Regular readers may remember we ran a feature last year on Rugby in Africa project BHUBESI PRIDE, an initiative that reaches out to the children in Africa through rugby.
This exciting programme, which involves visiting schools and communities in 10 African countries, offers suitable candidates the opportunity make a difference to young people through a leadership role in rugby, teaching and community enterprises.
Last year Lisa White, a project manager from Belfast, answered the call to put her skills to good use by joining the 2012 expedition.
The Front Row Union caught up with Lisa to find out why she applied and how she is enjoying the experience so far.
“I have always enjoyed the buzz of big projects and thrive on the variety of tasks I find myself getting involved in. However, after returning from a trip to Tanzania and Zanzibar in July 2011 I found it hard to settle back into life in the UK and to gather the momentum that was needed to deliver the projects I was working on.
My thoughts kept drifting back to Kilimanjaro, the people I met and how different our worlds are. We take so much for granted in more developed countries and have so much more than we need – in Tanzania I met people who had very little and endured great hardship, but who still maintain a positive outlook on life and would give you the shirt off their back if you needed it.
My attitude to wealth and commercialisation started to change after the trip and I quickly realised that a period away from the fast and furious nature of life in the UK was needed. I knew that what was really going to give me satisfaction was to take some time out from my career to travel more extensively and to work on projects where I could use my skills to really make a difference to people’s lives. When I was offered a place on the ‘Bhubesi Pride’ team I jumped at the chance without hesitation.
I’ve done charity challenges, treks and events before but ‘Bhubesi Pride’ is so different and it was just what I was looking for. I am a huge rugby fan and to be able to use such an exhilarating sport as a catalyst for uniting, empowering and inspiring children and teachers in Africa and Europe/America is an opportunity that I couldn’t pass up. From my own experience living in Northern Ireland I have seen first hand how rugby can unite people from different backgrounds – there is no reason why this cannot be the case in other countries too.
I really enjoy coaching rugby and seeing how much kids get out of it, I’m particularly enjoying working with the African kids and, in many cases, introducing something totally new and exciting to them. Rugby’s profile is constantly growing on the international arena and in time may offer children in Africa the same life changing opportunities that football can, but the work must start at grass roots level. What I am enjoying most is working with the young girls at each school.
I hope I am setting a good example to them and inspire them never to shy away from their potential, to work hard and follow their dreams. Rugby may not be something they continue to play when they are older but I hope exposure to it will build their confidence and determination to be the best they can be. If I can make a difference to even one child’s life, male or female, then the trip will have been worth while, but let’s hope we can make a difference to many!”
If you feel you can make a difference through rugby then visit the BHUBESI PRIDE website or follow any of the links below.
Rugby in Africa | BHUBESI PRIDE | Expedition Rugby Coaching Team 2013
APPLICATION PROCESS OPEN FOR A LIMITED TIME ONLY
- Do you have a passion for rugby and possess the relevant skill sets and experience to add value to this unique coaching programme?
- Do you have a sense of adventure and are you willing to endure the mental and physical toughness of our 5-month mission through 10 African countries?
- Do you want to inspire both British and African schools and communities and build relationships with each other, the IRB and national rugby unions, through sharing your passion and important values of the sport?
If you’ve answered YES to all of the above, then you need to APPLY NOW for Bhubesi Pride’s 2013 Expedition Coaching Team
[http://rugbyinafrica.org/
For more information on this year’s expedition, costs involved and how to apply for next year, simply click on the link above.
Know someone else who would be interested in this programme?… then PLEASE PASS THIS ON NOW!
[We welcome male and female applicants, over the age of 18]
Corrections, comments or questions?