NEWS
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
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
The Bambisanani Partnership says Thank You to The Rotary Club of Aireborough
On 27 February 2024, St. Mary's staff and ex-students joined the members of Aireborough Rotary at Horsforth Golf Club where Rory Southern and Anna Ciesluk, who left St. Mary’s last year gave an enlightening account of their work in South Africa in July 2023.
On 27 February 2024, St. Mary's staff and ex-students joined the members of Aireborough Rotary at Horsforth Golf Club where Rory Southern and Anna Ciesluk, who left St. Mary’s last year gave an enlightening account of their work in South Africa in July 2023.
The evening ended with Mrs Chattoe giving the Rotarians an update on the South African projects they have been involved in. They saw photographs of the final delivery and installation of computers for the Computer Suite at Mnyakanya High School that was funded by an International Rotary Grant.
Mrs Chattoe played a video of the South African teachers giving lessons to the girls on how to use the sanitary kits that the Rotarian members had made and the St. Mary’s team had delivered to the rural schools in KwaZulu-Natal.
A special guest at the evening was the son of the late Aireborough Rotary President, Heather Read. Mrs Chattoe spoke of the recipient of the first ever Heather Read Award for Outstanding Resilience. The Award was presented to Samkelisiwe Ntuli in June 2023. Tim Read and the guests heard how Samkelisiwe Ntuli has lived on her own since the age of 14 after her mother and sister travelled 500km to try to find work in Johannesburg. Samkelisiwe Ntuli travelled 20km to school every day and managed to successfully pass her matriculation examinations. Samkelisiwe Ntuli has now left school and will try to find her mother and sister and would like to study Law at University. Anna read out a message to Aireborough Rotary from Samkelisiwe Ntuli, thanking them for their recognition of her resilience.
Mrs Chattoe said: “it was a lovely evening as it is always great to meet up with the Aireborough Rotarians as they have been supporters of The Bambisanani Partnership since its inception seventeen years ago. We have had a long and very special relationship with the Rotary Club of Aireborough and indeed with Eshowe Rotary Club in South Africa that has enabled many life changing projects to be introduced.”
Find out more about The Rotary Club of Aireborough
Published: 01/03/2024
Mnyakanya High School do it again!
Mnyakanya High School in Nkandla, KwaZulu-Natal, has recently learned that it has obtained a remarkable 90% pass rate in the annual Matriculation (Matric) Examinations, despite many challenges that were faced by the school in the last year.
Mnyakanya High School in Nkandla, KwaZulu-Natal, has recently learned that it has obtained a remarkable 90% pass rate in the annual Matriculation (Matric) Examinations, despite many challenges that were faced by the school in the last year.
Students celebrate their results
This result equals the school's record breaking 90% pass rate of 2023. In 2022 the pass rate was a commendable 86% and in 2021 it was 72%. It is not so many years ago that the pass rate was half that of the amazing results of this year and last so there is little wonder that this remote rural school is gaining the attention of the nation.
In 2023, Mnyakanya had 112 students who sat the national Matric exams. This was a huge number for the school with limited classrooms, teachers and resources. Learners had to be taught in overcrowded classrooms with teachers providing additional lessons in the evenings and weekends.
Star pupil Busisiwe Bhengu
The 2023 results surprised many people when 58 learners obtained a Bachelors Pass, which is the entry requirement to go to university, 31 learners obtained a Diploma Pass which is the entry requirement for Technical Colleges and 12 learners obtained the Higher Certificates which can provide access to Technical Colleges.
Busisiwe Bhengu who achieved the highest scores with no less than 6 Distinctions In her subjects, broke into tears of joy when she received the news of her achievements. Her grandmother, Mashezi Bhengu who takes care of her family by selling snacks at school said:
"I am so grateful that Busisiwe has broken the record by achieving such high results. I am so proud to know that she is the first student to obtain 6 distinctions in her subjects throughout the history of Mnyakanya High school."
Busisiwe's father, Mafuna Bhengu, passed the words of gratitude to the school principal and said:
"I'm so excited about the work done by the teachers for my daughter. I don’t have anything in my hands, but I wish I can do something for the school to show my appreciation. I am speechless, not knowing what to do because of excitement.
I wish to say a massive thanks to you Mr Principal and your staff, God bless you."
Mnyakanya High School results continue to attract students from different parts of the province and from other provinces. The school enrolment of 2024 has risen up to 950 students compared to 859 of 2023. There are many students who applied and could not be taken because the school is running short of enough space and furniture.
The Mnyakanya community is working hand in hand with the school to provide accommodation closer to the school for those students who wish to move to the area to attend the school. Again, teachers of the school are proving additional classes to cope with the massive increased demand.
Mr SV Ngubane, Principal of Mnyakanya congratulates students on their outstanding results
Mnyakanya School together with St. Mary’s School, Menston (UK) are the founding schools of the Bambisanani Partnership and have worked closely together for the benefit of students in both schools for the past 17 years. Mnyakanyal is now a very popular school not only for its outstanding examination results but for its sports activities, cultural activities and international links and educational opportunities through the Bambisanani Partnership. The addition of Computer Literacy as a subject in the school curriculum by the Bambisanani Partnership and Rotary International has been a major factor in increased academic achievement at the school.
The Chairperson of the school governing body, Mr Sguda Bhengu said:
"I am feeling very proud to be the Chairperson the school that is doing so well with its results. In all cases or events when I’m expected to introduce myself, I do not forget to p roudly mention that I am the Chairperson of Mnyakanya school governing body. This make my status to be respected even greater in the community, just because of the good work done at Mnyakanya”.
The delighted Principal of Mnyakanya, Mr SV Ngubane said, “2023 was the toughest year with many challenges. The Matric results could not be predicted at all because of these challenges. Teachers were extremely overloaded with work because the school was understaffed. The results that we obtained are from hard work and dedication of teachers and learners who sacrificed their time of seeing their families during holidays and during the week-ends. I cannot explain the joy that I have in my heart about what we achieved."
Students doing extra study after school
David Geldart from the Bambisanani Partnership added, “I am almost lost for words at the remarkable continued progress at Mnyakanya School. The teachers and students deserve the utmost praise and congratulations for their outstanding work. Many students routinely walk two hours to and from school each day because they want an education. Relatively few resources and class sizes of 60 plus are the norm. There is a shortage of teachers at the school and those that are there go the extra mile continually for their students by working additional hours before school, after school, weekends and holidays! The young people and their educators are an inspiration and students and teachers from other parts of the world have much to learn from their commitment, determination and resilience. This success is achieved against all the odds and is thoroughly deserved. The Bambisanani Partnership is honoured to be working with such a school and to have made a small contribution to its success that we can all learn from.”
Published: 07/02/2024