A group of our Trustees and supporters recently went to South Africa, visiting our incredible South African projects, and completing a 25km trek to fundraise for our projects.
While there, they attended an event organised by Atlas South Africa, with the British High Commissioner, HE Antony Phillipson. Rugby World Cup Winner and Atlas Chairman Jason Leonard joined the panel, alongside upcoming Springbok star Sinelitha Noxeke and rugby legend, Joe Pietersen. Sinelitha came up through the Gauteng Women’s Rugby Institute, a project largely funded by The Atlas Foundation, and her story shows how rugby can helps overcome adversity!
During the visit, they completed their trek through the Kruger National Park, over harsh terrain and guided by armed guides. They then assisted in dehorning a rhino, helping to save the animals from poachers.
The trekkers joined the young people at Ocean View and Masiphumelele High Schools for a rugby session. Many young people in these communities lose hope and turn to gangs, crime, or alcohol. The Atlas rugby programme, ran by Atlas South Africa, and the new Atlas Media Centers, gives these kids a safe environment, keeping them off the streets, and teaching them that they can dream big!
They also visited the Gauteng Women’s Rugby Institute, that gives vulnerable girls a safe environment with nutritious food and educational support. Girls in South Africa live under constant threat of sexual assault and violence, and many families struggle every day to provide food and shelter, making the support provided by GWRI crucial for their development. These girls now have a clear pathway to further education and a career thanks to GWRI, with some girls going on to become Springboks!
The trekkers finished with a visit to our innovative Atlas Digibus! The Digibus is a game changer for children in Langa, Cape Town, giving them access to computers and digital literacy skills, setting them up for a successful future!
You can still donate to the South Africa Trek appeal here. Your donation will make a direct impact on vulnerable children at our projects across the world!
