From Classrooms to Choirs: A Memorable Project Zulu Trip

The latest Project Zulu trip to South Africa was an enriching experience for all involved, offering opportunities for cultural exchange, academic collaboration and personal growth. The trip had three key purposes: engaging with students and academics in Richards Bay, coordinating plans with school Principals in Dundee and Newcastle for the August volunteering period, and catching up with the 2025 Project Zulu choir as they prepared for their highly anticipated UK tour.

Seven University of the West of England (UWE) PGCE Secondary students from various disciplines, including Science, Geography, PE, and Art and Design, embarked on a two-week placement at Project Zulu partner schools in Richards Bay. These aspiring educators put their newly acquired skills, knowledge, and experience into practice in an environment marked by larger class sizes and limited resources and technology.

One student reflected, "It was a fun opportunity that enabled us to experience other cultures and different teaching styles, which we will carry forward in our teaching careers in England. It has developed our adaptability teaching with limited resources and increased our confidence in our subject knowledge."

A highlight of the trip was a day of cultural exchange and academic collaboration between students and academics from UWE and the University of Zululand (UNIZULU). This event provided an opportunity to discuss Zulu culture, share insights and explore future research ideas. For the UWE students, it was an eye-opening experience to get a feel for university life in South Africa, tour the UNIZULU campus and attend a lecture.

The exchange continued as UNIZULU students visited UWE students at their schools to observe their teaching methods and offer feedback. This mutual learning experience fostered a sense of camaraderie and understanding between the two groups. UWE students also had the unique opportunity to live with Zulu host families, providing another layer of cultural immersion. 

Midway through the trip, the Project Zulu team met with school principals in Dundee and Newcastle to discuss the upcoming August volunteering period, during which students from various disciplines will put their emerging professional skills to good use in Project Zulu partner schools. These meetings are essential for planning and maintaining the success of our joint initiatives.

Another exciting aspect of the trip was catching up with the 2025 Project Zulu choir during their rehearsals. The choir, composed of 20 children from two schools in the Madadeni Township, has been hard at work perfecting their harmonies, rhythm and timing. Their rehearsals in the summer heat include both vocal practice and energetic Zulu dancing, ensuring they are performance-ready for their tour of Bristol and the Southwest from Saturday 17th May to Sunday 8th June.

One choir member shared, "I feel very great, nervous [and] excited at the same time. I’m the first one [in my family] to have a passport, and the first one to go overseas, and I’m the first one getting this opportunity, so it means a lot to me and my family. " 

Throughout the three-week tour, the choir will perform concerts, busk in city centres and make media appearances. The tour will culminate in a grand Project Zulu Gala Concert featuring Britain's Got Talent Finalist, Innocent Masuku, at the Bristol Beacon on Thursday 5th June. All profits raised from the choir tour will be sent directly to the schools of the Project Zulu 2025 Choir to improve educational facilities, including harnessing solar energy and installing learning and technology equipment to develop digital classrooms. 

In addition to their performances, the choir will visit primary and secondary schools across Bristol, offering cultural exchange opportunities. Generous hosts in Bristol will open their homes to the choir members, providing a reciprocal hosting experience.

The recent Project Zulu trip to South Africa was a testament to the power of education, cultural exchange and collaboration. It was an unforgettable experience for everyone involved, fostering growth, understanding and lasting connections.