Bhubesi Pride 2013 is going well as sustainable change is taking place in every African village or town they visit. Today we catch up with the first part of the trip, and hear from one of the senior members, who first learnt about the intiative right here on RD.
We've supported and been involved with the progression of Bhubesi Pride for almost three years now, helping where possible as one man's vision has become a reality that has literally changed the lives, minds, and futures of all those involved.
In the last two months the team have already coached hundreds of young African children, both male and female, and have empowered numerous members of teaching and support staff across Ethiopia, Kenya, and Rwanda.
View more of the latest photos and updates at rugbyinafrica.org
Today we hear from team member Mike Coogan (pictured second from the right in the top photo), as he shares his experience with us, from the day he first heard about Bhubesi Pride.
"Thank you, Rugbydump. In under one week you have made me smile so much my face hurt," says Mike, a rugby coach from Dunstable with 25 years experience.
"All those months ago when I started using your website for the latest news on whats happening in the rugby world, I happened to spot a video which showed a group of smiling children playing rugby, so curiosity got the better of me and I clicked play.
"I did not know at the time but the next couple of minutes was going to change my life forever.
"The video was from a Bhubesi Pride trip to one of the many schools they coach rugby at, and it was asking if it was something I wanted to do? I applied that same day.
"The project founder Richard Bennett took me through several interviews and his enthusiasm for the project, together with his great sense of humour, convinced me I needed to join the 2013 team.
"The rest is history as they say and here I am in a remote village, sitting under an Ethiopian sky next to an Ethiopian archaeological dig dating back to 2,000 years before Christ, with a Frenchman, American, Mexican, South African and two fellow Brits.
"In my wildest dreams I could never imagine this.
"Once again thank you Rugbydump, not just for your fantastic website (which any aspiring coach should visit), but for helping to make a dream come true." - Mike Coogan
Visit RugbyinAfrica.org to follow their latest updates, photos and blogs, and apply for 2014
They still have a long way to go, so catch up with project progress below and please leave a comment of support for the guys as they are doing wonderful work all through Africa.