Our Stories
Kamran’s Story – TackleLondon
Kamran’s Story Kamran grew up in Croydon, a place where the streets can be unpredictable, and opportunities for young people are limited. Knife crime is a harsh reality, and too many young people find themselves with nowhere to go. By the age of fifteen, many have...
Lyndel Musandida: A Journey of Perseverance and Opportunity
"My name is Lyndel Musandida, and I'm currently in Grade 12 doing my matric year. I want to study further because I want to make a name for myself and be the first person in my family to actually go to university." Lyndel Musandida, a determined Grade 12 student, is...
Esnart Chigaru’s Story
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...
Rising Above Adversity with Rugby: Salome’s Story
At The Atlas Foundation, we believe in the transformative power of rugby to create lasting change in the lives of children. One incredible story from Mombasa, Kenya, highlights how rugby is not just a sport but a lifeline—a source of hope, resilience, and opportunity...
Agnes’ Story
Two years ago, Agnes joined LSO with a dream. Today, she stands as a shining example of how hope and opportunity can transform lives. Agnes comes from Msambweni Coast, Kenya, a place known for its stark contrasts between wealth and poverty. Many areas in face...
Sok Devid’s Story
Sok Devid lives in a single parent household in Cambodia. Kampuchea Balopp is striving to expand children’s access to education, supporting families from disadvantaged backgrounds who cannot afford the safety, self-esteem and social integration that schools provide. Read more about how Kampuchea Balopp is uplifting Sok Devid’s future here…
Esther’s Story
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.
Soknov’s Story
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 Story
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!
Malindzisa’s Story
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!
Girly’s Story
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 Story
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.
Tiziano’s story
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.
Felix’s Story
For Felix, childhood wasn’t always filled with play and friendship. Born with albinism, he faced heartbreaking prejudice—other children refused to play with him, believing harmful misconceptions about his condition.
“In the past I faced discrimination because other kids refused to play with me, they say that I will give them [albinism]” Felix shared. But when his father encouraged him to join Bhubesi Pride Foundation’s rugby programme, everything began to change.
James’ Story
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’s Story
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!
Maxwell’s Story
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’ Story
Charles lives in Kibera, the largest slum in Africa. Our partners, King Rugby Development Academy, have brought happiness, education and sport into Charles’ life.
Ke Mardy’s Story
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.
Nico’s Story
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
Zola’s story
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
Lebogang’s Story
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!
Vicky’s Story & Jungle Cry
We share the story of Vicky, who has been featured in the upcoming film “Jungle Cry”
Sharan’s Story
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.