A great start to 2023 and like everyone around us, we have hit the ground running.

This year’s focus will be on adapting programmes to address post-COVID effects on both sports and academics (Recent studies reported that most Quintile 1-4 schools, covered only 22%-40% of their curriculum). We are committed to not only providing valuable services to our participants but also to measuring the effectiveness of our programs. This means tracking data on everything from attendance to academic performance to overall satisfaction. While it may not always be the most exciting aspect of our jobs, it is absolutely crucial in ensuring that we are making a real impact in the community we serve.

However, every now and then, we are reminded of the true impact of our work in a way that data alone cannot convey. At the recent Wynberg Boys Rugby Festival our staff were delighted to see our 2022 Under 13’s graduates, continuing their rugby journey. One of our staff sent a team photo to their parent’s group and the messages we received back reminded us why we really do this work. The main message was that of gratitude to VUSA staff for the impact the programme has had on their kids. One parent said he was thankful that because of the guidance of VUSA staff, his child had found a passion and purpose and was not spending weekends smoking on the street corner. Another one thanked our staff for making their child understand that disadvantage only means disadvantage if you allow it to mean that. Children in the South African townships turn to anti-social behaviours and gangs to gain a sense of belonging but as a child on a VUSA team, that sense of belonging already exists. Thank you to the parents who sent messages which remind us of the importance of our work and motivate us to continue pushing forward, despite the challenges we face. They remind us that, even though the work we do can sometimes feel small in the face of larger societal issues, it has a tangible impact on the lives of real people.