Project Zulu choir tour funds new classrooms in South Africa
See all newsClassroom overcrowding has been eased at a township school in South Africa, thanks to money raised during the hugely successful Project Zulu choir tour across the South West last year.
In May 2023, 20 talented children from Jobstown and Mntimande Primary Schools toured the region with their mesmerising traditional Zulu song and dance.
Throughout their three-week trip, the choir performed big stage concerts, visited local schools, made media appearances and busked in busy city centres, including Bristol, Bath, and St David’s (in Wales). The tour raised a record-breaking £32,000, which has been split between the two schools to build new classrooms.
Project Zulu is a UWE Bristol initiative which has been working in partnership with South African township schools to support the delivery of educational development projects since 2012.
Bristol-based team members from Project Zulu have been able to see first-hand the difference the money has made to the lives of the schoolchildren back in South Africa, by visiting Jobstown Primary School for the opening of their new multipurpose classroom.
Kate Willis, Project Zulu coordinator, said: “The Principal at Jobstown Primary School, Mrs Ntshingila, was deeply inspired from her visits to local schools in Bristol last year. She returned to South Africa eager to integrate technology and learning resources into the classroom to aid quality education.”
The new building comprises three main sections: a library, an interactive learning area for Grade R and a science laboratory. The classroom is well-stocked with laptops, a projector, books, science materials and early learning resources.
At the opening ceremony, Mrs Ntshingila expressed her hope and gratitude: “To simply put it, this classroom carries the major task of bridging the gap. I have been at this school for 28 years. I’ve seen teachers do their utmost best in trying to teach the beautiful children of the community and keeping up with the world. This classroom is another aid to assist in that plight; within these four walls our kids can thrive and reach their untapped potential. This classroom serves to provide fundamental amenities to our disadvantaged community and creating a passion for learning in our learners. This classroom will ensure that no child is left behind.”
Kate added: “Being able to visit South Africa and attend the classroom opening was a wonderful opportunity to celebrate the fantastic achievements of the 2023 choir tour, with singing, dancing, poetry and readings from every grade in the school.
“We’d like to say a big thank you to everyone who bought tickets to the Project Zulu choir concerts, fundraised or gave a donation, purchased the album, hosted the choir and kindly gave up their time and resources to support the tour. None of this would be possible without your support and generosity.”
The Project Zulu choir tour is returning in May 2025 – further information will be available soon on the Project Zulu website.
Related news
03 September 2024
World-first rubies grown in situ from waste materials
A UWE Bristol researcher looks set to transform the jewellery industry after successfully growing the world’s first ruby in situ, in a platinum ring.
29 August 2024
Public trust in drinking water safety is low globally, study finds
A new study has found more than half of adults surveyed worldwide expect to be seriously harmed by their water within the next two years.
25 July 2024
Extraordinary community work recognised with honorary doctorate
Rosa Hui MBE DL, founder of the Chinese Community Wellbeing Society (CCWS), has been awarded an honorary doctorate by UWE Bristol.
16 July 2024
UWE Bristol launches major new suite of online degrees and expands partnership with Skilled Education
UWE Bristol is launching a major new suite of online degrees. In partnership with global experts in online higher education, Skilled Education, students can study Master’s degrees in Data Science, Education Leadership and Human Resource Management entirely online.
15 July 2024
Graduate filmmaker wins BAFTA Student Award for documentary
Nyal Mueenuddin, a UWE Bristol graduate, has won a prestigious 2024 Yugo BAFTA Student Award – a global competition which celebrates the next generation of talented and innovative storytellers.
26 June 2024
Water security and climate action to be explored through theatre with communities
UWE Bristol will support an international research project that will embed theatre practice to work with less heard communities who face water insecurity.
14 May 2024
Meet the international student making a difference in Bristol and Tanzania
A student at UWE Bristol is playing a starring role in a campaign to highlight the important contribution international students are making to the UK and its communities.
26 March 2024
Architecture must change beyond recognition to meet the climate challenge
A UWE Bristol professor is leading a new campaign which calls for a radical change across the built environment sector.
16 October 2023
UWE statement on Israel and Gaza – supporting students and staff
UWE Bristol statement on Israel and Gaza.
27 June 2023
BBC Studios Productions launch international wildlife filmmaking scholarships at UWE Bristol
BBC Studios Productions has launched a programme of fully-funded wildlife filmmaking scholarships for international students to undertake UWE Bristol’s Wildlife Filmmaking MA.
26 April 2023
Research to tackle growing problem of road traffic injuries in Nepal
A programme of research will address the growing problem of road traffic injuries in Nepal.
24 April 2023
Project Zulu choir to return to the UK – tour dates announced
After a five-year hiatus, the incredibly talented and inspirational Project Zulu children’s choir from the Madadeni Township in South Africa is set to return to the UK in May for a three-week tour.
You may also be interested in
Media enquiries
Enquiries related to news releases and press and contacts for the media team.
Find an expert
Media contacts are invited to check out the vast range of subjects where UWE Bristol can offer up expert commentary.