Idea to Impact

Making it happen

In 2026, BPF’s founder Richard Bennett is hosting a group of 20 on an immersive visit to Malawi, enabling opportunities for unique community engagement, sports and educational interactions, and an experience of both rural and urban Malawian life – culminating in a trip to Lake Malawi.

Scroll down for an overview of what to expect and to read Richard’s note…

When is it?

Trip dates: 16-23 May 2026

Why join Richard in Malawi on this journey?

• Immerse yourself in real communities, learning alongside Richard, fellow group members, young people and grassroots leaders
• Step into challenge-rich environments which expand your leadership range, emotional agility and cultural fluency
• Return home with sharpened insights – stories which stay with you and the tools to make a tangible difference in your life and with BPF

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Bringing the experience to life

Your investment supports a unique journey blending personal growth, cultural immersion and purposeful impact while supporting Malawian communities.

Immersive trip experience

• £2,300 per person (£2,100 for BPF ambassadors and past volunteers)
• Includes: 7 nights’ accommodation; all transport, logistics and BPF activity coordination; all meals and bottled water, boat transfers and lake activities; all local taxes and fees
• Excludes: International flights, travel insurance, bar drinks, inoculations, personal expenses

Logistics facilitated in partnership with BPF’s travel partner, Orbis Expeditions.

Pre-trip charity fundraising challenge for Bhubesi Pride Foundation

• Minimum fundraising target: £1,000 (not self-funded but raised via your network; personal fundraising page set up through Enthuse)
• Directly supports BPF’s community programs in Malawi

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A note from Richard about his personal journey with BPF…

“In 2011, motivated by my own lived experiences, I set out on a personal mission: 22 flights, 10 African countries, 7 weeks – to explore whether a rugby-for-good initiative could take root in Africa. The response was overwhelmingly positive.

What followed was a bold trans-African expedition led by the UK charity I founded, Bhubesi Pride Foundation (BPF). The expedition became an annual rugby coaching program which, between 2012 and 2020, brought dedicated volunteers together from all over the world to collaborate with hundreds of African community leaders and engage thousands of young people. Over 100,000 pro-bono hours were contributed alongside corporate teams across the continent, all passionate about our growing activities and a shared set of values.

The journey evolved further. In Malawi, a deeper commitment took shape. What began as a small outreach project became a long-term investment. We registered a local NGO and built a community centre on a 7-acre site. Today, a dedicated team of 12 Malawian staff and 50 coaches deliver impactful sport and supplementary education programs with more than 3,000 young people.

This transition – from expedition to enduring local impact – mirrors my wider philosophy: immersive personal journeys which challenge perspectives, deepen purpose and spark real-world change. 15 years on, I’d love to share more of this with you – inspiring connection, adventure and impact.”

Richard Bennett, Founder, Bhubesi Pride Foundation

For inspiration, watch our latest group visit video as Harlequins visit Malawi with us…

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