As I come to the end of my placement year with The Atlas Foundation, I want to share my reflections on the incredible work I have been privileged to witness.
In my role as Marketing and Communications Officer, I have seen some of the rawest examples of the work happening on the ground at our local partner projects. I then edit that content – testimonials, stories, and updates – into what you see across our channels. It has been hugely humbling to witness the quiet determination of the children, staff, parents, and everyone involved. In many ways, I have the easiest, most uplifting job: bringing together these stories and sharing them with our supporters. The teams on the ground, whom I have interacted with every day, are the ones living the reality.
The communities I have been so fortunate to connect with are some of the proudest people I have ever met. And so they should be. Working in some of the most disadvantaged areas of the world, they exude hopefulness and, in equal measure, grit, never complaining. I truly believe their resilience is the root of the success they achieve. Witnessing this, albeit from afar, has ultimately changed my perspective on life. As a university student, I am happy to admit that, until last year, life was about getting to the next thing and having some fun along the way. Now, it is about opportunity, seeking ways to improve, and building the best life one can. I might even coin this ‘The Atlas Effect’.
When I arrived last July, rugby was simply a sport we occasionally watched on television or at university matches. That has been completely reframed in my mind. Rugby is now a catalyst for universal, lasting change. I have seen how lives can be transformed from the moment a child is handed a rugby ball. It is the hook that encourages girls to stay in school, gives young boys and girls access to a hot, nutritious meal, provides mentorship and support, and, above all, creates the opportunity for a brighter and more prosperous future.
It has been incredibly special to witness this in action and to see our mission gain greater recognition and continue to go from strength to strength.
I am so proud to be a small part of The Atlas Foundation’s legacy, but even prouder to have met and worked alongside the people behind and delivering the Foundation’s mission. I know I will never look at a rugby ball in the same way again.
– Bea
