TWO lecturers from Leeds Trinity University are travelling to South Africa this week to support a high school in one of the poorest rural areas of the country.

Primary Education lecturer Diane Maguire and Sport Psychology lecturer Chris Rowley are joining a group of staff and students from St. Mary’s Menston Catholic Voluntary Academy, as part of The Bambisanani Partnership - a collaboration between St. Mary’s Menston and Mnyakanya High School in South Africa.

Diane said: "Bambisanani is well-established and brings together two very different schools using the power of sport and physical activity. I know this trip will enrich and further enhance the work we do at Leeds Trinity University to develop global learning and embed a world view in our courses, and I’m delighted to be supporting the partnership."

Diane and Chris were due to fly to Durban in South Africa on Wednesday, before spending ten days working with children and teachers at the high school and orphanage in the remote area of KwaZulu-Natal. Thanks to donations from colleagues and friends, they are taking a number of sports shirts, plimsolls, revision guides and story books to donate to the children.

They will also be looking at opportunities for students from Leeds Trinity University to support the partnership from June 2018.

Chris said: "We offer work placements for all of our students during their first and second years at Leeds Trinity, and this is a fantastic opportunity for them to participate in something very special. We’re looking forward to exploring the possible projects our students’ could get involved in, and we’re proud to be contributing to the sustainability of this partnership."

The Bambisanani Partnership was launched in 2006 to develop an equitable, sustainable and effective partnership for the mutual benefit of both communities and beyond. For more information, visit www.bambisananipartnership.org.

Bambisanani is the Zulu word for "working hand in hand". The partnership uses sport to help foster international understanding, and to promote education, health and leadership. The scheme is a registered charity.