On Monday, 15th September, Dauntsey’s School celebrated its partnership with The Atlas Foundation as Dauntsey’s Charity of the Year for the 2024/25 academic year.
During the event, Caitlin Clark (Marketing and Communications Officer, The Atlas Foundation, 2024-25) and Peter Scott (General Manager, The Atlas Foundation) spoke to the school about Atlas’ work and the impact of the partnership. It marked a fitting celebration of what has been an impactful and inspiring year of collaboration.
Why School Partnerships Matter
As a charity focused on supporting children, The Atlas Foundation is a natural fit for schools looking to make a difference. Every pupil, parent, and staff member can play a part in helping reach and support even more children.
From Charity of the Year partnerships to mufti days and bake sales, there are countless ways schools can get involved. Every penny raised helps transform the lives of hundreds of children each year.
BE INSPIRED TO MAKE A DIFFERENCE
Dauntsey's School; An Inspiring Example
Dauntsey’s School in Wiltshire has demonstrated how schools can make a meaningful impact.
In 2024-25, they proudly chose The Atlas Foundation as their Charity of the Year, recognising our vital work using rugby to tackle poverty and transform young lives worldwide.
The school directed its fundraising efforts toward the Kings Rugby Development Academy (KRDA) in Kenya, an Atlas supported project changing lives in Kibera, Africa’s largest urban slum. From day one, Dauntsey’s embraced active, hands-on support.
Highlights included:
- Designing and selling Atlas-branded t-shirts at their rugby cup final.
- Pupil Cookie White running the Paris Half Marathon
- Devizes to Westminster Canoe Race
- Organising a ‘Plain Pasta’ day
In addition to raising funds for KRDA, Dauntsey’s connected with Little Sports Kenya on a 10-day conservation and community-focused adventure for 28 pupils. Students and staff transported 86 kilograms of donated rugby kit, including balls, jerseys, and boots, sourced through Atlas partners like Slough RFC and Simon Shaw MBE. These donations will directly benefit children by providing life skills, nutrition, and education.
John Davies, Head Master at Dauntsey’s, emphasised how closely Atlas’ mission aligns with the school’s ethos:
“The charity’s work to empower disadvantaged young people through rugby resonates with our values. We’re excited to support their inspiring mission and hope to make a meaningful difference”
KRDA - Transforming Lives in Kenya
In Kibera, Kenya, the Kings Rugby Development Academy (KRDA) provides children between the ages of 5-19 an opportunity to access rugby as a means of providing sport and education for a better future. Kibera is the largest urban slum in Africa. With no running water, little electricity, and open sewers running throughout the community, Kibera can be a tough place to grow up.
The programme also provides fresh drinking water, hot showers, and regular health check-ups, as well as nutritious meals and learning materials. The Lunchbowl Network then offers these same children a high-quality education via their kindergarten and primary school, ensuring they have more and better choices as they grow up.
A Thank You From the General Manager
Over the past year, the Atlas Foundation has forged a wonderful partnership with Dauntsey’s, the school, the teachers and the pupils. Their ‘can do’ attitude has shone through at all times. Whether it was visiting our projects in Kenya or their numerous fun raising events. The formal aspects of our partnership may have come to its natural conclusion but the friendships and connections will remain. The next charity to benefit from their energy and enthusiasm will be a lucky one.
