An international project between Newcastle College and the The Bambisanani Partnership has been named a finalist in the prestigious Association of Colleges (AoC) Beacon Awards 2024.
The collaboration, led by Enrichment and Development Manager, Brogan O'Connor, sees staff and students from Newcastle College fly to South Africa each year, to work with more than 1,000 children in schools and orphanages.
Shortlisted for ‘Excellence in International Work’, the project gives Newcastle College students the unique opportunity to work in rural South Africa, delivering sports and exercise sessions while volunteering to support communities in any way they ask.
The fundamental aim of the partnership is to create genuine ‘two-way’ learning between both countries, with sports used as a central learning tool to help the children develop skills and opportunities that will help them break the poverty cycle.
The visits are filled with heartfelt exchanges, cultural performances, and community engagement, giving students from Newcastle College the chance to develop skills in teamwork, leadership and communication, whilst boosting their confidence.
Project Leader Brogan O'Connor said: “This is a real honour and a testament to the hard work of the staff and students who have travelled, supported, and worked so hard to make the educational visits possible.
“A fundamental aim of the partnership has been to create genuine ‘two-way’ learning between both countries, with a key focus on working and learning together. The Bambisanani story is testimony of the power of sport to change lives.
"I'm incredibly proud and grateful to be a part of the work Newcastle College is doing in the UK and in South Africa and look forward to seeing what can be achieved in the years to come."
An AoC judging panel will visit the College in December to hear from staff and students about the fantastic work the partnership does, and the impact it has on the young people taking part, both in the UK and in South Africa.