ChildFund Sport for Development (S4D) and Bhubesi Pride Foundation Malawi (BPF) officially announced a partnership today. The collaboration aims to reach more children and young people in Malawi through integrated sport and life skills learning that will challenge harmful gender stereotypes and equip young people with leadership skills.

The announcement comes after a successful training of coaches in Lilongwe, Malawi where future change makers spent a week of intense, but fun learning. A total of 15 young women and 16 young men were certified to deliver One Netball and Reconnect Rugby in their communities. 

“BPF Malawi aims to transform and uplift children’s lives through sport and education. Now, our partnership with ChildFund takes our core operations to even greater heights. We look forward to a long term relationship as, together, we will make such a lasting difference,” said Bridgette Sinthampi, BPF Malawi trustee.

Sinthampi added that the partnership is just one of many milestones accomplished by BPF Malawi in Malawi, one of which was building a seven-acre sports and education centre in Lilongwe. The centre consists of a rugby pitch, netball court, volleyball court, clubhouse, viewing-deck, learning spaces, changing rooms, offices, kitchen, canteen, and an accommodation area. “We are happy about how the centre brings sports and learning closer to the communities, thanks to the help of so many,” said Sinthampi.

BPF’s British charity was founded in 2011 with the vision to unite communities through sport and supplementary education. BPF Malawi, registered as an NGO in 2017, partners to deliver sports, education and legacy programmes that promote social development.

“Sports and life skills help young people grow healthy and strong, preparing them up for a productive future life, benefiting them mentally and physically. Sport also teaches children solidarity and sportsmanship and gives them the chance to enjoy playing and learning together,” said Wordsworth Rashid, BPF Malawi program coordinator.

Coaches at the Coach Training in Lilongwe, Malawi in January 2022

For ChildFund S4D, the collaboration with BPF Malawi provides an opportunity to share expertise on using sport as a tool to deliver evidenced social impact, particularly around gender equity. With existing partnership networks in Asia and Oceania, the collaboration also brings even more richness and diversity to the organisation’s partnerships.   

“When used as part of a structured experience, sport has the power to not only change lives, but to bridge cultures and unite communities across the globe” said Chris Mastaglio, ChildFund Sport for Development Director. “We envision this new partnership will open up new leadership pathways that support young people to make positive decisions for themselves and their communities, as well as contribute to the sustainable growth of sport in Malawi. We are looking forward to working with more partners in the region to share our Sport for Development expertise.”