By Vince van der Bijl

The captains of the netball and rugby teams from Perins Community School in the UK sent us a letter expressing their gratitude and appreciation for the time they spent at Ukhanyo Primary School. A really heartwarming affirmation of the continued need for us to share and spread our story as wide as possible. The work done by so many in Masiphumelele uplifts the learners to such as extent that they inspire others. Please read an excerpt from the letter below:

Thank you so much for giving us the opportunity to engage with the young children in Ukhanyo and Masiphumelele; such a meaningful experience really resonated with us all, it was a highlight of the tour for many. Seeing the children so energetic and full of life was really eye-opening and we’ve all reflected on how happiness is not material and thought about how we can change our perspective of “want” and “need”. We thoroughly enjoyed our experience of South Africa, including surfing (a first for many of the team), and an extraordinary safari (on which we managed to encounter all of the Big Five!), however engaging with the children has been brought up again and again by the team as one of the most unforgettable points of tour. We really would like to thank you for inspiring us and for making it possible for us to engage in such a meaningful way with the lesser recognised side of South Africa. As a team, we would like to express our gratitude to you and your phenomenal work.

You can read the rest of the letter by clicking here.

Many thanks Perins for your visit, letter and above all for your staff and pupils, who embraced the Ukhanyo and Masi HS kids – I so remember the tears from the Perins Hockey girls as they separated from the very young Ukhanyo grades 2s and 3s, who they visited in class. And thank you for the kit and equipment that you gifted us. This is such a wonderful twinning arrangement for us. We so look forward to their visit every two years – the next is in 2021.