At The Atlas Foundation, we are proud to work in partnership with Bhubesi Pride Foundation (BPF), an organisation that transforms lives through sport and education in Malawi. Among the many inspiring stories that have emerged from BPF’s impactful work is that of Esnart Chigaru—a story of courage, determination, and hope.

Esnart was born on 22 November 1995 in Lilongwe, Malawi. At just six months old, her life took a dramatic turn when a fire accident resulted in the amputation of her right leg. From that moment, Esnart relied on crutches for mobility, facing physical and social challenges throughout her childhood.

Despite these obstacles, Esnart refused to let her disability define her. In 2012, she became involved with Bhubesi Pride Foundation as a volunteer for their legacy project. In this role, she supported both local and visiting volunteer coaches by collecting data—a vital contribution to the program’s success.

Education was always a priority for Esnart, but it was not without challenges. Every day, she walked 2.5 km from her home in Chikhuthe Village to Mzumanzi Community Day Secondary School. Recognising her dedication and potential, BPF’s programme coordinator, in collaboration with the Special Needs Education Directorate, helped transfer Esnart to Chayamba Secondary Boarding School. Thanks to tuition sponsorship, she was able to complete her Malawi School Certificate of Education in 2015.

Esnart’s connection with Bhubesi Pride Foundation continued to grow. In 2022 and 2023, she volunteered with BPF Malawi’s Sport for Development team. Her roles were diverse and impactful, including serving as the Director of Ceremonies and Safeguarding Lead during tournament days. Her leadership and commitment extended beyond sports as she was elected Treasurer for the Achinyamata Tikambilane (Youth Discuss) Club at BPF Malawi’s Mtema community centre.

Through BPF, Esnart developed critical life skills and embraced the values of rugby—teamwork, respect, discipline, and perseverance. These values, combined with the support of her community, helped her build friendships, gain confidence, and integrate into society.

Esnart’s story is a testament to how education, sports, and community support can change lives. Today, she dreams of furthering her education to qualify as a social worker or pursue vocational training, ensuring she can continue to support others who face challenges similar to her own.

Her journey from adversity to achievement showcases the transformative power of resilience and determination. At The Atlas Foundation, we celebrate Esnart’s success and are honored to share her story as an example of how partnerships like ours with Bhubesi Pride Foundation are making a lasting difference.

Let Esnart’s story inspire us all to believe in the power of community, education, and sport to unlock potential and create brighter futures.