For the third year in a row, United Through Sport was proud to welcome 24 students and apprentices from HRUC (Harrow, Richmond & Uxbridge Colleges) and HRUC Apprenticeships & Skills to Gqeberha, South Africa for a one-month international placement.
Supported by the Turing Scheme, the programme continues to give young people the opportunity to gain hands-on experience while making a meaningful impact in communities across the Eastern Cape.
Supporting Schools and Communities
During their placement, HRUC students worked across primary schools, nurseries and community programmes located in Gqberha, South Africa.
Through sport, education and childcare support, the group helped deliver sessions designed to improve both physical development and life skills for local children.
Their work included:
- Coaching sport sessions for primary school learners
- Supporting teaching in classrooms
- Assisting in early years and nursery environments
- Delivering activities focused on teamwork, confidence and communication
- Helping introduce life-saving and health-focused skills
By working alongside local teachers and community leaders, the students played an important role in supporting young people while also gaining invaluable experience themselves.
A Two-Way Learning Experience
International placements like this are about more than volunteering. They are about personal growth, cultural understanding, and leadership development.
Throughout the month, students were challenged to step outside their comfort zones, adapt to new environments and develop new skills. In doing so, they built confidence, strengthened their communication abilities and gained a deeper understanding of global communities.
For many participants, the experience also helps shape their future career ambitions.
Shanti, a Level 3 Early Years Educator Apprentice, reflected on her time in South Africa:
“My experience in South Africa has been truly eye-opening and inspiring. Working with children and communities through sport, childcare and teaching has shown me the power of teamwork, resilience and positivity in bringing people together.”
Through supporting activities that develop physical skills, confidence and communication, apprentices like Shanti are able to apply their learning in real-world settings while building leadership and adaptability.
Reflections from HRUC Staff
The experience also left a lasting impression on the staff who accompanied the group.
Laurelle White, Employability Development Officer at HRUC, shared:
“It was a privilege to accompany 24 HRUC students to Gqeberha, where they spent a month gaining valuable international work experience. Watching our students grow in confidence, resilience and leadership throughout the placement was incredible. Most inspiring of all was seeing the positive impact they had on the lives of the children they worked with.”
She also highlighted the importance of the partnership with United Through Sport in creating meaningful opportunities for learners to gain real-world experience while contributing to local communities.
Liam Plumridge, Assistant Director of Enhanced Skills and Employability at HRUC, reflected on the impact of the programme:
“It was an incredible opportunity for them to develop new skills, behaviours and attitudes while making a meaningful difference to the communities they worked with. Many lives have been positively impacted, including the students themselves, who have grown in confidence and discovered more about who they are and what they want to achieve.”
“A massive thank you to the outstanding team at United Through Sport – Morgan Harlin, Francesca Morris, Nick Mould – this life changing charity is inspirational and we thank you for everything you do for us – your friendship and leadership is hugely appreciated . A huge thank you to all of the schools we work and the fantastic students and staff who allow us into their lives.”
Exploring South Africa
Alongside their placements, students also had the opportunity to experience the incredible culture and natural beauty of South Africa.
Highlights included:
- A safari experience in one of the region’s wildlife reserves
- Visiting the world-famous surf destination Jeffreys Bay
- Supporting local craft markets
- Spending time at the stunning Sardinia Bay
These cultural experiences help students develop a deeper appreciation for the country and the communities they are supporting.
The Power of International Opportunities
The success of the programme is made possible through strong collaboration between organisations committed to creating meaningful international opportunities.
Placements like these demonstrate the importance of initiatives such as the Turing Scheme, which provides young people with opportunities to gain international experience, develop vocational and academic skills and build confidence for their future careers.
Looking Ahead
Each year, the HRUC placement continues to grow in impact, both for the students who take part and for the children and schools they support.
At United Through Sport, we are incredibly proud to facilitate programmes that empower young people to develop their potential while helping communities thrive.
We look forward to welcoming the next group of HRUC students and continuing this inspiring partnership for years to come.