As the mania of the incredible Springbok Rugby World Cup win starts to settle, what lingers is the unity, hope and opportunity this victory represents. Nothing is truer for 120 inspired young VUSA rugby players who watched spellbound as their heroes took the cup and united our beautiful country.
Whilst the Springboks were in Japan preparing for the Rugby World Cup, 40 talented VUSA children were selected for the first VUSA tour to the Eastern Cape. Here they participated in a Heritage Day festival in Qoboqobo suffering defeat in the last round. They then travelled to PE and played against Siya Kolisi's childhood club in Zwede. Watch Siya Kolisi's inspirational message to the VUSA players HERE.
Special thanks to Steve Bailey and the Shoprite Group for making the tour possible. Thank you to all our hosts in the Eastern Cape - Ubuntu is alive and well and we cannot believe the hospitality bestowed upon us.
The Education programme, run through Edunova, has made a huge impact in the children's academic progress. Thank you to Capitec Bank for supporting this programme in 2019. 2020 will see the start of the VUSA Clipboard Challenge. Whilst we have noticed improvement in children's understanding of concepts, basic table and bonds still require work - repetition is the only solution in this regard and next year, children will receive a daily worksheet which will be completed before training or lessons. Thank you to Gavin Wooley at the Board Store for providing 150 clipboards.
The Rugby programme has seen record attendance in 2019 and we are pleased that we now have 30 female players. Women's rugby is one of the fastest growing sports in the world and we hope to increase our female participation in 2020. Sadly young girls are still the most vulnerable members of a community and we believe rugby (or sport) teaches children responsibility, inclusion and resilience. Thank you to Kepu Holdings, Bishops Diocesan College, Investec Asset Management, the Oak Group and our training partners UCT Rugby Club and African Impact for giving children in Langa access to sport.
Our coaches continue to impress, embracing their roles as mentors, teaches and coaches. 2019 saw the start of the Creche Programme. VUSA coaches now assist four registered creches in Langa with numeracy and literacy development through play. We are grateful for our partnership with Siyakhula who have trained our coaches through the Wordworks, Every Word Counts, programme. Included in this programme were tips to better understand the children they work with. We also thank the Lunchbox Fund and our two wonderful 'chefs' for ensuring that the children leave the Academy each day with full tummies. Thank you to all our staff for the hours they put in and their dedication and commitment to VUSA.
Thank you to everyone for your support in 2019. Should you wish to get involved or support VUSA, please click HERE . Please see our annual status report below.
Vusa recently launched the High Five campaign. Simply, a high five is a short, enthusiastic celebration of achievement. It is a joining of hands, that is followed with an enthusiastic interaction.
What better way to celebrate your generosity in support of 450 children who benefit from this programme.
Contributions of R50, R500 or R5000 will benefit all our programmes which provide children from Langa with opportunities not ordinarily accessible to them. Bishops Diocesan College cover the operational expenses and thus contributions benefit the programmes directly.
Raise your hand and give a child a High Five. Uplift and encourage them through a donation to the VUSA Academy.
See THIS video to see how your funds can have an impact.
Brendan, Mak, Onke, Esona and Mikhulu visited the Red Cross Children's hospital and were interviewed on RX Radio. To listen to the interview, click HERE. Too much cuteness!
Grade 7 Volunteer Day - 27 November 2019
Bishops Grade 7 learners will be hosted by two of the Vusa creches, Nomonde and Dalikhanyo for a fun filled day of playing. These creches house children from 6 months to 6 years old.
VUSA / Bishops Christmas Party - 29 November 2019
Thank you for to the Grade 6 & 7 Bishops Class reps for arranging this unbelievable day for the VUSA children. These incredible parents have thought of everything and planned a special day of gifts and games for our children. Thank you to all the families and businesses who have donated so generously to make this day happen.
