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Donate to our Charity Fundraiser campaign to kick off a children’s food program in rural Malawi and send sports kit and educational materials to Africa

Join the 2021 Expedition

The Pride is calling you - Join BPF's much-anticipated next expedition

Join our 2021 expedition

In a year when the world went into lockdown, we at Bhubesi Pride Foundation had to do everything we could to respond to an ever-changing situation. And whilst our 2020 expedition had to be sadly cancelled in April, we repurposed community outreach activities in Tanzania and Malawi to continue supporting those in need. Additionally, in Lilongwe, BPF’s Mtema sports & education community centre build project has carried on with little interruption.

Now, we look ahead to 2021’s exped…

Africa – somewhat overlooked by the international community during the pandemic – has started to re-open its doors to international travel. In an effort to fully re-establish our operations and plans, we have carefully reviewed our options to ensure all activities in 2021 follow the appropriate coronavirus regulations, prioritising the health and safety of all those involved in our programs.

Locally delivered events and our 2021 expedition schedule

We are delighted to announce that we are planning to run a 2021 expedition! Activities will take place in all eight countries in which BPF has operations. In Kenya, Uganda, Tanzania, Mozambique and Botswana, local African teams will coordinate community outreach events, with our support. In Malawi, Zambia, Botswana and South Africa, we’re leading a volunteer overland expedition, welcoming adventurous and committed volunteer coaches from all over the world… and YOU can be part of it.

Our 2021 expedition will take place in three ‘blocks’ as follows:

  • Block 1 – Malawi & Zambia (17th May – 10th June) – FULL … but… We have MALAWI-ONLY PLACES AVAILABLE
  • Block 2 – Zambia, Botswana & South Africa (10th June – 2nd July) – FULL
  • Block 3 – South Africa (2nd July – 23rd July) – FULL

You can join us for one, two or all three blocks of the 2021 expedition. Have a look at the itineraries, detailed below, and submit an application today. We still have Malawi-only places available… otherwise please get in touch to register interest for 2022’s expedition.

We look forward to hearing from you!

Block 1 - Malawi & Zambia

Experience the warm heart of Africa, play an integral role in the process of bringing BPF's community centre to life in Lilongwe (staying on site at our accommodation block) and savour one of our most special overland legs via South Luangwa National Park.

Mtema, Lilongwe

Orientation & preparation

Be with us from the very start of this uniquely valuable 2021 expedition, set the tone for all to embrace, soak up village life alongside local Malawians and your fellow volunteers (on and off site), visit the capital, Lilongwe, and prepare for an action-packed outreach program.

Lake Malawi

Cape Maclear R&R

During your stay, you and the Pride will spend the weekend at beautiful Lake Malawi for rest, relaxation and fun.

Rural Lilongwe

Coaching program & tournament day

Immerse yourself in a community inspiring the future of BPF's work in Africa. Coach school children in rural villages, alongside teachers and coaches whose passion for sport and education is transforming lives. Experience a tournament day like no other!

South Luangwa National Park

Head west to Zambia

From Lilongwe, you and the team will head to Lusaka, crossing the border from Malawi into Zambia, spending two nights in the wilderness of South Luangwa. Venture out on a game drive or a safari walk and see some of Africa's most stunning wildlife and scenery.

17th May to 10th June (25 days)

  • Arrive Lilongwe, depart Lusaka
  • Work with inspirational communities, coaching rugby and netball, in a rural part of Lilongwe where BPF’s programming is going through transformational change. Seeing is believing: Our sports & education community centre, three years in the making, is being operationalised throughout 2021 and you will gain first-hand experience in contributing to activities on and off site. You will get a real-life taste of this unique area by staying at BPF’s accommodation block.
  • Spend the weekend at Lake Malawi
  • Head to Lusaka with a safari in South Luangwa National Park en-route; stay in comfortable chalets in the heart of one of Africa’s most beautiful national parks, experiencing the sights and sounds of the natural world
  • Where we stay: BPF’s community centre accommodation block; other hotels/lodges in Malawi/Zambia
  • Meals included: Breakfast (24), lunch (20), supper (23)

 

Volunteer fee: £1,600 – FULL… but… ** We have NEW MALAWI-ONLY PLACES NOW AVAILABLE **

 

Block 2 - Zambia, Botswana & South Africa

Work alongside Tom Chaloba and his coaches, assisting their Die Hard Rugby program in Kabwe... then travel through Botswana to South Africa on an epic overland journey which will live long in the memory.

Kabwe

Youth sport, adult rugby & coach education

Join Tom Chaloba, a Zambian with a story of hope and ambition, and throw yourself into a week full of youth coaching, men's and women's rugby development, sharing coaching philosophies with local coaches and top it off with a vibrant tournament.

Mosi-oa-Tunya

Victoria Falls & beyond

Start your journey south with a variety of activities at Victoria Falls, spend the night under the Botswana stars at Nata Lodge, link up with our local team in Francistown for their youth rugby tournament day, rest up at Blancos and see the sun set in Port Elizabeth.

10th June to 2nd July (23 days)

  • Arrive Lusaka, depart Port Elizabeth
  • Work hand-in-hand with Tom Chaloba’s Die Hard Rugby initiative leading youth sports programs, adult sessions and coach education workshops
  • Spend two full activity days in Livingstone, the gateway to Victoria Falls, with a sunset cruise on the Zambezi
  • Travel through Botswana, overnighting in the bush at Nata Lodge; attend tournament day in Francistown; and, in Gaborone, climb Kgale Hill and get active at Mokolodi Nature Reserve, including a game drive
  • Have some fun at Blanco’s Guest Farm, Tarkastad, before arriving into Port Elizabeth
  • Where we stay: Hotels/hostels/guest lodges/safari tents
  • Meals included: Breakfast (22), lunch (12), supper (17)

 

Volunteer fee: £1,750 – FULL

 

Block 3 - South Africa

Live with the Pride in a Lions year as two great tours run side-by-side: Join BPF for community outreach activities, coaching within township areas of Port Elizabeth and Pretoria... While simultaneously The British & Irish Lions play warm-up matches and prepare to take on the Springboks in their much-anticipated 3-test tour.

