A BELGIAN MAKING A DIFFERENCE IN AFRICA
Diego’s three weeks in Africa have come to an end way too quickly, according to him :
“I have tremendously enjoyed this exciting journey through two amazing countries, making new friends, meetings so many local people and learning lots of new things about rugby.”
Diego’s third and last week with Bhubesi Pride took place in Choma, Zambia and was busy. Team members take turns not only with the cooking, but also with rugby-related matters. This time, Diego was responsible to organise and run the final tournament in the end of the week after four days of coaching and other extra-curricular activities such as a visit to a local orphanage and a coach education session with more than 70 participants (see more about that here).
 (Photo Bhubesi Pride) |
“My learning curve of these three weeks was definitely very steep. I had only a week in Malawi to get into the coaching and see what a tournament day is like, then in Zambia I was already in charge. But I appreciate this challenge – it was an amazing opportunity to grow and put my time and people management skills to the test.” Diego says.
The tournament turned out to be a great success with more than 360 children participating and numerous teachers and local companies supporting the event (more can be found here).
Generally, the week in Choma was not only a rugby success, but a chance for self-growth and reflection. Choma is a very small, rural town and Diego and the coaches stayed at a guest house that had no running water for 1,5 days and occasionally no electricity.
 (Photo Bhubesi Pride) |
“Overall it was definitely an adventurous trip through Africa and it made me think. It’s a stark contrast to Belgium and I am very grateful for all the luxuries we may enjoy in Europe. Nevertheless, all people we have met – be it even from very underprivileged areas – were wonderful, welcoming and very hospitable, regardless of how much they had.”
He has also grown close to his Bhubesi Pride teammates, even though sometimes communication was challenging :
“Tom from Ireland I could hardly understand at all. Other team members had to translate his English into English again, just without the Irish accent, for me to understand. We had lots of fun. I have extended a warm invitation to all of them to come and visit me and Belgian rugby – for a game of touch and a city tour of Brussels.”
After a proper farewell in Livingstone, which included a bungee swing across the Victoria Falls gorge and a sunset cruise on the Zambezi river, Diego returned to Brussels last Monday.
“I will never forget my time in Africa with Bhubesi Pride. Not only have I learned about rugby, I also feel that I have done something worthwhile. Surely, I will hold many fond memories of the trip for many years to come. If I could choose, I’d do it all over again. But before that, it’s time to get our new club – the Brussels Citizens – off the ground. We really want this club to get involved in many charitable projects and do lots of good for the community. I can’t wait to get started.”
The blog of Bhubesi Pride
The Facebook page of Bhubesi Pride
The official website of Bhubesi Pride
Read also : A BELGIAN IN AFRICA (episode 2)
Read also : A BELGIAN IN AFRICA (episode 1)
 (Photo Bhubesi Pride) |
