Whilst in Eshowe, David visited Umfolozi College, a vocational skills centre, offering courses in bricklaying, carpentry, garment making, plumbing, agriculture and computing. The college also provides accommodation and 90% of people that complete the three month courses manage to find employment. Graham Chennells, who was instrumental in establishing the college, outlined possible ways that Mnyakanya students could access the courses. Graham subsequently invited William Vilakazi, from Mnyakanya to the college to make him aware of possibilities and also agreed to continue discussions with David with regard to potential Bambisanani bursaries. In another possible development for the Bambisanani Partnership, Graham introduced David to Silvia Hellesvik and Nick Phillips of the Norwegian based charity Zulufadder. Zulufadder supports and cares for HIV/AIDS orphans and vulnerable children by providing schools, orphanages, homes, day care, food, clothing and educational resources. David was invited to an amazing orphanage and day care centre and discussed a range of possible links between the work of Zulufadder and the Bambisanani Partnership, particularly leadership and volunteering opportunities. In further meetings with Graham Chennells, David discussed the possibility of developing bespoke volunteering opportunities in Zululand for adults associated with the St. Mary’s community. Graham agreed to coordinate all arrangements in South Africa including transport, accommodation, meals and the particular volunteering experiences required on a nonprofit basis. The intention is that programmes will be flexible and unique to the requirements of the individuals or groups involved. David and Graham agreed to pursue this exciting extension to the partnership by creating volunteering opportunities for adults who may wish to make a difference in South Africa.
As his time in South Africa came to an end David reflected on the progress made: “For all the right reasons I have not been to South Africa for the past three years in order to give my colleagues the opportunity. I probably left it too long between visits and recognise that real development meetings cannot easily be achieved when you are also responsible for a group of students. The visit has reinforced the vital nature of meeting face to face and developing personal relationships in this type of partnership. All this takes time, particularly in Zulu culture where trust, understanding, respect and friendship must come before agendas, targets, outcomes and performance indicators. How refreshing this is once you start to see the world through African and not European eyes. The developments agreed this week could not have been achieved by phone or by email, they have taken considerable ‘African time’ but this has been time well spent. Our project will move on significantly because of this visit. The advent of new joint learning projects with Mnyakanya, developing Literacy Leaders, linking with Ntolwane Primary School, creating volunteering opportunities for adults, engaging with Eshowe High School, Umfolozi College and Zulufadder all offer added dimensions to our work, many of which will be included in our July visit.” The importance of the visit was acknowledged and appreciated by all associated with the partnership: “I am continually amazed by David’s passion and personal commitment to this project. This passion, as seen on this visit, will certainly infuse the necessary spark required to take such demanding and important work forward. It is the kind of passion that can inspire and galvanise others into supporting and developing the partnerships forged. The additional links established on the visit offer tremendous promise.” Tony Moodley, KwaZulu-Natal Department of Education
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