Winterfold Celebrates its Partnership with Ncemaneni in South Africa
It was wonderful to see so many of the Winterfold community at the “Evening with Armstrong” on Tuesday 17th October.
The partnership between Winterfold and its sister school Ncemaneni Primary is something that means a great deal to everyone who has been on tour, assisted with fundraising or been involved in any way.
The Headmaster of Ncemaneni, Mr Armstrong Mthembu, spoke about the challenges that their ‘Learners’ face on a daily basis. He told how Winterfold has helped to alleviate some of these issues by building a classroom block to help with overcrowding and the science block to help the Learners access the next stage of education properly.
From a starting point of not even being able to dream of going to university, Ncemaneni has now had fifteen of their learners graduate. Their science results have increased dramatically from 48% in March to 71% in September. As a result of improved education, levels of HIV have dropped in the village.
Our Partnership works both ways and Winterfold pupils, parents and teachers have all been positively influenced by our involvement together. We learn to put others first, to show love and care and to take up the challenge of making a difference.
It was great to see so many pupils and parents who have been on previous tours. It really goes to show how much this means to them.
The evening concluded with an interesting question and answer session, followed by an auction which included signed rugby shirts from the England and Harlequins RFC Barbarians teams, a netball dress from the Loughborough Lightning Netball team, a signed England Cricket shirt and Warwickshire Cricket jumper. Thanks to some tremendous generosity, the raffle and auction raised over £3,000.
One of our parents commented, “Having been on the inaugural Winterfold tour to South Africa in 2005, it was wonderful to meet Armstrong again and to hear how Ncemaneni School has progressed with the support of Winterfold parents and children since that time. He is a truly inspirational Headmaster who displayed such passion for his school and village, as well as a strong desire to make things better for the children in his care. It was heart warming to hear that, having benefitted from the Winterfold’s support, children have subsequently completed their education, obtaining university degrees which they are using to benefit their community. Long may the partnership between Winterfold and Ncemaneni continue!”