More than 800 learners at a Cape Town primary school recently enjoyed a morning of rugby, creativity and community support, as a new initiative brought together nutrition, education and some familiar faces from South African sport.
Photo: @Palm Productions
The Emirates Nourishment Programme, a partnership between Emirates, European Professional Club Rugby (EPCR) and the Kolisi Foundation, visited Eluxolweni Primary School on 3 November, with DHL Stormers players, including Siya Kolisi, joining learners for a day of activities. The initiative aims to address some of the barriers that prevent children from making the most of their education, including limited access to nutritious food and learning resources.
Launched in June 2026, the long-term programme operates through schools and Early Childhood Development centres in Cape Town, Johannesburg and Durban. Its goal is to support 2,000 children every year, providing regular nutritious breakfasts, educational resources and opportunities to engage with sporting role models.
Rugby lessons with Siya Kolisi and the Stormers
The day at Eluxolweni Primary School began with breakfast, as representatives from the three partners helped prepare and serve porridge to learners. The focus then shifted to the school grounds, where DHL Stormers players led a rugby clinic.
Siya Kolisi was joined by Lukhanyo Vokozela, BJ Dixon, Markus Muller, Ruan Ackermann, Leolin Zas, Vernon Matongo and JJ Kotze. Through practical drills and small-sided games, the players introduced learners to the basics of rugby while highlighting the importance of teamwork, communication and perseverance.
For many of the children, it was also an opportunity to spend time with professional players and hear from people who have worked hard to reach the highest levels of the sport.
Kolisi, founder of the Kolisi Foundation, said the programme was about creating opportunities for children who might otherwise face significant obstacles.
‘Every child is born with potential, but not every child has the same opportunity to realise it,’ he said, highlighting the importance of access to nutritious food, learning resources and positive role models.
Photo: @Palm Productions
Backpacks, books and a little creativity
Sport was only one part of the day. Emirates also delivered 820 backpacks from its Aircrafted KIDS collection, each containing stationery, a water bottle and age-appropriate books written by local authors.
Learners took part in a creative workshop where they made personalised bag charms for their new backpacks. The decorations were crafted using upcycled leather repurposed from Emirates A380 and Boeing 777 aircraft, introducing the children to the idea of giving old materials a new purpose.
The school also received a colourful new mural by Cape Town artist Skhumbuzo Salman, founder of Skubalisto. Featuring Table Mountain, proteas and lush foliage, the artwork celebrates South Africa’s natural beauty while highlighting the importance of protecting water.
Learners contributed to the mural using stencils of monstera and palm leaves, making the artwork a collaborative project rather than simply a new addition to the school walls.
Photo: @Palm Productions
A longer-term investment in South African children
The Emirates Nourishment Programme has distributed more than 35,000 breakfasts to children across Cape Town, Johannesburg and Durban since its launch in June 2026. The initiative is expected to continue until at least 2030.
The programme also forms part of EPCR’s wider community-focused impACT strategy, which aims to create a positive legacy in the places connected to its rugby competitions, including South Africa.
For the children at Eluxolweni Primary School, the visit offered a chance to meet rugby players, get creative and receive resources to support their education. But the wider ambition is to make that kind of support part of everyday school life, giving more children the opportunity to arrive in the classroom fed, prepared and ready to learn.
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