The first lesson we teach our young players when they join the VUSA programme is about the power of team-work. We all have a common goal and our chances of achieving it are far greater if we work together. This is one of the many life-skills taught in rugby that we know will benefit the children for life. If you glance through our newsletter below, you will see some wonderful work that has been carried out this quarter. This work has only been possible because of our partnerships with incredible people who have shared our vision and have joined the 'team' to create a bigger impact.
2021 Annual Status Report
We are hiring
Opportunity closing date:
Friday, 26 November, 2021
Opportunity type:
Employment
We are a small NPO and wish to employ a qualified English as a second language (ESL) teacher to provide English language lessons to Grade 4 Students in the Langa community. The ESL teacher will be responsible for planning lessons and activities, adopting a creative approach, and encouraging and motivating students to transition from mother tongue learning to English.
This project will support 5 schools in Langa and lessons will take place on a mobile classroom (a bus which has been converted into an IT classroom fitted with 40 laptops and 2 teaching stations) and will run from Monday – Friday (1 day at each school) from 8-2.30.
ESL Teacher Job Description
We are a small NPO and wish to employ a qualified ESL teacher to provide English language lessons to Grade 4 Students in the Langa community. The ESL teacher will be responsible for planning lessons and activities, adopting a creative approach, and encouraging and motivating students to transition from mother tongue learning to English.
This project will support 5 schools in Langa and lessons will take place on a mobile classroom (a bus which has been converted into an IT classroom fitted with 40 laptops and 2 teaching stations) and will run from Monday – Friday (1 day at each school) from 8-2.30.
ESL Teacher Responsibilities:
Conducting activities and lessons based on ESL teaching methodologies.
Encouraging and engaging students to speak in English.
Motivating students and creating a pleasant learning environment.
Displaying excellent classroom management.
Keeping accurate records of student performance.
Communicating with the heads and staff at the schools you will be supporting as well as VUSA Management.
ESL Teacher Requirements:
A Bachelor's Teaching degree / relevant TEFL Certification.
Excellent command of the English language and Maths concepts
Speaking Xhosa an advantage
A good understanding of technology
Police Clearance certificate will be required along with contactable references
Please forward your CV to nmatthews@vusarugbyacademy.com
Location:
Cape Town
Another chapter
What counts in life is not the mere fact that we have lived. It is what difference we have made to the lives of others that will determine the significance of the life we lead.
Nelson Mandela
It is the little things we see each day that truly demonstrate the impact our programmes have on our VUSA children. It is witnessing a child's sense of accomplishment when they work through a challenging Maths sum, or seeing a child walk a little more confidently after scoring his first try.
And We're off
"OUT OF ADVERSITY, COMES OPPORTUNITY" BENJAMIN FRANKLIN
The day has finally arrived - the launch of the VUSA Mobile Library. A pipe dream that has finally become a reality.
Our little tuk-tuk library will visit 3 registered ECD centres each day filled with books and puzzles. The programme is driven by Lungile Moferi, the most wonderful man, and as a father himself, he has brought a special element to our reading programme. His interaction with the children is gentle and warm and his engagement with the children is a massive part of what this programme is all about - so much of doing this work is the ability to connect with the children.
Onwards and Upwards
Whilst we were pleased to put 2020 behind us, it was a year where we learnt a lot about our programme, our children, and coaches. Valuable operational structures were put in place to deal with COVID regulations. Our children love the safe space that VUSA creates, the daily meal and interaction with their coaches. Our coaches have been outstanding in their roles as mentors, coaches, role models and implementers of COVID protocols.
What was missed was rugby, the physical activity, the excitement of matches and the camaraderie. Ball skills and touch rugby, whilst better than nothing are just not the same as a bus trip to an away game. We are hoping that regulations will allow rugby matches later in the year!
Whilst our coaches are dedicated, motivated and inspiring, they are not always equipped to manage the difficult circumstances their children are faced with. The Bishops Support Unit (BSU) has thus offered VUSA support of one of its intern students in 2021.
The Edunova academic programme offering Maths and English support, is also once again up and running with additional spaces to provide homework support for learners who are only attending school on alternate days, has been incorporated.
Awaken Opportunities
A year that began with so much promise quickly collapsed as the world came to grips with the COVID-19 pandemic.
Despite the disparity and loss that has been felt the world over, we are pleased to report that we have taken one resounding positive from this year and that is RELATIONSHIPS. When we reflect on 2020, what stands out the most are the incredible people we have met and worked with. There are extraordinary NGO's and business's out there and phenomenal individuals who make this world a better place.
COVID left many of our children demotivated, anxious and depressed, and it was only in Level 1, when activities slowly began to resume that we saw spirits begin to lift. The VUSA sport and recreational programmes undoubtedly impact the emotional and mental wellbeing of our beneficiaries. Participation in group recreation provides a sense of value, belonging and attachment. An anxious, depressed child cannot function optimally in the classroom, on the sports field or in society at large.
Annual Status Report
Lockdown in Langa
We have learned a lot over the past few months of COVID. Every action has an impact and it is now clear that every inaction too has an impact.
After lockdown started on the 24th March, it was abundantly clear that the immediate need in the Langa community was food. With unbelievable help from our Corporate and individual donors, it wasn’t long before VUSA was safely able to feed 500 children per day.
Women's Day Motivator - Zizo Makwezela
Women's rugby is one of the world's fastest growing sports. It is a sport that depends on discipline, team work, support and strength. We caught up with one of our great role models, Benele 'Zizo' Makwezela who spoke about her rugby journey, playing for South Africa and why what she learned on the field is also a strength in her daily life.
