Changing the lives of SA youth through rugby
The Atlas Foundation is a global children's charity that brings positive change to some of the most vulnerable children on earth through rugby.
Breakfast with Martin Bester sports presenter Xola Ntshinga recently visited a coaching clinic held by the Atlas Foundation in Johannesburg.
The clinic saw players from New Zealand’s All Blacks team joining forces with The Atlas Foundation South Africa to assist some of the country’s most vulnerable children through rugby.
Ntshinga met with the New Zealand High Commissioner to South Africa, Philip Hewitt, as well as the wonderful Atlas Foundation staff and the children they are helping.
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Members of the All Blacks team—Luke Jacobson, Ruben Love, Sevu Reece, Pasilio Tosi, and George Bell—joined on Friday, 2 September, to share their expertise with the young rugby players.
As part of the fun, Ntshinga also challenged the All Blacks and the young players to a Goose Step challenge.
Watch here:
@jacabreakfast @xolantshinga challenged a few of the @AllBlacks players and the Atlas Foundation Rugby players to the #GooseStepChallenge 🏉 #Fyp #Rugby #Sports #ChangingLives #AtlasFoundation #rsavnzlv ♬ Heartburn - Tenseoh
In a powerful demonstration of hope, compassion, and resilience, members of the iconic New Zealand All Blacks rugby team have joined forces with The Atlas Foundation South Africa to bring light to some of the country’s most vulnerable children. This groundbreaking collaboration involved holding two coaching clinics with the Atlas children.
The Atlas Foundation is committed to offering long-term practical support for children growing up in some of the world’s most impoverished communities. Founded in 2014 by Jason Leonard, OBE, a former England Rugby World Cup winner, Atlas operates across five continents with a collective of international rugby champions lending their immense support.
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In 2019, they officially launched Atlas South Africa and began working in impoverished communities across the country. Through the strong bonds and values of rugby, they strive to uplift young girls and boys with educational support, girl empowerment, nutrition, and general well-being. Underpinning all of this, pride and dignity are instilled, which truly have the power to change the narrative.
The first of the Atlas DigiBuses (a 40-seater mobile computer classroom equipped with 40 desks and laptops) was commissioned and donated to the Vusa Academy in Cape Town. It is in full operation and provides critical support to an extra 1,000 children per month. It is a powerful legacy and testimony to the work done and funds raised by the Atlas Foundation to provide opportunities for these children to learn and achieve their future aspirations.
Test results on the Atlas DigiBus have increased by 20%. This is a revolutionary Atlas initiative, and another one is about to be commissioned in Nairobi. The Atlas DigiBus is not just a game changer; it is a life changer.
Education is key to all, and Atlas has recently provided two new beautiful media centres to both Masiphumelele and Ocean View High Schools, giving the children the opportunity to enjoy coding lessons and do their homework before they run onto the sports field.
The Gauteng Women’s Rugby Institute (GWRI) is a thriving project empowering young girls and women through education, rugby, and coaching. Atlas is their biggest project donor, and the aims of GWRI align well with the fundamental tenets of Atlas. Young girls from extremely harsh backgrounds are welcomed to a place where they can stay, further their education, play rugby, and return to their communities to coach and be a role model and inspiration.
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GWRI is a powerful platform for girls to rise above their circumstances and achieve. Seven Springbok Women players have come through the GWRI programme, along with three Junior Springbok Women and two players representing Zimbabwe. Atlas is extremely proud to be a part of this empowerment alongside Jaco Coetzer and the GWRI, witnessing these brilliant young women find their voice and their strength.
For these children, the rugby field is more than just a place to play—it is a sanctuary, a place where they can escape the darkness of their pasts and find a sense of belonging and purpose. The All Blacks' visit symbolises more than just a shared love of the game; it is a powerful affirmation that these young lives matter. It is a message that despite the traumas they have endured, their futures are still bright and full of possibilities.
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