More than 800 primary school learners in Cape Town enjoyed a day they will not soon forget, with rugby stars, a shared breakfast, educational resources and creative activities bringing excitement to Eluxolweni Primary School, Cape {town} Etc reports.
The school hosted the Emirates Nourishment Programme on 3 November, with Emirates, European Professional Club Rugby (EPCR) and the Kolisi Foundation joining forces to give learners a day focused on nutrition, education and the importance of believing in their potential.
Among those who joined the children were Kolisi Foundation founder and Springbok captain Siya Kolisi, several DHL Stormers players, Emirates cabin crew and team members from South Africa and Dubai, as well as EPCR representatives.
But the initiative was about more than a special school visit. It forms part of a long-term commitment to help children overcome some of the barriers that can make it difficult to learn, grow and reach their potential.
Launched in June 2026, the Emirates Nourishment Programme aims to support 2 000 children every year through schools and Early Childhood Development centres in Cape Town, Johannesburg and Durban.
The initiative provides regular access to nutritious breakfasts, educational resources and opportunities for children to interact with sporting role models. Its central aim is to help learners start their school day nourished, confident and ready to participate in the classroom.
At Eluxolweni Primary, the morning began with the partners preparing and serving breakfast porridge to the children. The focus was on something many people might take for granted: having enough nutritious food to concentrate and take part in a full day of learning.
Afzal Parambil, Emirates’ Regional Manager of Southern Africa, said, ‘At Emirates, we believe meaningful partnerships are those that make a lasting difference.
‘Through the Emirates Nourishment Programme, we’re working with our partners to support children in ways that go beyond the classroom – providing nutrition to help them learn, access to resources that support their education and connecting them with inspiring role models.
‘It’s a privilege to be part of an initiative that invests in South Africa’s next generation and reflects Emirates’ longstanding commitment to supporting the communities we serve.’
Siya Kolisi and DHL Stormers bring rugby to the classroom
After breakfast, the school grounds became a rugby field as DHL Stormers players led an interactive clinic for the learners.
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 the children to the basics of rugby.
The activities also provided an opportunity to teach lessons that extend beyond sport, including teamwork, communication, resilience and problem-solving.
For Kolisi, giving children the opportunity to see what is possible when people invest in them is an important part of the programme’s purpose.
‘Every child is born with potential, but not every child has the same opportunity to realise it. Whether it’s access to nutritious food, learning resources or someone who believes in them, our responsibility is to help remove those barriers,’ he said.
‘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. 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.’
The involvement of the Stormers also gave learners the chance to meet players whose own journeys demonstrate the value of perseverance and determination.
Matongo said the experience was particularly meaningful because some children face difficult circumstances outside the classroom.
‘It was special to see what Emirates, EPCR and the Kolisi Foundation are doing. 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. Being able to contribute is massive, being able to see that was special for us. The kids from the programme also came to the game (against Bristol Bears) and it was very special to have them there.’
Hundreds of backpacks and a creative workshop
The learners also received practical support for their education, with Emirates distributing 820 backpacks from its Aircrafted KIDS collection.
Each backpack came with stationery, a water bottle and age-appropriate books written by local authors. The books are designed to introduce culturally rich stories, encourage reading and give children opportunities to share ideas with their classmates.
The Aircrafted KIDS initiative aims to support early childhood education by providing essential school supplies and addressing the lack of resources that can stand in the way of learning. Nearly 4 000 backpacks have been distributed to schools and community centres around the world to date.
There was also an opportunity for learners to get creative. During a bag charm workshop, children made personalised decorations for their new backpacks using upcycled leather taken from Emirates A380 and Boeing 777 aircraft.
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The workshop was led by Maite Gonzalez Eizaguirre, Head of Emirates Aircrafted at Emirates Engineering, with support from Emirates cabin crew and other team members. It introduced learners to upcycling and showed how materials that might otherwise be discarded can be turned into something new.
The school’s surroundings also received a colourful addition through a mural created by Cape Town-based artist Skhumbuzo Salman, founder of Skubalisto.
The artwork features familiar elements of South Africa’s natural landscape, including Table Mountain, protea flowers and lush foliage. At its centre is a young person standing against the colourful scenery, with water highlighted as the foundation of life and a resource worth protecting.
Learners contributed to the mural by using stencils of monstera and palm leaves, making the artwork a collaborative project while introducing the importance of water conservation.
For school principal Brenda Mangali, the day was a reminder of what can happen when a community comes together around its children.
‘They say it takes a village to raise a child and today is a beautiful reminder of that. We are incredibly grateful to have partners, parents and our community come together around our children. Beyond the excitement of today, the greatest gift is the message it sends to every learner: you matter, you are valued, and we believe in your future.’
Programme aims to reach children until at least 2030
The Cape Town visit is one part of a wider initiative that has already made a measurable contribution since launching in June.
More than 35 000 breakfasts have been distributed to children across Cape Town, Johannesburg and Durban, providing a consistent nutritional foundation for their school days.
The programme is expected to continue until at least 2030, with the partners committing to a long-term investment in children’s education and development.
Jacques Raynaud, EPCR CEO, said, ‘This programme shows what rugby can do beyond the pitch. Seeing the DHL Stormers players, our partners and the children share breakfast, a training session and a creative afternoon together is exactly what we hoped this programme would bring.
‘Through impACT, our CSR strategy, we want our competitions to leave a positive and lasting legacy in the communities that welcome them, and South Africa is now very much part of our rugby family. We are proud to stand alongside Emirates and the Kolisi Foundation to help these children start every school day ready to learn.’
EPCR organises the Investec Champions Cup and EPCR Challenge Cup, competitions involving South Africa’s five rugby franchises. The Emirates Nourishment Programme forms part of the organisation’s wider efforts to create a positive impact in the communities connected to the game.
With a target of reaching 2 000 children annually, the initiative brings together food, learning materials, sport and community involvement. Its ambition is to ensure that children have more opportunities to discover their abilities and build a brighter future.
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