12 students from Leeds Trinity University travelled to KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa last week (Saturday 13 July) to volunteer at local primary schools and an orphanage with The Bambisanani Partnership.

Students taking part in the international volunteering project are studying Primary Education, Physical Education and Sports Coaching. This is the second time the University has volunteered with The Bambisanani Partnership, a charity which was founded through St Mary's School Menston. ?

The aim of the partnership is to use sport as a catalyst to promote education, health, global citizenship and leadership in one of South Africa's poorest communities. During the trip, students will be teaching literacy and numeracy in the classroom, and leading the Cycling for Success programme, an initiative which teaches students how to ride a bike, how to maintain it and cycle safety.

Jake Almond, a Sports Coaching student at Leeds Trinity University, said: "I wanted to take part in this project because it will give me a real insight into how some people around the world live their day to day lives. This will hopefully impact my life and give me a more positive outlook."

He added: "This trip will also show how much the of a positive impact the work done by the Bambisanani Partnership in assisting one of the poorest communities in South Africa. By taking part in this project, not only will it have a positive impact on my life but also the lives of many children in South Africa."

Nicola Arjomandkhah, Lecturer in Sport, Health and Nutrition at Leeds Trinity University will be returning to South Africa as the group leader. She said: "I am looking forward to returning to South Africa for Leeds Trinity's second visit to the region as part of the Bambisanani Partnership.

"Last year our inaugural visit alongside University of Leeds was a great success due to the hard work of all the students and I look forward to seeing this year's students continue the good work."

Sheila King, Sports Development Officer at Leeds Trinity University will be joining Nicola and the students on this year's trip. She said: "As my first time to South Africa and being involved in the Bambisanani Partnership I'm really looking forward to seeing the students experience the pupils' energy and readiness to learn. It's about seeing the students immerse themselves in South African culture in a sporting and educational setting."

The 12 students participating have carried out fundraising, lesson planning and cycle training ahead of their departure. They will be joined by students from the University of Leeds as part of the Cycling for Success initiative. This year the students on the trip include: Jake Almond, Hannah Bewley, Mia Bogush, Harriet Bryant, Georgia Gould, Phoebe Huggan, Claudia Jordan, Adam Lambert, Lauren Macarthur, Elizabeth Marks, Ammarah Pandor and Beth Skelton

You can follow the students' journey through the Leeds Trinity University South Africablog.