Rwanda, a country often associated with its tragic past, has been undergoing a remarkable transformation. As part of the Cricket Without Boundaries initiative, our team had the privilege of experiencing firsthand the power of cricket in fostering unity, hope, and development.
Our last day of coaching
On our last day of coaching we woke to another wet morning, the challenge was getting the bus out of the hotel grounds, but by lunchtime Eddie was keen to get going and we carefully traversed the track from the hotel to the road. Success!
We made our way to our first school, EP Cyumushyika, we had a short walk to the school, and were amazed to see the community had come out to watch the sessions with 150 children waiting – again we had amazing sessions, with the highlight of the ‘’head, shoulders, knees and toes game!’’ which some great adaptations from all.
Then on to our last school of the trip to GS Kitabi with over 300 children and the full range of stations and rapid-fire matches! The kids loved it, we talked about inclusivity and some messaging around hygiene and keeping yourself healthy.
A Nation United Through Cricket
Our journey began in Kigali, the capital city, where we were immediately struck by the vibrant energy and resilience of the Rwandan people. Cricket, a sport traditionally associated with other countries, has found a strong foothold here. We visited schools and communities across the country, witnessing the joy and enthusiasm of young cricketers. The fields, though often uneven and sometimes lacking proper equipment, were filled with the sound of bats hitting balls and the cheers of supporters.
More Than Just a Game
Cricket in Rwanda is more than just a sport; it’s a vehicle for social change. We saw firsthand how the game is empowering young people, providing them with opportunities for education, leadership, personal development and it was clear that the game was being played by all, it is truly becoming inclusive! Many of the children we met expressed their dreams of becoming professional cricketers, but more importantly, they spoke of the confidence and skills they have gained through the sport, and that they can play with all their friends.
The Impact of Cricket Without Boundaries
The Cricket Without Boundaries initiative has played a crucial role in supporting the development of cricket in Rwanda. By providing coaching, equipment, and infrastructure, the organization has helped to create a sustainable cricket ecosystem. We witnessed the positive impact of their work on communities across the country, as young people are given the chance to realize their full potential. We also witness the true impact that cricket would have in a new region in Rwanda, untouched by cricket!
A Memorable Experience
Our trip to Rwanda was a truly unforgettable experience. We were inspired by the resilience of the Rwandan people, the passion of the cricketers, and the positive impact of the Cricket Without Boundaries project. As we reflect on our time in this beautiful country, we are grateful for the opportunity to have been part of such a meaningful journey. We coached over 5000 children in our short time, we hope we have inspired a few of them to keep playing cricket, with the help of the local coaches.
I want to express my deepest thanks to the dedicated CWB volunteers, local coaches, and the Rwandan Cricket Association. Your tireless efforts throughout the 2 weeks made my role as project lead significantly easier. We were able to successfully:
- Support local coaches in developing their skills and knowledge.
- Expand the reach of cricket to new districts across Rwanda.
- Promote the inclusive nature of cricket, demonstrating how it can bring people from all walks of life together.
To all those that contributed to this successful project, your commitment to cricket’s unifying power has been instrumental in making a positive impact on Rwandan communities.
Nick Glanfield – CWB Project Lead
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