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: ✨ Rugby ✨ Digital Maths, English & Coding ✨ Homework Support ✨ Visual Art & Music/Choir ✨ A hot daily meal ✨ On-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.

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.