A group of students and staff from Newcastle College have returned from a life-changing three-week volunteering trip to rural KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa.
The team, made up of 12 students and three staff members, travelled over 26 hours to reach Eshowe in June, where they worked with children aged one to 18.
Using the power of sport to inspire and connect, the group delivered a wide range of activities at a secondary school, a primary school, and a day centre for orphans and vulnerable children. Nearly 1,000 young people took part in sports festivals, reading sessions, and leadership workshops designed to build confidence, communication, teamwork, and leadership skills.
A highlight of the trip was a return visit to Ngqamzana Primary School, where the group had volunteered the previous year. They spent a full day with each grade and were honoured with a heartfelt thank you ceremony, featuring traditional songs and dances performed by the entire school.
The team also joined a 5k Colour Rrun at Gratton School and enjoyed a visit to Hluhluwe Imfolozi Game Reserve, where they were lucky enough to spot three of Africa’s Big Five.
This was Newcastle College’s third visit to South Africa as part of its ongoing work with the Bambisanani Partnership, a collaboration that uses sport to promote education, health, and leadership. The trip was funded by the Turing Scheme, the UK’s global programme for studying and working abroad, which provides students with once-in-a-lifetime opportunities for personal and professional growth.
In preparation for the trip, students and staff raised funds to donate clothing and sports equipment to the schools they visited. This included a Coast2Coast cycle challenge completed by staff in April.
These trips continue to transform lives, both for the communities visited and for the students who return with new perspectives, lifelong memories, and a renewed sense of purpose. Emily Drummond, FdA Airline and Airport Management student, said: “This trip has been so life-changing and humbling. Seeing how people truly live in rural areas has been incredibly eye-opening. I’ve enjoyed every moment and made friends and memories I’ll never forget.”
Olivia Meldrum, Level 3 Sport Coaching and Development student added: “You think you’re going there to teach but in the end, it’s the people, the place, and the moments that teach you the most. We came to coach and left with full hearts and unforgettable memories.”
The impact of the visit was deeply felt by the South African schools as well. Mizz Ntanzi, Project Co-ordinator at Ngqamzana Primary School said: “Since 2023, we’ve been delighted by Newcastle College’s visits. Our learners gain confidence, discipline, and communication skills through these intercultural activities. They love coming to school, and since your arrival, enrolment has increased and absenteeism has dropped.”
The partnership and the trips are led by Brogan O’Connor, Enrichment and Development Manager at Newcastle College, and Bambisanani Trustee. She summed up the success of the 2025 trip by saying: “You have good weeks at work, and then there’s this. The achievements of our students and the impact of the Bambisanani Partnership are nothing short of remarkable. The memories made, the skills developed, and the friendships formed will stay with us all forever.”