Eleanor Fitzgerald crowdfunding with SaintsFunder

Volunteering netball coaching in Livingstone, Zambia

A short summary of your project

This summer I will be partaking in a six-week programme of sport and education, based in Livingstone, Zambia. The programme will be the first of its kind in this region, and will support the work of the leading NGO Sport in Action in Zambia's Southern Province.

Alongside six other student coaches from Saints Sport I will be providing netball coaching sessions. Through this programme I hope to help to empower the girls of Zambia; instilling self-worth and confidence in them, and helping them to recognise their own strength, both as netball players and as women. These invaluable qualities are things that they can then take forward with them for the rest of their lives, as they grow up in such a challenging environment. A key focus of the programme will be to mentor Zambian peer leaders: sharing our experiences and knowledge of our sport to try and continue the development and subsequent quality of coaching, in order to make a long lasting impact.

To learn more about the programme please click the following link: https://sport.wp.st-andrews.ac.uk/student-sport/volunteering/international/livingstone/

Who are you?

My name is Ellie and I am in my final year at the University of St Andrews studying Mathematics and Economics. I have played for the university first netball team for all of my four years at St Andrews and have coached the university recreational netball club for the last two years.

I was lucky enough to travel to Zambia in my first year of university where I coached netball within the capital, Lusaka, for seven weeks. It was the most amazing experience and one that I will forever treasure. The programme opened my eyes up to why sport is so important to the young people of Zambia. It empowers them, brings joy, and provides a safe and nurturing environment for them to grow and have fun with their friends. I cannot wait to go back to Zambia and to help to launch this amazing programme in Livingstone.

how will we raise the money?

Across the academic year we have organised a range of fundraising events from bake sales, to charity netball matches against the university rugby and football team, to charity colour runs. I am so grateful for the contributions so far and any other contributions would be greatly appreciated.

Where will the money go?

Travel costs
Accommodation/ living costs
Vaccinations
Raise further funds for the equipment required to run the sessions

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