Empower 1300 kids through sport & education

Date: October 23, 

VUSA continues to make significant progress in its mission to provide children with opportunities for growth through a combination of sports, education, and recreational opportunties. This report outlines our achievements and events since the previous report.

Key Highlights and Achievements:

Mandela Day Clean-Up: We started the term with a meaningful Mandela Day clean-up event, emphasizing the importance of instilling a sense of duty to the community in the children. This event aimed to foster a strong sense of responsibility toward their surroundings.

Rugby Matches: Despite facing challenges such as taxi violence causing the cancellation of a few rugby matches, the children had an incredibly successful season.   We were also able to arrange out-of-season games against some of Cape Town's best clubs. These matches provided valuable experience and helped enhance the children's rugby skills.

U13s Market Day: Our partnership with Capitec Bank continued to flourish as staff from Capitec's marketing and financial departments dedicated their time each month to teach the children about entrepreneurship. This program culminated in a successful market day, where the highlight was the surprise visit of the DHL Stormers, creating a special and memorable experience for the children.

U9s Barbarians Game: Our U9s had a unique opportunity to participate in a Barbarians game hosted by Masi Sport. This event brought children from diverse cultural and socio-economic backgrounds together to share their passion for rugby, fostering unity and camaraderie.

Educational and Cultural Outings: The children have been fortunate to attend several educational and cultural outings. The World Cup Rugby in France has given our children the opportunity to watch their heros in action.  One of the Springbok matches were screened in the afternoon, and the VUSA team set up a big screen tv and a South African braai for the children to cheer on their Boks.  Another notable experience included a visit to the National Gallery, organized by Kate Briggs of Culture Connect, followed by a delightful lunch. Additionally, the Breteau Foundation invited VUSA learners to their Plastic Changemakers launch event, educating the children about the environmental impact of litter and the possibilities of recycling and reusing items for art. Our Under 11s enjoyed a day at Strand beach, further enriching their cultural and educational experiences.

Academic Focus: As we approach year-end exams, our academic focus continues to be assisting the children in English and maths to ensure they are well-prepared and equipped for success.

Thanks to the invaluable support of people like you, we continue to provide a safe space for 250 children after school and on Saturdays. Moreover, our staff members continue to benefit from new opportunities for professional development and growth. We extend our heartfelt gratitude to you for your support to the VUSA programms.

Links:

• Radio Interview
• Market Day TV - Feel SA

VUSA continues to make a positive impact in the lives of the children in Langa. The dedication and commitment of the staff, along with the support from various partners and people like yourself, have been instrumental in creating transformative experiences for the children.This report summarizes the progress made in the last quarter of the campaign, highlighting achievements in various areas.

Rugby Season: VUSA had a successful start in the rugby season, with 10 teams (U9-U13 A&B) participating in matches against Western Provence Prep, Bishops, SACS, Kirstenhof, Sun Valley, and Fish Hoek Primary School. The children demonstrated great enthusiasm and sportsmanship throughout the matches, showcasing their skills and teamwork.  Each school has congratulated VUSA children on their behaviour and sportsmanship. 

Academic Support: Thanks to the engaging matific app and the support provided in the homework classroom, academic attendance on designated days has increased. The children have shown improvement in their academic performance and parents have thanked staff for their children's progress, particularly in understanding critical Maths concepts.

Atlas Digibus Program: The Atlas Digibus program (a mobile IT Classroom) has made significant strides, now supporting over 1300 children in the five Langa Schools. In addition to the existing programs which supports the transition from mother tongue to English, a coding initiative has been introduced. This program not only teaches coding skills but also fosters critical thinking, teamwork, and communication among the children, preparing them for future challenges.

Recreational Outings: Recretational outings offer our children a chance to break away from the challenges and limitations they may face in their daily lives.  By providing positive experiences, exposure to new possibilities,and opportunities for growht, these outings contribute to breaking the cycle of poverty and inspire childre to dream bigger and strive for a better future. One of the highlights was a trip to the Total Ninja fun park, where the Grade 4 Bishops Boys accompanied our VUSA U10s. Such outings create memorable moments for the children and promote positive interactions.

Peer Learning Program: A group of Bishops College boys initiated a peer learning program and  travel to Langa every Wednesday to support the after-school program. 

Staff Development: Without our incredible staff we would not have a programme.  The children trust and respect the coaches and facilitators but supporting children who are surrounded by trauma on a daily basis is not an easy task.  Looking after our staff's mental wellbeing is of equal importance.   Efforts are continually made to provide opportunities for their growth and development. One coach is currently being supported in obtaining his driver's license, which will enhance his ability to serveVUSA effectively. Additionally, the coaches attend monthly workshops facilitated by the psychologist from the Bishops Support Unit. All staff have just completed a six week workshops run by The Resilience Hub.  These workshops focus on various topics, such as understanding trauma and related behaviors, equipping the staff with valuable knowledge and skills.

Moving forward, the campaign aims to build on these successes and provide even more opportunities for empowerment and growth.  Thank you for your generous support of our programme.  If you are ever in Cape Town, please contact us so we can take you out to see the impact of your support first-hand. 

Kind regards

Nikki, Brendan, Mak and the VUSA Team.