2021
In April 2021 there had been rugby balls in the shipment. More were sent in early 2022. Rowland had over 40 balls at his office but would they just stay there gathering dust. The balls had been donated by Alnwick Juniors Rugby and The Duchess's Community High School. I had made contact with Jack Mphande, the Malawi National Rugby Coach and player. He was keen to travel north to make 'Rugby Malawi Rise'. I offered him transport and £10 a day to travel north and visit Chitipa and Ibuluma. He accepted and arrived in Chitipa at the end of March during the school holidays. Rowland managed to get 7 participants on a 3 day course at Kawale FP School. I was disappointed but it was a start. The course was well received but I reminded Jack that was the easy part but sustaining it would take a lot of effort and encouragement.
Levison Mlambiya from Ibuluma came to collect Jack on his motorbike. Jack spent 2 days at the William Stewart Foundation and the pictures and videos posted were great.
Jack arrives in Ibuluma
William Stewart Foundation
Course
Participants
Jack and Rowland
Jack and Wachisa
Course participants
Jack in action
2022
This time Changing Lives Malawi had raised money in the UK, which enabled Jack Mphande to visit Chisenga and Chitipa for two weeks in July 2022. He visited participating schools, trained teachers and held festivals. Community Sports Leaders Africa had sent rugby kit and balls in the last shipment and these supported the activities. It was the first time that I had seen activities personally supported by Rowland Harawa and McDonald Chimaliro, the Chitipa Sports Officers and posted on FB.
July Course in Chitipa
CCAP players
Warm Up
Practice
Course Participants
1st time playing Rugby
Wachisa a natural
Jack and the CCAP players
2024
In October 2024, Malawian National Rugby Development Officer Jack Mphande visited Kawale zone again and continued the work of three previous visits working with 6 newly formed groups that enjoy rugby. Five teams are attached to primary schools and one a football club. Community Sports Leaders Africa paid Jack's expenses to be in Chitipa for three days. Kits and balls were given to the teams.
Rowland, Jack and Wachisa
Training course action
Kits and balls given to the 6 teams
Coaching action