Langa to London - ActiveOps Capacity25

Last year, our partnership with the Great British 7s and the Active Ops, Try for Good campaign turned a weekend of rugby into something lasting: R80,000 raised to build our new computer lab for our VUSA new hub of excellence. This October, we’ve been invited to Capacity25 in London to share that journey; how a few days of sport created long-term impact and why partnerships like these matter.

We see this as an opportunity to strengthen both global and South African partnerships. If you’re in London for Capacity25 or connected to organisations that could walk this journey with us, we’d love to meet.

You can view a brief overview of our work by clicking the button below, or explore the rest of our website to see the many ways we create impact.

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Third Term News

Dear VUSA Community

This term, the meaning of Heritage Day offered us pause to reflect on the stories, values and traditions that connect us. Heritage is not only about looking back at what we inherit, it is also about recognising what we build for the future. At VUSA, that heritage is being shaped in the resilience of our children, in the skills and confidence they are developing, and in the commitment of a community that refuses to let circumstance define opportunity.

A short reel we came across recently captured this so well. A group of young people lined up to race for a prize. Before the whistle blew, they were asked a few questions: Are your parents still married? Have you never had to worry about where your next meal comes from? Have you never had to worry about your data running out? Would you be able to go to college without excelling in sport or academics? Did you go to a private school? With each “yes,” participants took two steps forward. By the end, some were nearly at the finish line before the race even started, while others were still at the start line.

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Mid-Year News

Youth Day is more than a public holiday. It’s a reminder of what young people can do when they’re given a voice and the urgency of making sure every child has the tools to shape their own future. It invites us to reflect not only on the past, but on the present; on the quiet, everyday choices being made in homes, classrooms and communities to shape a better tomorrow for South Africa. It reminds us that real change does not always come with loud declarations. Sometimes, it’s found in the quiet act of showing up, day after day, so a child knows they can count on you.

At VUSA, we’ve seen the power of that kind of presence. We’ve felt it in the steady work of our coaches, social worker, academic team and catering staff; people who bring not only their skills, but their hearts.

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First Term News - March 2025

Last week, South Africa marked Human Rights Day — a time to reflect not only on the freedoms we enjoy, but also on the unfinished work of ensuring every child has the right to learn, to feel safe, and to dream beyond their circumstances.

At VUSA, human rights are not just principles we speak about. They are the driving force behind everything we do. Whether in the classroom, on the rugby field, or through our daily meals programme, we are breaking down barriers that have held too many children back for too long…

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VUSA Open Day

 
 

Exciting Opportunity for Your Child!

📍 Where: Ikhaya Le Langa, Bitterhout Street 📅 When: Saturday 18 Jan 10 AM – 1 PM

Looking for a dynamic after-school program for your child? VUSA invites children aged 7–13 to join our exciting and enriching programs that provide: ✨ RugbyDigital Maths, English & CodingHomework SupportVisual Art & Music/ChoirA hot daily mealOn-site social worker support

Bring your kids along – our coaches and facilitators will showcase their skills and give a sneak peek into our digital and arts programs.

💡 What to Bring: 📜 Your child’s 2024 December school report 📄 Their birth certificate

The only cost is your child’s commitment. Spaces are limited for each program, so don’t miss out!

We can’t wait to meet you and your child tomorrow! 🌟

#AwakenOpportunities #VUSAAfterSchool #EmpoweringYouth #EducationThroughSport #LangaCommunity #Digitallearning

End of Year Newsletter

Imagine a Grade 4 child, nervously stepping onto the Digibus for the first time. The seat is unfamiliar, the screen in front of them daunting, and the task ahead—reading and learning in a foreign language—feels insurmountable. Now fast forward a few months: that same child is seated with quiet confidence, raising their hand to explain how coding can tell a story or solving a math problem with confidence. This transformation is the heartbeat of our year at VUSA—stories of courage, determination, and the extraordinary power of opportunity.

