Underprivileged children across 10 countries in Africa are being helped to develop valuable life skills thanks to a charity supported by Inmarsat.
Inmarsat is providing a lifeline to rugby and community development charity, Bhubesi Pride, by helping its volunteers to communicate across the continent.
The charity puts together highly qualified teams of coaching staff to drive through Africa on annual six-month expeditions, supporting rugby and community development in schools and community centres.
The expedition kicked off in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, with 90 children turning up for the day – many of whom were street children or from underprivileged homes.
Over the past three years, Inmarsat has provided the charity with an IsatPhone Pro – a low-cost, handheld satellite phone offering global calling plus voicemail, text and email messaging, and GPS location data.
Richard Bennett, Bhubesi Pride Founder and Director, explained that Inmarsat has become integral to its operations.
“The partnership is invaluable. We’re able to keep on top of operations and, in any situation, the phone is a logistical lifeline to get us out of any bother,” he said.
“We’re able to communicate with anyone, anywhere, at anytime. Given our international network and connections in 10 African countries, this service is of the utmost importance.
“Now that we have started our third community rugby programme in Africa, we look forward to utilising the back-up support Inmarsat offers us – the type of communication support any small or large organisation could maximise the world over.”
Bhubesi Pride aims to unite boys and girls by addressing health education and life skills as well as empower local teaching staff by providing equipment, resources, training and knowledge.
It also aims to inspire sustainable development by encouraging young leaders and building relevant relationships throughout Ethiopia, Kenya, Uganda, Rwanda, Tanzania, Malawi, Zambia, Botswana, Namibia and South Africa.
