An Amazing Country

Zimbabwe is a landlocked country bordered by Zambia in the north, Mozambique in the east, Botswana in the west, and South Africa in the south. The country is mostly elevated, with a central plateau stretching from the southwest northwards, and with mountains in the Eastern Highlands reaching over 2,500m. Renowned for its great natural beauty, it has the world’s largest waterfall, Victoria Falls, and attracts tourists from all over the world. It has been an independent country since 1980 and, since 2000, due to severe droughts and the effects of a land reform programme, sharp falls in agricultural production has left the economy facing severe challenges. The country’s main exports are gems and precious metals, iron ore, tobacco and cotton.

A Good Start

As a result of the combined efforts, foresight and commitment of two key individuals – Tinashe Shamu and Ed Whitfield – the first TRT tour to Zimbabwe was in 2011 when a small team conducted the most amazing work in and around in the town of Marondera and the suburbs of Harare. In their time there, they coached over 1,100 children, touching the lives of so many people and igniting the local appetite to do much more.

From humble beginnings, the programme here has grown and evolved significantly. It now covers most of the major cities and towns in Zimbabwe, as well as a number of rural areas, with many more very keen to get on board.

A New Blueprint

Using our years of experience in other countries, TRT implemented their tried-and-tested model from day one in Zimbabwe. This, along with amazingly dedicated local support – from businesses and the private school sector – has ensured that TRT Zimbabwe has grown quickly and its impact has been outstanding. TRT Zimbabwe now leads the way on a number of new “future building” programmes such as TRT Work Experience, Female Inspiration Through Rugby (FITR), I’m Able Through Rugby (IATR) and a national Community League programme which culminates in a national tag festival.

TRT Zimbabwe has offices in Harare and Bulawayo, with a team of five people working hard to achieve its goals, innovate and to continually progress the programme. They are now beginning to set the standards others are keen to follow.

A Bright Future

Take a look at the TRT Zimbabwe Facebook page (or scroll down) to get a feel for the nature and volume of tag and community projects taking place week in, week out, around the country.

See what TRT are doing in Zimbabwe…