues to face unprecedented challenges, Sport for Humanity reinforces its commitment to using the power of faith and sport to transform attitudes and actions - now, more than ever,” said David Eades, Sport for Humanity Foundation Chairman. “This work is important and the idea of being able to provide a central, user-friendly, global digital platform where tools, templates and resources can be accessed by sport and development practitioners, from different cultures and faiths in local communities worldwide, would be an absolute game changer.”
David Geldart from the Bambisanani Partnership said, “It is a fantastic honour to be involved in such an important initiative that has the potential to make a real difference to people’s lives through sport globally. A focus on the positive values that can be gained through sport is precisely what sport needs right now.”
Brogan O’Connor added, “What a privilege it has been to contribute to such an important global project. With the organisations and individuals involved there is no reason why this vision will not become a reality; the possibilities are endless.”
Bambisanani Awards remember Jordan in South Africa
The tragic death of professional footballer Jordan Sinnott almost two years ago touched the heart of the nation. The amazing Sinnott 25 football shirt campaign saw an outpouring of grief and love with over 850 shirts donated from more than 35 countries.
The tragic death of professional footballer Jordan Sinnott almost two years ago touched the heart of the nation. The amazing Sinnott 25 football shirt campaign saw an outpouring of grief and love with over 850 shirts donated from more than 35 countries.
These shirts have since found homes with some of the most disadvantaged children in the world.
Whilst at St. Mary’s School, Menston, and even after leaving, Jordan was a big supporter of the Bambisanani Partnership; the school’s work in South Africa using sport to change lives. It was here that he worked closely with David Geldart who founded the partnership and also where he had met teacher William Vilakazi who was visiting from South Africa. William is now Principal of Vumanhlamvu Primary School in rural KwaZulu-Natal. Last year William’s school, in conjunction with The Bambisanani Partnership introduced two sports awards in memory of Jordan: the Jordan Sinnott Sportsman and Sportswomen of the Year Awards. This year, a third award has been added: Sports Leader of the Year.
William Vilakazi said, “We were deeply touched by Jordan Sinnott' s tragic death. I simply cannot imagine the devastating impact on his family and friends. We will always put them in our prayers at Vumanhlamvu Primary School. Through the Bambisanani Awards, introduced last year in Jordan’s name, we remember a great sportsman and a great person; his spirit still lives on. The Jordan Sinnott awards have become most important to our learners. They have brought joy, happiness and confidence among them. It has revealed hidden talents in all sports activities and changed their attitudes towards sports. They compete and excel to lift the awards. It has also instilled discipline and created friendship in our school. Since the introduction of the Jordan Sinnott Awards learners are more willingly to participate in all sports activities and there is even improvement in terms of attendance at school. I think this will continue to inspire our future generations and create more sports champions in deep remote areas of Nkandla. Thanks so much to The Bambisanani Partnership and to Jordan’s family.”
Miss R. P. Kganyago, Departmental Head at the school added “As a school we would like to thank the Bambisanani Partnership for the support given. On the Jordan Sinnott awards we would like to say he is no more but his spirit lives on. Learners are so inspired to take part in sport and are constantly encouraged to do their best.”
The 2021 winners of The Bambisanani Partnership Awards in Memory of Jordan Sinnott:
Sportswoman of the Year: Anele Biyela
Sportsman of the Year: Andile Ngcobo
Sports Leader of the Year: Kwanele Majozi
Sportswoman of the Year: Anele Biyela
"In our school it's very nice because teachers are now awarding us for our talents in sports. It was difficult to get the Jordan Sinnott trophy. I would like to thank our Educators for giving us an opportunity to show our talent at school. Lastly I would like to thank the Bambisanani Partnership and all of the family of Jordan”.
Sportsman of the Year: Andile Ngcobo
"I would like to thank the Bambisanani Partnership for introducing these awards in memory of Jordan at our school since last year. It is my first time to lift such beautiful trophy. It was tough competition for everyone as we all wanted to lift it at end of the year. I worked hard for it. Thank you to our Principal and teachers."
Sports Leader of the Year: Kwanele Majozi
"It was not easy to win this award because all learners were working for it. I try to excel when I am given an opportunity in sports to lead and win. I thank the Bambisanani Partnership for supporting our school with sports equipment. I also thank my teachers for recognizing a talent in me".
David Geldart from the partnership added, “Congratulations to Anele, Andile and Kwanele, we will be watching your progress in school and in sport very closely. I know that Jordan would be very proud of you. Congratulations also to William and his team at Vumahlamvu for using these awards to celebrate the life of Jordan and to inspire learners to be the best that they can be. The impact of the awards at the school is quite remarkable.”