The Skrum Scholarship

We recognise that not all young adults are in a position to enjoy a gap year or join a volunteer programme.
The SKRUM Scholarship has been established to offer the opportunity for young adults from a disadvantaged background to join us in Eswatini as volunteers.

Nominate a Volunteer

With support from the Wates Foundation, SKRUM will fully fund three volunteers offering an experience which would not be available to them without this financial support.

As a volunteer with SKRUM you will work with our local coaches running rugby sessions in schools and communities and making classroom presentations on HIV/AIDS education. Every day will be unique and you will gain a real insight into life for the youth of Eswatini. For volunteers passionate about rugby we also offer them the chance to gain their Level 1 Coaching Certificate during their stay with us. Find out more about volunteering with SKRUM >>

Application Criteria for the SKRUM Scholarship Grant 2018/19

The SKRUM Scholarship Grant is open to competitive applications from young people in their final year of sixth form study.  This is because at the time of travel to Eswatini you will need to be at least 18 years old.  The grant covers travel and accommodation with some spending money and will pay for volunteering time at the SKRUM project in Eswatini.

To be eligible to apply you will need to meet the following criteria:

  1. You will need to be a UK Citizen eligible for a full passport.
  2. You will need to qualify for at least two (2) categories of the Pupil Premium
    Free school meals
    Have been registered for free school meals at any point since May 2010
    Are, or have been, in care
    Have parent/s in the armed forces
  3. You will need to submit a 400 word personal statement detailing what you believe you can offer to SKRUM during your visit.
  4. Two references will be required, of which one must be your Head Teacher with proof from the school in question that you are eligible for PP.
  5. Should you be successful in your initial application you will be invited to interview (we will pay for your travel expenses). Should you be successful at interview you will be invited to apply for your Safeguarding checks including a mandatory Disclosure and Baring Service check.  All applications will be treated in the strictest confidence.

For more information on how to apply Click here or to nominate someone for the SKRUM Scholarship, please get in touch >>

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

  • The SKRUM programme has help me a lot and in many ways because I am now able to play wise, being careful from strangers and being fair. I make sure that whenever I am going to touch blood, when a person is infected I wear gloves and I do not share razor blades and toothbrushes with people. I really thank the SKRUM programme for all the help.
    Mhtonta | Student at Nhlambeni High School
  • Our first two weeks here have been nothing short of incredible. The opportunities we have been given are once in a life time and we are certainly welcoming them with our arms wide open. Extra-curricular activities in the last two weeks have included a Safari at Mkhaya and a few nights out experiencing the night life - interesting to say the least. Our time in Swaziland has provided us with memories we will never forget. From the little kids smiles to being a part of Swaziland’s National Rugby Squad for the match in Lesotho.
    Tom White & Ollie Hill | Volunteers
Skrum.org

Skrum Feed & Water

In 2017 SKRUM introduced SKRUM Feed and Water to its programme following the worst drought in Swaziland’s history. SKRUM plants fruit trees at schools and communities and offer trees to children to plant at their homesteads, allowing them to help provide food for the family. SKRUM is also providing guttering and water harvesting systems for schools to collect rainwater giving them the access to fresh water year round.

Our Schools Partnership Programme has been instrumental in helping to fund and install SKRUM Feed and Water projects.

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:

Ways you can help
Donate >>

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