Volunteer

Want to get involved?

Eswatini (formerly known as Swaziland) has the highest rate of HIV/AIDS infection in the world.
Our volunteers are those incredible people who give their time and energy allowing SKRUM to reach more schools and communities.

By visiting SKRUM as a volunteer you will work with our local coaches to run rugby sessions in school and communities and make classroom presentations on HIV/AIDS education. Every day will be unique and may include painting ‘Sipho’, our logo, onto a school wall, organising a local rugby tournament or planting fruit trees.

You will receive an incredible welcome from the Swazi people and the laughter and smiles from a child when you pass them a rugby ball will stay with you long after you leave.

Our volunteers stay at the SKRUM house and enjoy home cooked meals. On your days off you will have the opportunity to explore one of Africa’s best-kept secrets. From safaris and hikes in the National Parks to zip-wiring and white-water rafting, Eswatini is an adventure waiting to be had.

For volunteers passionate about rugby we also offer you the chance to gain your Level 1 Coaching Certificate during your stay with us.

We welcome volunteers who are 18+ on placements ranging from 1 week to 3 months, perfect for gap years or extended holiday breaks. SKRUM is helping and so can you!

For more information or to enquire about becoming a volunteer, click button below.

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What our Volunteers say

Our volunteers stay at the SKRUM house and enjoy good company & home cooked meals.
On your days off you will have the opportunity to explore some of Africa’s best-kept secrets.
Eswatini is an adventure waiting to be had!

"It's impossible to describe the feeling when you see the gratitude of a child when you give them fruit for lunch or a rugby jersey."

"We have seen life changing things in our time here and I know I will be leaving Eswatini a better person because of it."

"I am very proud of the work we have done. We've painted Sipho’s, run a national rugby tournament, and provided HIV education."

"The opportunities we have been given are once in a life time and we are certainly welcoming them with our arms wide open."

“For volunteers passionate about rugby we also offer you the chance to gain your Level 1 Coaching Certificate during your stay with us.”
– Pass the ball, not the virus –

TESTIMONIALS

One can never find suitable words to use to express our appreciation for the lessons that we get from the SKRUM team. The ever energetic and welcoming team has not only introduced the sport into our school but they have also offered priceless / valuable information on HIV/AIDS and gender based violence. This information is of great help to our students as it creates an awareness about these issues.

Principal | Fonteyn Secondary School
“My time in Swaziland has been amazing. The classroom session was very rewarding because the students responded very well and seemed like they really wanted to improve the situation in Swaziland. Our trip to Mliba High was one of the great SKRUM days that I hope to have many more of throughout my time here.”

Peter Thomas | Volunteer
“The third school that we visited had some very shocking statistics. 75% of all of the students in the primary school are OVCs (orphans) as either one of both parents in most circumstances had been lost to HIV or AIDS. We worked out that, out of 282 students, that meant 212 were orphans! This was so shocking and really did make all of us think that something really has to be done to stop this being a statistic anywhere else.”

Bethany Neave | Volunteer

Ways you can help

With increased awareness, figures for HIV/AIDS infection are starting to fall. Please help us to continue to reinforce the message of Pass the Ball Not the Virus.
You can donate to SKRUM in a number of ways:

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