Our Stories

On International Day for Sport for Development and Peace we are celebrating Esther at Bhubesi Pride Foundation who is helping girls in Malawi overcome the challenges of menstrual poverty. Read Esther’s Story to learn how BPF supports girls like Esther through sport and education.

On #InternationalWomensDay we are celebrating Soknov Keo, a coach at Kampuchea Balopp, who believes that rugby has the power to transform lives and uplift disadvantaged children!

Queen’s life has transformed thanks to the program at Bhubesi Pride. Find out how BPF have helped Queen go from being shy and scared for her future, to a confident young women who wants to uplift herself and her community!

SKRUM’s has a life long impact on many children, and has transformed Malindzisa’s life for the better. The lessons SKRUM teaches have shown Malindzisa that he can have a healthy and happy future, despite extremely high rates of HIV/AIDS that plague his community. Malindzisa now wishes to give back to his community, by
training as a rugby coach with SKRUM, and studying medicine at university!

SKRUM is helping Girly see a way towards a brighter future, despite the daily challenges Girly faces in a deep-rooted patriarchal culture, where gender inequality and violence are sadly far too common. With your help, SKRUM are able to educate girls in Eswatini on female rights, and health and hygiene, empowering them to take control of their futures.

Gina’s life changed forever when she came to the Gauteng Women’s Rugby Institute. Through rugby and academics, Gina is able to grow and, for the first time, she can see a way for a better future. Read more to see how the GWRI is giving Gina a chance to thrive.

Extreme poverty, unemployment, and problems with addiction in the community make life difficult for Tiziano. With the help of Virreyes Rugby Club, and the support of his community, things are beginning to look up for Tiziano, and he now is able to see a way towards for a better future.

Meet Felix, who faces harsh prejudice and discrimination due to his albinism. Felix struggles to cope with these challenges, but with the help of Bhubesi Pride Foundation’s Reconnect program, things are changing for Felix. He no longer faces discrimination from the other kids, and he has made great friends from the program. Felix is much happier and more confident thanks to BPF and is becoming a great rugby player!

When James joined Star* he was struggling in school, and was in Alternative Provision. The support James has from Star* has changed his life, helping to go back to mainstream school, and gain a 100% sports scholarship to a prestigious independent school!

Jean lives in rural Lilongwe, where education, health, and food are luxuries that many children sadly don’t have access to. Regrettably, these are not the only difficulties Jean faces, as she is bullied by other kids, causing her to feel isolated and lonely. Atlas and Bhubesi Pride Foundation are helping Jean through the Reconnect program, where children learn key life skills. Jean is now happier and healthier thanks to the program!

After Maxwell’s mother died, he had an extremely difficult and unhappy childhood, experiencing unimaginable torture and child labour. Thanks to KRDA and Atlas, this is changing, and Maxwell is no longer living in these awful conditions. The coaches at KRDA are helping Maxwell at school, and he is already happier and looking forward to his future.

Charles lives in Kibera, the largest slum in Africa. Our partners, King Rugby Development Academy, have brought happiness, education and sport into Charles’ life.

When his parents could no longer handle his care, Ke Mardy was placed into an NGO at 14 years old. Our partner, Kampuchea Balopp, use sport for inclusivity and now Ke Mardy welcomes others with disabilities to feel less alone.

From shanty towns in Buenos Aires, to hot meals and hope; The Atlas Foundation is giving Nico a chance to thrive in Argentina through education and health check-ups

When Atlas first met Zola, she was stuck in a community of crime, drugs, and inequality. Now she stands in the face of adversity, captaining the school rugby team and empowering more young girls to stand up for themselves

Meet Lebogang, who is overcoming high rates of gender inequality and violence, as well as personal loss, with the help of Gauteng Women’s Rugby Institute. Lebogang has opportunities available to her thanks to Atlas and GWRI, and her future looks bright – she is an inspiration to us all!

We share the story of Vicky, who has been featured in the upcoming film “Jungle Cry”

Sharan shares his story in his own words. With the help of Khelo Rugby, our local partners in India, he is now enrolled in a school and receives rugby sessions, food and mentoring from Khelo coaches.

Roukeya has faced hardship and trauma in her life – from losing her leg to being abused by her father. But now, with the support of Les Enfants de L’Ovale, our partners, she is now thriving.

Vinay is a young leader at Khelo Rugby, our local partners in India. Through sport, discussion and friendship, Vinay is ensuring local children stay away from drugs and alcohol.

Rithy from Kampuchea Balopp shares how rugby has given him friendship and taught him the value of teamwork.

When joining Khelo Rugby, Jamuna received educational support after not attending school for nearly two years.

Anjali from Khelo Rugby shares her story