Emirates, EPCR and Kolisi Foundation Launch School Nutrition Programme in South Africa

Emirates, EPCR and Kolisi Foundation Partner on Child Nutrition

Emirates, European Professional Club Rugby (EPCR) and the Kolisi Foundation have launched a long-term initiative aimed at supporting child nutrition in South Africa. The Emirates Nourishment Programme focuses on providing schoolchildren with access to regular breakfast meals.

The programme is designed to deliver approximately 400,000 breakfasts annually, reaching around 2,000 learners each year. Over an initial four-year period, the initiative is expected to provide about 1.6 million meals. The partnership is scheduled to run until 2030.

Food insecurity remains a significant challenge in South Africa, with millions of people affected. Children are among the most impacted, with access to regular meals influencing school attendance, concentration and participation in learning activities.

The Emirates Nourishment Program combines nutritional support with community engagement through sport, particularly rugby. The initiative also includes opportunities for students to interact with role models connected to the program.

The Kolisi Foundation, established by Siya Kolisi, works on issues including food security, education and social development. The organization collaborates with partners to implement community-based programs aimed at reducing barriers for young people.

Representatives from the partner organizations highlighted the role of consistent nutrition in supporting education outcomes and child development. The program forms part of broader efforts by participating organizations to contribute to community initiatives through sport and social partnerships.

Commenting on the launch of the Emirates Nourishment Programme, founder of the Foundation, Siya Kolisi, said “No child should have to choose between learning and hunger. I know from my own journey how much opportunity can change a life, but it’s difficult to dream, concentrate or believe in yourself when you’re hungry. That’s why this programme matters. A nutritious breakfast may seem like a simple thing, but for a child it can mean arriving at school ready to learn, to grow and to believe in what’s possible.”

Afzal Parambil, Emirates’ Regional Manager for South Africa said, “At Emirates, we have a legacy connecting communities through our sponsorship portfolio, using sport as a platform for social inclusion and youth development. Through this partnership with EPCR and the Kolisi Foundation, we hope to remove one of the barriers that can stand in the way of learning and opportunity, helping young people reach their full potential, and deliver a positive impact that extends far beyond the classroom.”

Jacques Raynaud, CEO of EPCR, said “Rugby has a unique ability to unite people, inspire communities and create meaningful change beyond the field of play. Through our impACT strategy, EPCR is committed to harnessing that power and working with partners who share our ambition to leave a positive legacy.

“The Emirates Nourishment Programme is a perfect example of what can be achieved when organisations come together around a shared purpose. Together with Emirates and the Kolisi Foundation, we will be supporting thousands of children across South Africa with the nutrition they need to learn, develop and thrive. We are incredibly proud to launch this programme and excited about the impact it will create over the years ahead.”

The Foundation’s Managing Director Mahlatse Mashua, added, “Good nutrition is one of the most powerful investments we can make in a child’s future. A breakfast served consistently over an entire school year doesn’t simply satisfy hunger—it improves attendance, supports cognitive development, enables children to participate more fully in the classroom and creates better conditions for learning. Those seemingly ordinary mornings accumulate into extraordinary opportunities over time.

“We are grateful to Emirates and EPCR for their commitment to this shared vision. Together, we are helping create an environment where children can focus on being children, learning, growing and building brighter futures for themselves, their families and their communities.”

The collaboration between Emirates, EPCR and the Kolisi Foundation reflects ongoing engagement between the travel, sports and non-profit sectors in addressing social challenges through structured, long-term programs.

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