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The Cheslin Kolbe Foundation has partnered with Bridges Retreat, an outdoor-education NPO in Franschhoek, to help children from under-resourced communities build the confidence and self-belief that shaped his own journey.
For many of the learners who attend Bridges’ camps, scarce resources, constrained opportunities, challenging circumstances and a lack of relatable role models shape how they see themselves and what they believe is possible. The Cheslin Kolbe Foundation recognises that many young people from under-resourced communities share similar barriers – circumstances that shaped Kolbe’s own path and continue to inform the Foundation’s mission.
“I know how powerful it is when someone shows you what you’re capable of,” says 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
What resonated most deeply for the Cheslin Kolbe Foundation is how Bridges creates space for children to recognise strengths they never knew they had – particularly learners from communities where confidence is often fragile. Several of Bridges’ partner schools are based in Kraaifontein and surrounding areas, where Kolbe grew up – making the Foundation’s support deeply meaningful.
“At Bridges, learners often experience a pivotal moment of discovery,” says Kolbe, speaking on behalf of the Cheslin Kolbe Foundation. “A child who believes they have nothing to offer suddenly realises they can lead a group, solve a challenge or encourage a teammate. The Cheslin Kolbe Foundation’s support amplifies that message. It tells learners that where you start does not determine where you can go.”
Educators from Petunia Primary – one of Bridges’ newest partner schools sponsored by the Cheslin Kolbe Foundation – shared similar reflections. “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,” says educator Janique Esterhuizen.
Why South Africa needs models like this
Research from UNESCO and the World Economic Forum shows that confidence, resilience and communication skills are most effectively built through sustained, experience-based learning, not once-off interventions – especially during ages 10–14 when identity formation is most malleable.
Most South African schools, particularly those in under-resourced communities, do not have the capacity to cultivate these skills consistently. Teachers shoulder immense responsibility, making external developmental partners essential.
Partner schools report that learners return from Bridges’ camps with noticeable boosts in confidence, improved teamwork and communication, stronger decision-making, and greater engagement and leadership in the classroom.
These shifts continue long after camp ends, reinforced by Bridges’ structured follow-through with teachers and learners.
Bridges currently serves almost 3 000 learners annually across 15 Western Cape partner schools.
A stable foundation for future impact
This year, Bridges achieved a significant milestone when it paid off the 20-year bond on its Franschhoek property in just five years, supported by four donors who believed in its long-term vision. Full ownership of the 12.5-acre outdoor-education retreat creates financial stability and strengthens Bridges’ ability to deliver consistent, high-impact programming for partner schools.
Although the bond has been settled, the organisation continues to seek funding partners for several 2025 camp cohorts. Each camp costs R155 000, covering transport, meals, facilitation and all programme costs – ensuring schools and families never pay to attend.
About Bridges Retreat
Bridges Retreat is a registered NPO and PBO providing multi-year, curriculum-aligned outdoor-education camps for Grade 5–7 learners from under-resourced Western Cape schools. The programme blends outdoor challenges with behaviourally informed life-skills, guided reflection and teacher partnership to cultivate confidence, resilience, communication and leadership.
About Cheslin Kolbe
Cheslin Kolbe is a Springbok winger and two-time Rugby World Cup winner (2019, 2023). Raised in Kraaifontein, Western Cape, he is widely regarded as one of the most influential rugby players of his generation. His partnership with Bridges focuses on inspiring young people to see possibility in their own lives, regardless of their starting point.
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Date published: 12/02/2026
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