Cheslin Kolbe Foundation partners with Bridges Retreat to empower under-resourced children

The Cheslin Kolbe Foundation has embarked on an inspiring partnership with Bridges Retreat, an outdoor-education non-profit organisation (NPO) based in the picturesque town of Franschhoek. This collaboration aims to provide children from under-resourced communities with the confidence and self-belief that have been critical to Kolbe’s own journey as an international rugby star.

For many young learners attending Bridges’ transformative camps, the challenges of limited resources, few opportunities, and a lack of relatable role models often skew perceptions of what they believe is possible. Kolbe, a two-time Rugby World Cup winner, understands these barriers and is committed to changing the narrative for others.

“I know how powerful it is when someone shows you what you’re capable of,” said Kolbe.

“What happens at Bridges is remarkable. Kids discover strengths they didn’t realise they had – sometimes for the very first time. As soon as a young person starts to see themselves differently, everything begins to shift.”

A partnership rooted in home

The profound connection between Kolbe’s upbringing in Kraaifontein and the mission of Bridges Retreat underscores the emotional core of this partnership. Many of Bridges’ partner schools are situated in the same areas where Kolbe grew up, making the Foundation's support particularly resonant.

Educators from Petunia Primary, a recent addition to Bridges’ roster, echo Kolbe’s sentiments. “One boy who rarely spoke found his voice at camp. By the end, he was contributing confidently and stepping forward in ways we hadn’t seen before,” shares educator Janique Esterhuizen.

Why South Africa needs models like this

Research from UNESCO and the World Economic Forum underscores the necessity of experiential learning for fostering essential skills like confidence, resilience, and communication, particularly during the formative ages of 10 to 14. Yet, most South African schools, especially those in under-resourced areas, lack the resources to cultivate these skills on a consistent basis. Teachers often shoulder immense responsibilities, necessitating the involvement of external developmental partners.

"Feedback from Bridges’ partner schools shows that students return from camps with boosted confidence, improved teamwork, stronger decision-making skills, and greater classroom engagement. These positive changes endure as Bridges provides structured follow-up support for both teachers and students.

Currently, Bridges serves nearly 3,000 learners annually across 15 Western Cape partner schools, creating a lasting impact on the lives of young South Africans.

A stable foundation for future impact

This year marked a significant achievement for Bridges Retreat, as they successfully paid off a 20-year bond on their Franschhoek property in just five years, with assistance from four key donors who believed in their long-term vision. This achievement provides financial stability and fortifies Bridges' capacity to deliver high-impact programming.

Although the bond has been settled, Bridges continues to seek funding partners for upcoming camp cohorts. Each camp costs R155,000, which includes transportation, meals, facilitation, and all programme-related expenses—ensuring that schools and families never bear the financial burden of attending.

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