More Than Rugby: Building Communities Through Volunteering
What if one trip could change not only your life—but the lives of hundreds of children? 🌍💙🏉
Over the past few weeks, we've had the privilege of welcoming Lewis Downie and Andrew Haig to Livingstone through the Save the Zambezi Foundation. They arrived as volunteers, but they leave as part of the Rhinos family.
Their impact has gone far beyond coaching rugby. They've shared knowledge, inspired young people, built friendships, immersed themselves in our culture, and reminded us that the greatest legacy we can leave is investing in people.
A heartfelt thank you to Peebles Rugby Club, whose incredible generosity through donations made this journey possible. We are also deeply grateful to Njobvu Rugby Academy for giving Lewis and Andrew the opportunity to experience competitive Zambian rugby during the Thunder Cup in Lusaka. Finally, thank you to Save the Zambezi Foundation and Thorn Tree House for hosting them and creating meaningful projects that allowed them to serve our community both on and off the rugby field.
Before they leave, we've asked Lewis and Andrew to keep a diary of their time in Zambia—not just about rugby, but about everything. The children they met. The friendships they made. The places they explored. The lessons they learnt. The moments that changed them. We believe these stories will inspire many more people to follow in their footsteps.
Because this is just the beginning.
Our vision is no longer simply to grow rugby.
We want to build a volunteer programme that transforms communities.
Whether you're a rugby coach, teacher, university student, artist, conservationist, photographer, environmentalist, healthcare professional, or simply someone with a heart to serve, there is a place for you here.
Through our partnership with Holy Cross School, volunteers can support education, mentor children, run arts and crafts, organise games, assist with recycling projects, contribute to human-wildlife conservation initiatives, and help create brighter futures for our community.
And while volunteers give so much of themselves, we want them to experience the very best of Zambia too. From the breathtaking Victoria Falls to rhino encounters, museums, safaris, and unforgettable adventures, we hope every volunteer leaves with memories that last a lifetime.
If you've ever wanted to make a genuine difference while experiencing one of Africa's most beautiful destinations, this is your invitation.
Come coach.
Come teach.
Come create.
Come explore.
Come serve.
Come and become part of something bigger than yourself.
Together, through Livingstone Rhinos, Save the Zambezi Foundation, and Thorn Tree House, we're not just building better athletes—we're building stronger communities, creating lifelong friendships, and changing lives, one volunteer at a time.