Port Elizabeth

Coaching on the coast

Deliver a week-long rugby & netball coaching program in the Zwide township (where Springbok captain, Siya Kolisi grew up) and visit part of the Garden Route.

Pretoria

Outreach with the Bulls

Collaborate with Blue Bulls coaching staff as, together, we'll carry out sporting activities with children in township areas, before bringing them to Loftus Versfeld for a festival day.

Boks & Lions

Follow all the action with the Pride

For our SA-based volunteers, we've got your tickets for Lions warm-up matches against SA Invitational in PE (7th July) and - along with a stadium tour of Loftus Versfeld - against the Blue Bulls in Pretoria (17th July).

2nd July to 23rd July (22 days)

  • Arrive Port Elizabeth, depart Pretoria
  • Guided township tour and community orientation (see where Springbok captain Siya Kolisi grew up), followed by outreach coaching in Port Elizabeth township schools with match ticket to the mid-week Lions fixture against SA Invitational. Coach both rugby and netball here in Port Elizabeth as we team up with our local NGO partner for the ninth year in a row.
  • R & R activities in Jeffrey’s Bay
  • Pretoria outreach coaching program with the Blue Bulls, stadium tour of Loftus Versfeld with match ticket as the Lions take on the Pretoria Superugby team; also visit the Apartheid Museum in Johannesburg
  • Where we stay: Hotels/hostels
  • Meals included: Breakfast (22), lunch (15), supper (18)

 

Volunteer fee: £1,900 – FULL

 

Frequently asked questions & important info

What does the application process consist of?

Our 2021 expedition application has three stages:

Stage 1: You’ll first submit an application form giving you the opportunity to tell us about yourself, your background and your motivations to join the expedition, which we’ll review.

Stage 2: If you progress, we’ll invite you to a video call interview to assess your application face to face, we’ll discuss the charity’s work with you and answer any questions you might have. Within 7 days, we’ll make a final assessment of your application and, if you’re successful, we’ll email you a provisional offer.

Stage 3: If you accept our offer, we’ll finalise your place on the 2021 coaching team and arrange a video welcome call with you – this forms the start of your expedition preparations. Based on your availability, this 3-stage application process takes 2-4 weeks.

What kind of volunteers are you looking for?

We look for good people, those willing to learn and adapt to their surroundings; team players, passionate about the difference sport can make in the lives of others, especially children; good people with a keenness to embrace the challenges of working and traveling in different countries; good people who can deliver on shared goals. Coaching qualifications and experience preferred but not essential. You’ll need to be 18 or over when you volunteer with us.

What activities will I take part in?

Every day and week is different. Have a look at the itineraries outlined above, detailing each of the three ‘blocks’ of our 2021 expedition. Typically, upon arrival into a new project location, you’ll visit schools or a community and meet the children and teachers, coaches or development officers, to finalise plans for the forthcoming program. Coaching sessions take place in the mornings or afternoons, with supplementary coaching activities – such as working with club teams or delivering coach education workshops – often arranged for location visits. We run big tournament days, which volunteers manage alongside community stakeholders. Each block offers various activities, from game viewing to water sports. Then there’s the transit from country to country – an experience in itself.

What does it cost to volunteer with BPF on the expedition?
  • Block 1 – Malawi & Zambia (17th May – 10th June): £1,600
  • Block 2 – Zambia, Botswana & South Africa (10th June – 2nd July): £1,750
  • Block 3 – South Africa (2nd July – 23rd July): £1,900

Plus £150 supplement for core teamwear bundle

What does my volunteer fee include?

For each of the three blocks, your volunteer fee includes:

  • Accommodation
  • Meals and bottled water (a balance of catered/partially-catered meal arrangements)
  • Comprehensive pre-expedition support and preparation
  • In-country training, on-boarding and off-boarding
  • Project management and logistical facilitation of all charity and team activities
  • Teamwear*
  • Coaching equipment and resources
  • Your Pride Journal
  • Airport meet & greet and drop-off
  • Project travel included on the expedition itinerary

*An essential core teamwear bundle is included within your volunteer fee (as a supplement) with additional teamwear options available for you to purchase

Block-specific inclusions:

  • Block 1: Guided safari excursions at South Luangwa National Park (including park permit)
  • Block 2: Sunset cruise on the Zambezi; game drive at Mokolodi
  • Block 3: Tickets to 2 x Lions Tour warm-up matches
What is not included in my volunteer fee?
  • Flights
  • Travel insurance and vaccinations
  • Any medical provisions or testing associated with coronavirus
  • Visas
Who will I be volunteering alongside?

We usually have 30 – 40 coaches volunteering with us on the expedition every year, male and female, a range of ages and from all over the world. Individuals join the expedition for anything from a few weeks or more. Volunteers travel in a cosy, air-conditioned minibus called ‘Nala’ which seats 14. So in the team at any point is our expedition leader, our driver, and up to 12 volunteer coaches. We’ll also have a number of eager coaches on our 2021 expedition, who deferred from 2020, and very ready to go!

Apply to join the 2021 expedition

Join one of our three expedition blocks for 3 weeks…

Each of our three expedition blocks are approximately 3 weeks long and stacked with activities…

…or all three blocks for 10 weeks

…combine two blocks to be with us in Africa for about 6 weeks, or participate in our entire 10-week 2021 expedition!

Apply now
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