This term, we were honoured to welcome HRH Prince William to the Digibus during his Earthshot tour. His visit reminded us of the long road ahead to safeguard our planet but also reinforced the power of education to drive change. The Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) drive all our programs, and with the help of partners like ‘Lessons in Conservation’, run by an incredible group of Stellenbosch University students we are embedding these values into our lessons. From teaching conservation to showing children the small actions they can take to care for the planet, we are equipping the next generation with the knowledge and agency to make a difference.

Perhaps the greatest new value we’ve added to our program this year is the arrival of Sabelo Mlonyeni, our social worker. Our children are going through a lot—more than most of us can imagine. Whether it’s struggles at home, challenges at school, or simply the burden of growing up in difficult circumstances, they need someone to guide them through. Sabelo has brought a steady, compassionate presence, catching children who might otherwise fall through the cracks and supporting their families through particularly hard times. We are so grateful to have someone to fill this vital role.

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4 November 2024 - A Royal Visit: HRH Prince William Inspires Young Learners on the Atlas Digibus

In a memorable and inspiring visit, HRH Prince William joined the Atlas Digibus as part of his Earthshot Prize tour, offering young learners from Langa a day filled with inpiration and excitement. The Prince’s visit allowed students to showcase the Digibus’s impact while also underscoring the importance of sustainability and innovation—values that resonate with the goals of the Earthshot Prize. For the children on board, this royal encounter was nothing short of extraordinary, sparking dreams of becoming future leaders and innovators themselves.

Reflecting on the impact of the day, Asemahle Mpemba, 12, shared, “I was shy, and it was like I was talking to my father. He was kind and helpful. I hope to meet him again.” Similarly, 12-year-old Litha Mjamba remarked, “I was very excited because I was proud to see someone like him visit us. He is smart, and I saw his kindness when he was helping with the maths.”

These sorts of visits have significant meaning for our children, where access to role models who inspire and encourage young minds can have a lasting impact. Following his departure, rugby icons Tendai Mtawarira and Scarra Ntubeni continued the day’s momentum, speaking with the children and emphasizing the importance of dedication in both studies and sports. For many, the day highlighted the power of positive role models who reinforce the value of hard work and self-belief.

The Atlas Digibus: Empowering Through Education and Technology

The Digibus, a fully equipped mobile classroom with 37 laptops, travels from Bishops daily to five primary schools in Langa, bridging essential educational gaps. Grade 4 students benefit from English literacy support to ease their transition from mother-tongue instruction, while Grade 5 learners gain skills in Maths and Coding. Designed to enhance language and digital literacy, the Digibus empowers students with the tools to succeed academically and develop skills that support lifelong learning.

This initiative is made possible by the steadfast support of Coronation Fund Managers and Bishops Diocesan College. Together, these partners assist us in breaking down barriers of unequal education in South Africa and ensure that more than 1,400 children in Langa have access to quality educational resources and programs.

A Vision for the Future

At its core, the Digibus represents more than just a classroom on wheels; it embodies a vision of equitable education and opportunity for every child. Prince William’s visit, alongside Tendai Mtawarira and Scarra Ntubeni’s words of encouragement, serves as a powerful reminder of what can be achieved when communities, public figures, and organisations come together to make a difference.

With ongoing support from our partners and the commitment of educators and mentors, we look forward to many more moments of inspiration and empowerment for our VUSA children. We are deeply grateful to all who share in our vision of a brighter future through education and are proud to have shared this special day with HRH Prince William.

Newsletter - September 2024

Heritage Day serves as the perfect reminder of what makes VUSA special: our strength in diversity and the shared experiences that unite us. This term has been filled with milestones, growth, and memorable moments that have brought our communities closer.

One of the standout achievements this term was the Investec VUSA 24-Hour Cycle Challenge. With parents, pupils and staff of six schools and various corporates joining in the challenge, the event was a powerful demonstration of what we can achieve when we work together. Thanks to the collective efforts of everyone involved, we raised just over R1.2 million—a testament to the strength of unity and the commitment of our communities in making a difference.

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