Rugby Academy VT is the brainchild of Zoumaro Bah Traore, a retired Nigerien national level player. Zoumaro dreamed of using the values and leadership skills he learnt playing rugby to create a project for young people in disadvantaged areas of the capital, Niamey. Special attention is given to girls and boys playing sport together from an early age, encouraging participation and honing their leadership skills.
Rather than directly addressing poverty, the project focuses on the protection and resilience of girls and boys to better equip them for the future. Rugby has always held high the principles of integrity, camaraderie, and community and it is these values that Rugby Academy VT projects through its programmes and leads to:
- - Increased self-esteem and self-confidence
- - Stronger, more empowered girls and boys
- - A real contribution to the community as confident young adults
Niger, a proud landlocked nation in the Sahel region of Africa is under continual stress:
1) Niger is the least developed country on earth according to the United Nations Global Development Index.
2) The current crisis in the Sahel region means Niger is facing a toxic mix of escalating armed conflict, displacement, hunger, and widespread poverty - all compounded by the severe impacts of climate change.
3) Niger has the highest birthrate in the world at close to 7 births per woman
4) The youngest country in the world is Niger, as almost 50% of the population is below the age of 15.
5) In Niger, according to UNICEF, 76% of girls are married before their 18th birthday and 28% are married before the age of 15
Rugby Academy VT cannot meaningfully address these enormous challenges, but it can contribute to local communities in a tangible way. Currently, the programme supports 240 primary school age children and 100 teenagers through additional education (lessons and monitoring), sport (rugby), health checks, and nutritious snacks.
Rugby Academy VT, by working in a small and focused way, is achieving results. Just look at the current group of educators, who not so long ago were themselves children involved in the project.
Thank you for your support and enjoy the site.
VT Rugby Academy
academiederugbyvt@gmail.com
+227 9772 0599
Humanitarian Development Association
Order: 0293/MI/SP/D/DGAJ/DLP
Head office: Niamey right bank
Republic of Niger
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Latest news:
Dec 2022: Our Christmas tournament was a huge success (see gallery). The UN RC/HC and deputy Mayor joined in on the fun.
Nov 2022: We organised Internet training for our tutors.
Oct 2022: The new school year kicks off!
July/Aug 2022: Our U15 program continues while the U13 program takes a break during the vacation.
June 2022: Our children where honored to sing National Anthems at the British Queen's birthday celebration.
May 2022: NZ fundraiser closed. Thank you Aotearoa!
April 2022: Visit by the British Ambassador
March 2022: Successful Girls Tournament to celebrate International Women's Day. Over 40 degrees and dust storms - a wonderful day!
