12 June 2024 - Mid-year news

“Our children are the rock on which our future will be built, our greatest asset as a nation. They will be the leaders of our country, the creators of our national wealth, those who care for and protect our people.” - Nelson Mandela -

As we celebrate 30 years of democracy in our nation, we are reminded of both our achievements and the significant work still ahead. While our government plays a crucial role, it is clear that the combined efforts of NPOs, corporate South Africa, and civil society are essential to drive the changes we so desperately need. At VUSA, we are committed to being part of this collective effort, and we are deeply grateful for your continued support.

With so much focus on the election, we wanted to teach our children about the importance of democracy and leadership, so we decided to hold our own elections at VUSA. Each age group voted for a class captain. Through this experience, the children learned about the democratic process, the value of having a voice, and the responsibilities that come with leadership roles. It was an empowering exercise that instilled a sense of participation and community in our young learners.

We are pleased to announce the addition of a social worker to our VUSA team, made possible by the incredible generosity of Ryan Mitchell and his family. This new role will be transformative for our children and their families. When faced with academic and personal challenges, community resources are often scarce, and our children and staff frequently encounter long waiting lists or are turned away due to overburdened government services. We are hopeful that our new social worker will provide the essential support and tools needed to navigate these challenges, making a profound impact on our children and their community.

Our Under 13 children are buzzing with excitement as they prepare to embark on a tour to the Independent Schools Rugby Festival at Woodridge. This opportunity is a chance for our children to experience new environments, build lasting friendships, and develop skills that extend beyond the rugby field. Such experiences are invaluable, fostering personal growth and broadening horizons.

As you scroll down, you will find more details about our ongoing programs and upcoming events (yes, it’s nearly time for the 24-Hour Cycle Challenge). Our rugby season has been exceptional, with our young athletes showing tremendous dedication and growth. The Atlas Digibus continues to drive change in the five primary schools in Langa, bringing digital literacy and education to hundreds of children. Our Early Childhood Development (ECD) program is thriving, providing a strong foundation for our youngest learners.

Thanks to the unwavering support from so many, 1400 children continue to access new opportunities, paving the way to a brighter future for South Africa. Investing in our youth is the best way to create the path to the South Africa we know is possible.

Thank you for being a vital part of this journey. Your support, whether as donor, partner or volunteer, makes all the difference.  

Stay safe and warm these holidays.

Brendan, Nikki, Lebo & Mak & the VUSA Team.

18 March 2024 - First Term Update

In Loving Memory of of Liyabona Mancoba 23/02/2012 - 24/01/2024 RIP

It is with sadness that we begin this newsletter as a tribute, to remember and honor the life of Liyabona Mancoba. Liyabona was not just a participant in our VUSA programme; she was a great teammate, a beloved friend, and a cherished member of our community.

As we navigate this period of grief and remembrance, we also find moments of hope and inspiration in the successes of our participants. Each of our 1300 registered children brings their unique talents and dreams, and it is our mission to support and empower them to reach their full potential.  

It brings us immense joy to share in the triumphs of our participants, such as the remarkable achievement of Onke Mtyotwa, a former VUSA participant, who excelled in the recent matriculation examinations. Onke's recognition at Alan Winde’s prestigious award ceremony serves as a testament not only to Onke’s hard work and commitment but of the talent and dedication within our ranks. However, amidst these shining moments, we must acknowledge the harsh reality that plagues our educational landscape. Despite individual triumphs, the South African schooling system continues to fail countless learners, thereby perpetuating a cycle of disadvantage and disillusionment. It is against this backdrop that our commitment to nurturing academic excellence becomes all the more crucial.

End of Year Update

As we reflect on 2023, we cannot help but feel an overwhelming sense of pride and gratitude. It has been a year of triumphs and growth that has impacted our VUSA community.

Our rugby season has been nothing short of fantastic, filled with hard-fought victories and lesson-learning losses; seeing our young athletes give their all on the field has been wonderful. Equally inspiring is the improvement in attendance for academic days, accompanied by a commendable rise in academic performance, particularly on the Atlas Digibus. Grade 5s have been really enthusiastic about the coding program and we're excited to announce its integration into the afterschool program in 2024.

VUSA'S 67 MINUTES AND MORE

Every year on Mandela Day, we are reminded of the powerful words spoken by the great Nelson Mandela himself: "There can be no keener revelation of a society's soul than the way in which it treats its children"

These words resonate deeply with us at the VUSA Rugby and Learning Academy, as we witness firsthand both the challenges and the triumphs of our beloved South Africa.

In our work within the non-profit sector, we encounter the complexities of our society on a daily basis. We witness the struggles faced by our children, the disparities that exist, and the pressing issues that demand our attention. Mandela's observation that we are failing our children weighs heavily on our hearts.

However, amidst these challenges, we also witness something truly remarkable. We see the unwavering dedication of individuals who embody the spirit of Ubuntu—the belief that we are all interconnected and that our actions have the power to transform lives. These incredible people are the bedrock of our community—the supporters, the volunteers, the donors—who selflessly give their time, resources, and expertise to uplift those whom society has let down.

First Term Update

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.