Emirates has strengthened its community engagement in South Africa through its Emirates Nourishment Programme, combining nutrition, education and sports to support children’s development. In partnership with European Professional Club Rugby (EPCR) and the Kolisi Foundation, the airline organized an event for more than 800 primary school students in Cape Town on November 4, 2026. The programme brought together DHL Stormers rugby players, including Siya Kolisi, Emirates cabin crew and representatives from the partner organizations.
The event featured breakfast distribution, rugby activities and creative workshops designed to encourage learning, teamwork and confidence among students. The initiative highlights how access to nutritious food, educational resources and positive role models can help children overcome barriers to learning. It also forms part of a wider commitment to supporting communities through long term educational and social development programmes.
Emirates Expands Long Term Nutrition Support
Launched in June 2026, the Emirates Nourishment Programme aims to provide approximately 400,000 nutritious breakfasts annually to around 2,000 children across Cape Town, Johannesburg and Durban. Implemented through schools and Early Childhood Development centres, the initiative seeks to ensure children have access to breakfast before beginning their school activities. The programme is expected to continue until at least 2030.
Since its launch, more than 35,000 breakfasts have been delivered between June and September 2026. Emirates Regional Manager for Southern Africa Afzal Parambil said the partnership supports children through nutrition, educational resources and inspiring role models. The Kolisi Foundation also emphasized the importance of addressing barriers that prevent young learners from reaching their potential.
Rugby Promotes Teamwork and Confidence
DHL Stormers players, including Siya Kolisi, Lukhanyo Vokozela, BJ Dixon and Ruan Ackermann, led a rugby clinic for the students. Through practical drills and small sided games, the players introduced children to the fundamentals of rugby while encouraging communication, resilience, teamwork and problem solving. The activities also allowed students to interact with professional athletes and learn from their experiences.
Kolisi highlighted the importance of providing children with opportunities to realize their potential, regardless of their circumstances. DHL Stormers player Vernon Matongo also emphasized the value of supporting young people through community engagement. The participation of professional players helped demonstrate how sport can encourage confidence, perseverance and collaboration beyond the playing field.
Educational Resources Support Children’s Learning
Emirates also distributed 820 Aircrafted KIDS backpacks to the participating school. Each backpack contained stationery, a water bottle and age appropriate books written by local authors. The educational supplies are intended to support classroom learning, encourage reading and reduce barriers caused by limited access to essential school materials.
The Aircrafted KIDS initiative has distributed nearly 4,000 backpacks to schools and community centres worldwide. Through these contributions, Emirates aims to strengthen access to educational resources while encouraging children’s creativity and development.
Creative Activities Highlight Sustainability
Students also participated in a creative workshop where they made personalized bag charms using upcycled leather recovered from Emirates A380 and Boeing 777 aircraft. The activity introduced them to the value of reusing materials and demonstrated how discarded resources can be transformed into practical and attractive items through creativity and craftsmanship. It also encouraged students to think about sustainability and the importance of reducing waste in everyday life. By combining hands-on learning with environmental awareness, the workshop offered an engaging way to explore responsible resource use.
A collaborative mural was also created at the school with Cape Town based artist Skhumbuzo Salman, featuring elements of South Africa’s natural beauty, including Table Mountain, protea flowers and local foliage. Students took part in painting the artwork, making it a shared creative project that reflected their connection with the surrounding environment. The mural also highlighted important themes such as water conservation and environmental protection, encouraging children to recognize the value of preserving natural resources. Through nutrition, education, sports and creative engagement, Emirates, EPCR and the Kolisi Foundation aim to provide sustained support for children while creating opportunities for learning, participation and community development across South Africa.
