Oak is supporting the VUSA Rugby and Learning Academy in South Africa with a donation to its programme for children in the Cape Town community of Langa.

The Academy launched in 2002 and teaches life skills through sport and after-school academic programmes to ‘awaken possibilities’ for young people in a safe and supportive social environment.

In South Africa young people are often faced with a number of challenges such as poor mental and physical health, addiction, homelessness, crime and family breakdowns.

VUSA aims to address these challenges early on. The programmes support approximately 120 primary school children and include rugby and athletics training with coaches employed from within the community who understand the needs of the children, their backgrounds and the challenges they face. Academic support, recreational opportunities, a crèche programme and daily nutritious meals are also part of the Academy’s offering to its young people.