Wasting no time, the school has embraced the partnership with enthusiasm, launching a series of fundraising initiatives that have already made a significant impact. From sponsored challenges to creative student-led events, the entire school community has come together to turn this Charity of the Year partnership into a resounding success. Read on to see how you can support their efforts and be part of this incredible journey!
Who is Dauntsey’s Fundraising For?
The Atlas Foundation is dedicated to using rugby as a powerful tool to drive social change, tackling poverty and giving children across the world the opportunity for a brighter future. Since its founding in 2015, Atlas has worked with 47 local partners across 21 countries, benefiting over 219,203 children through sport, education, and essential services. This year, Dauntsey’s School has chosen to direct its fundraising efforts towards Kings Rugby Development Academy (KRDA) in Kenya, an Atlas-supported project that is changing lives in Kibera, Africa’s largest urban slum.
In Kibera, where open sewers, lack of clean water, and gang violence make life extremely difficult, KRDA and The Lunchbowl Network provide children aged 5-19 with access to rugby, education, and vital resources. Through KRDA’s programme, children receive structured rugby training, nutritious meals, fresh drinking water, healthcare check-ups, and learning materials. The Homework Hub, running daily and on Saturdays, has significantly improved exam grades, offering these children better academic prospects. KRDA’s partnership with local secondary schools has also enabled rugby scholarships, giving young players access to education and a pathway out of poverty.
With support like Dauntsey’s, KRDA aims to expand its impact to reach over 1,000 children, offering positive coaching, healthy role models, and an alternative to the dangers of gang violence. Donations will directly fund transport costs, meals, clean water, coaching allowances, rugby kits, boots, training equipment, and medical supplies, ensuring these children have the best possible support. Thanks to initiatives like this, KRDA is not only fostering talented rugby players but also shaping a future where young people in Kibera have hope, education, and opportunity.
Dauntsey's Fundraisers
From bake sales to bonfire nights, mufti days to ambitious adventures and challenges, Dauntsey’s School is coming together in creative and collaborative ways to raise funds. Every event and initiative brings them closer to making a lasting impact for children in Kibera through The Atlas Foundation’s work with KRDA.
Devises to Westminster Canoe Race
April 18–21 2025
Dauntsey’s is taking on the Devizes to Westminster Canoe Race, a grueling 125-mile endurance challenge that has been a Dauntsey’s tradition for over 40 years. Seven pairs of Lower Sixth Form pupils will compete, showcasing resilience, teamwork, and determination while raising vital funds for Atlas.
Plain Pasta Day
Who new a simple lunch could make such a BIG impact?
Dauntsey’s pupils made a simple sacrifice for a big impact by swapping their usual lunch for a humble meal of pasta and tomato sauce. This small act of solidarity helped raise funds for The Atlas Foundation, with the money saved from the meal donated to support children facing poverty and hardship. A powerful reminder that even the simplest changes can make a world of difference!
Cookie takes on Paris Half Marathon
9 March 2025
Cookie is lacing up her running shoes and taking on the Paris Half Marathon to raise vital funds for The Atlas Foundation! With every mile, she’ll be helping to fight poverty and inequality through the power of sport, giving young people around the world access to education, mentorship, and brighter futures. Show your support and donate today to cheer Cookie on as she goes the distance for a great cause!
Having seen the struggles faced within impoverished communities in my visit to Africa, I know full well how vital The Atlas Foundation’s work is. I am delighted to help raise funds for them. As an active rugby player myself, I believe in the power of sport being able to bring people together, in which, using the half marathon as a fundraising aid seems fitting. Through all of this, I hope that efforts from all Dauntsey’s pupils make even the smallest difference in someone’s life.
Dauntsey’s Drop Off 86KG of Kit to Little Sports, Kenya
Dauntsey’s has gone beyond fundraising and looked to creative oppertunituies to work with Atlas in a multitude of ways.
Miss Eleni Conidaris, Head of Lower School, spotted there was an opportunity to connect with another of Atlas Project Partners; Little Sports, Kenya. With just a week till their departure, Miss Conidaris raised that 28 pupils were leaving for a 10-day conservation and community-focused adventure in Kenya and asked if there was anything they could do to help.
That generous question lead to students and staff transporting 86 kilograms of donated rugby kits—including balls, jerseys, and boots—to Little Sports Kenya. These donations, sourced through Atlas partners like Slough RFC and Simon Shaw MBE, will directly benefit children, providing life skills, nutrition, and education to those that need it most.
Heathrow Airport
Drop off at Little Sports Organisation Kenya
The Kits in Use
Help Dauntsey's Fundraise
However you’re part of the Dauntsey’s community – parents, alumni, friends or someone new, inspired by their efforts – donate and support Dauntsey’s to help Atlas change lives across the globe.
Every contribution, big or small, will make a real difference.
