More than 800 primary school students in Cape Town enjoyed a day of rugby, learning and creativity as Emirates, European Professional Club Rugby (EPCR) and the Kolisi Foundation brought the Emirates Nourishment Programme to life at a local school. Joined by DHL Stormers players, Kolisi Foundation founder Siya Kolisi, Emirates Cabin Crew and team members from South Africa and Dubai, and EPCR representatives, the partners showed how good nutrition, education and the power of sport can help children build confidence and realise their potential.<\/p>\n
The day began with the Emirates Nourishment Programme, as the partners helped prepare and serve breakfast porridge, ensuring the school\u2019s children started their day nourished and ready to learn. A nutritious breakfast can make a meaningful difference to a child\u2019s ability to concentrate, participate in class and make the most of learning opportunities.<\/p>\n
The activation offered a glimpse into the wider work of the Emirates Nourishment Programme, a multi-year initiative delivered by the Kolisi Foundation in partnership with Emirates and EPCR. The programme aims to provide approximately 400,000 nutritious breakfasts annually, reaching around 2,000 learners each year through participating schools and Early Childhood Development centres. By helping children access breakfast consistently, the programme seeks to support their readiness to learn and participate in school.<\/p>\n
Afzal Parambil, Emirates\u2019 Regional Manager of Southern Africa<\/strong>\u00a0said, \u201cAt Emirates, we believe meaningful partnerships are those that make a lasting difference. Through the Emirates Nourishment Programme, we\u2019re working with our partners to support children in ways that go beyond the classroom \u2013 providing nutrition to help them learn, access to resources that support their education and connecting them with inspiring role models. It\u2019s a privilege to be part of an initiative that invests in South Africa\u2019s next generation and reflects Emirates\u2019 longstanding commitment to supporting the communities we serve.\u201d<\/p>\n Mahlatse Mashua, Managing Director of the Kolisi Foundation<\/strong>, said, \u201cMeaningful impact starts with understanding the barriers children face and being intentional about addressing them. What makes this partnership special is how it brings nutrition, education and sport together in a sustained approach. Ultimately, the measure of a successful partnership is not simply what we do together, but what becomes possible for the children we serve.\u201d<\/p>\n Following breakfast, DHL Stormers players took to the school grounds to lead an engaging rugby clinic. Through fun drills and small-sided games,\u00a0Siya Kolisi, Lukhanyo Vokozela, BJ Dixon, Markus Muller, Ruan Ackermann, Leolin Zas, Vernon Matongo and JJ Kotze<\/strong>\u00a0introduced students to the fundamentals of the game, while encouraging teamwork, communication, resilience and problem-solving \u2013 skills that extend well beyond the rugby field.<\/p>\n Siya Kolisi, Founder of the Kolisi Foundation<\/strong>, said, \u201cEvery child is born with potential, but not every child has the same opportunity to realise it. Whether it\u2019s access to nutritious food, learning resources or someone who believes in them, our responsibility is to help remove those barriers. Today is incredibly special, but what excites me most is that this programme goes beyond today. It\u2019s about giving every child the opportunity to thrive.\u201d<\/p>\n With the DHL Stormers also joining the activities, the day gave students the opportunity to learn from sporting role models who demonstrate what can be achieved through perseverance, collaboration and belief in oneself.<\/p>\n DHL Stormers\u2019 Vernon Matongo<\/strong>\u00a0who participated in the activity, said, \u201cIt was special to see what Emirates, EPCR and the Kolisi Foundation are doing. Some of those kids will only have the meal from the Nourishment Programme that they get in the morning, and that’s it for the day. And then they must concentrate in class, play sport in the afternoon. I don’t think any kid should have to go through those circumstances.<\/p>\n \u201cIn a team, you get to know your teammates stories, and some players in the Stormers came from similar backgrounds. So, I think it’s very important to go and give back. Being able to contribute is massive, being able to see that was special for us. The kids from the programme also came to the game (against Bristol Bears) and it was very special to have them there.\u201d<\/p>\n Further supporting early education, Emirates delivered 820 backpacks from the\u00a0Aircrafted KIDS<\/strong>\u00a0collection to the primary school, each equipped with stationery, water bottles and age-appropriate books written by local authors. Blending culturally rich stories with interactive learning opportunities, the books encourage children to explore new ideas, develop a love of reading and swap stories with their classmates.<\/p>\n Aircrafted KIDS supports early childhood education by providing essential school supplies and helping remove a common barrier to learning: access to resources. To date, nearly 4,000 Aircrafted KIDS backpacks have been distributed to schools and community centres around the globe.<\/p>\n The students also put their creativity to work in a bag charm workshop, making personalised decorations for their Aircrafted KIDS backpacks, using upcycled leather repurposed from Emirates\u2019 A380 and Boeing 777 aircraft. Led by\u00a0Maite Gonzalez Eizaguirre, Head of Emirates Aircrafted at Emirates Engineering<\/strong>\u00a0and assisted by Emirates Cabin Crew and team members, the session introduced students to the possibilities of upcycling, showing how materials can be given a new purpose through imagination and craftsmanship.<\/p>\n Brenda Mangali, the school principal\u00a0<\/strong>said, \u201cThey say it takes a village to raise a child, and today is a beautiful reminder of that. We are incredibly grateful to have partners, parents and our community come together around our children. Beyond the excitement of today, the greatest gift is the message it sends to every learner: you matter, you are valued, and we believe in your future.\u201d<\/p>\n Jacques Raynaud, EPCR CEO<\/strong>, said, \u201cThis programme shows what rugby can do beyond the pitch. Seeing the DHL Stormers players, our partners and the children share breakfast, a training session and a creative afternoon together is exactly what we hoped this programme would bring. Through impACT, our CSR strategy, we want our competitions to leave a positive and lasting legacy in the communities that welcome them, and South Africa is now very much part of our rugby family. We are proud to stand alongside Emirates and the Kolisi Foundation to help these children start every school day ready to learn.\u201d<\/p>\n