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.

Please scroll down to see how the VUSA team has started the year.   A new coding programme on the Atlas Digibus, a volunteer programme started by Aoife Doherty and a team of parents, peer learning programmes initiated by Bishops Boys, an incredible outing to the  Bishops Carnival, pre-season games at NTK, Eerste Rivier and Weatherby and an invite to the Wynberg Boys High Rugby Festival. 

Thank you for your continued support of VUSA and our mission to provide new opportunities and support for children in the Langa Community.

BISHOPS CARNIVAL

What a wonderful treat for our children to be invited to attend the Bishops Carnival for an afternoon of fun. Thank you to the Bishops Community for inviting VUSA to set up a beautiful community tent with our partners in Langa. Ikhaya Le Langa, sold their delicious chilli sauce and local artists, Tozamile has partnered with Bishops Parent, Larissa Hollis, running weekly art classes for youth in Langa. The community tent showcased a beautiful display of these talented artists work. Local artist, Lungi displayed her pottery and offered pottery painting sessions. Just Grace sold their delicious coffee beans and homewares.

Thank you to Peninsula Beverages for donating soft drinks and to Chris Coetzee and his team from Jonkershuis for braaing boerie rolls for our children and to the Bishops PA for donating refreshments.

TRY TIME

Our Under 13’s had an incredible experience at the Wynberg Boys High School Rugby Festival. Thank you to Wynberg Boys for hosting an exceptional event and to everyone who came out to support our players. A special thanks to the Umbumbo Legends for treating our children.

HARFIELD HARRIERS MILKWOOD RUN

Thank you so much to Nicky Seymour and the Harfield Harriers for inviting our staff and children to the Milkwood run in Scarborough. Access to positive new experiences and places in our beautiful city, increase our children’s confidence and add to their worldview. thank you also to Olympic for spoiling our children with t-shirts and new shoes.

VUSA VOLUNTEERS

A great morning spent with the Bishops Interact Boys at a fun Claremont Roteract morning hosted at SACS.

Thank you to Aoife Doherty and the extraordinary parent group who spend Tuesday mornings volunteering at Dalukhanyo creche, supporting VUSA coaches by doing puzzles and activities with the children. To sign up as a volunteer, please contact Nikki Matthews or Aoife Doherty.

A group of Mallett and Kidd House boys at Bishops have volunteered a couple of afternoons each week to deliver a peer learning programme offering VUSA children support with English, Maths and Homework.

VUSA VISITORS

A great afternoon spent in Langa with Professor Gayle Northrop and her group of 40 MBA, Social Impact students from UCLA. Our children love fun afternoons with visitors and this was a wonderful way to spend an afternoon in the last week of term. Thank you to Lyndon Worrall and Gemma Webb from Legacy Adventure Tours for arranging this special outing.

ATLAS DIGIBUS

The Atlas Digibus mobile classroom is making a significant impact on Grade 4 learners' language acquisition with last year’s pilot showing a 20% increase in baseline results at each school. The program provides invaluable support to children transitioning from their mother tongue to English. Grade 5 learners are delighted to continue their Digibus journey with the launch of the new code4kids program. The Atlas Digibus continues to provide innovative and engaging digital learning opportunities for children, inspiring their curiosity and creativity.

WALKING TOUR OF LANGA

VUSA children spent a wonderful afternoon doing a walking tour through their own neighbourhood and learning about the history of Langa. Thank you MC for the wonderful afternoon and showing the children new things in their vibrant community.

WP JOU LEKKER DING

Incredibly proud of VUSA coach (and role model) Masi January on his selection to the WP Currie Cup squad.