BPF Malawi partners with ChildFund Sport for Development

ChildFund Sport for Development (S4D) and BPF Malawi (Bhubesi Pride Foundation’s Malawian registered NGO) have officially announced a partnership. 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 changemakers 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.”

Bridgette Sinthampi, BPF Malawi trustee

Sinthampi added that the partnership is just one of many milestones accomplished by BPF 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 UK 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 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.”

Wordsworth Rashid, BPF Malawi program coordinator

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. 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.”

Chris Mastaglio, ChildFund Sport for Development Director