Inside the pride: volunteer experiences with the Bhubesi Pride Foundation

Welcome to our third instalment of ‘Inside the Pride’ where we’ve asked our 2015 team members to feed back on their experiences to help others understand the unique nature of their involvement with Bhubesi Pride Foundation in Africa.

Jacob Hiscock

Age: 23
Nationality: English
Project participation: Uganda, Kenya, Tanzania, Mozambique, Malawi, Zambia, Botswana, Namibia and South Africa

“I cannot fully describe in words just what the charity, the ‘Pride’ and this expedition has done for me. All I can say is that it (the charity and the programme) takes you as you are at the beginning and then, when all is done, you return to ‘your world’ a much better person. Everything that makes you a better individual will be touched on, challenged and then improved on by going on this trip, working in these communities and being a part of all the special tasks you perform.

For me the adventure is not over yet. I have improved as a coach in numerous ways and I now plan on going on to a new set of challenges elsewhere in the world, using all I have learned with my time at the Pride. I have a renewed confidence in myself and an ability to handle challenging situations.”

“My message to Bhubesi Pride Foundation is to never stop what you have begun. What you (the charity) have created is so unique and special. The charity is doing a great thing, changing the lives of thousands, not only in Africa, but across the world, so please continue to grow and show the world the power of what you can do with a few rugby balls and the right set of values.”

Christopher Leffler (CJ)
Nationality: American
Project participation: Uganda, Kenya, Tanzania, Mozambique, Malawi, Zambia and Botswana

“If I was to list three things that stand out for me… Firstly, the children. Their sincere appreciation and graciousness – given all that they endure – will leave me forever humbled. Secondly, the people. Their kindness and generosity was remarkable. So many opened their hearts and treated me like a friend, even though we had just met for the first time. And, the countries. Each was so unique and vast with unbelievable sights, sounds, smells, and tastes.
Truly I am left in awe. Wow and thank you.

For anyone considering volunteering with the Pride, honestly, unless you experience this first-hand, no amount of words can possibly describe what this opportunity is like.”

This is a teaser to a longer article available on the Bhubesi Pride Foundation website