Empower 1300 kids through sport & education

GlobalGiving Campaign Report: July – October 2024
Empowering 250 children through sports and education

Over the past quarter, VUSA Rugby and Learning Academy has been active across various programs, empowering children in Langa, Cape Town. We are excited to share our progress and key events:

Rugby Development
The VUSA rugby program continues to flourish, teaching our children valuable life skills such as teamwork, discipline, and leadership. Despite earlier weather challenges, we successfully hosted rugby matches in Langa, giving our children the opportunity to showcase their skills on their home turf. It was an exciting moment for them to share their community with children from other areas, building connections through sport.

Mandela Day
Mandela Day this year was marked by a community clean-up and fun activities with children from Bishops and various corporates. The day also included a special talk by author Andrew Russell, inspiring our children and volunteers alike. The event highlighted the importance of community service and collaboration, reinforcing the spirit of unity that defines VUSA’s programs.

Market Day
Market Day is a unique event where our U13s get to showcase the products they’ve developed over the course of a six-month small business development program. With guidance from mentors at Capitec’s marketing and finance teams, the children learned essential business skills, from budgeting to product development. At the end of the year, during our Derby event, they set up a vibrant market to sell their products, which range from artwork and beaded items to boerie rolls, coffee, and face painting. It’s an empowering experience that teaches them entrepreneurship while fostering creativity and independence.

Educational Programs
The Atlas Digibus remains an essential tool in delivering our educational programs. Grade 4 learners receive help with their transition from their mother tongue to English using Reading Eggs, while Grade 5 learners benefit from coding lessons through the Code4Kidz platform. In the afternoons, we continue to offer maths support using Matific, as well as coding lessons. These programs equip our children with the academic skills they need to succeed.

Social Support
We’re excited to have welcomed Sabelo, our new social worker, to the team. Sabelo has been providing one-on-one support to children facing learning or social challenges, as well as addressing family-related issues. By working closely with schools, parents, and VUSA staff, Sabelo is creating stronger ties within the community, providing essential psychosocial support for the children and their families.

Community Development
VUSA has recently acquired classrooms and a kitchen across the road from our sports grounds. We are excited about transforming this space into a hub of excellence for the community. Plans are underway to develop a library, launch an art program, and support other community projects. Although the buildings will require renovation, we are thrilled about the potential this space holds. It will become a safe, inspiring environment where our children can thrive.

Conclusion
This past quarter has been full of progress and new opportunities. Our children continue to grow through sports, education, and entrepreneurial initiatives, and the community around them is becoming more engaged and supportive. With your continued support, we are laying the foundation for an even brighter future, where VUSA can become the hub of excellence we’ve always dreamed of, providing a safe and nurturing space for the children of Langa.

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