Springbok captain Siya Kolisi joined Stormers players in giving more than 800 Cape Town schoolchildren a day to remember, and helping ensure they don’t start their school day hungry.
Kolisi visited Eluxolweni Primary School as part of the Emirates Nourishment Programme, a partnership between Emirates, EPCR (organisers of the Investec Champions Cup and EPCR Challenge Cup) and the Kolisi Foundation.
Launched in June, the initiative provides nutritious breakfasts and educational resources to children in Cape Town, Johannesburg and Durban.
It aims to reach 2,000 children annually and has already provided more than 35,000 breakfasts. The programme is scheduled to run until at least 2030.
Kolisi was joined by Stormers players Lukhanyo Vokozela, BJ Dixon, Markus Muller, Ruan Ackermann, Leolin Zas, Vernon Matongo and JJ Kotzé.
After helping serve breakfast, the players took the children through rugby drills and games designed to encourage teamwork and communication.
“Every child is born with potential, but not every child has the same opportunity to realise it,” Kolisi said.
“Whether it’s 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’s about giving every child the opportunity to thrive.”
Stormers prop Matongo highlighted the harsh reality facing some of the children.
“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.
“In 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.”
The visit also saw Emirates distribute 820 backpacks containing stationery, water bottles and books by South African authors.
Children participated in a workshop making bag decorations from recycled aircraft leather, while a new mural celebrating South Africa’s natural beauty and the importance of water conservation was unveiled at the school.
EPCR CEO Jacques Raynaud said the initiative demonstrated rugby’s ability to make a difference beyond match days.
“This programme shows what rugby can do beyond the pitch.”
Kolisi stressed that sustained support, rather than occasional visits, was the key to making a meaningful difference.
“It is easy to do a one-off partnership, but when you show long term commitment, it’s really important to create safety and security.”
Photos: Palm Productions
The post Siya serves up hope appeared first on SA Rugby magazine.
Springbok captain Siya Kolisi joined Stormers players in giving more than 800 Cape Town schoolchildren a day to remember, and helping ensure they don’t start their school day hungry.
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