About Skrum
Skrum: A Charity Making a Difference through Rugby
Skrum is a charity organization that has been working tirelessly to reduce the spread of HIV/AIDS and offer hope to the youth of Swaziland through the game of rugby. The organization was founded in 2007 by Michael Collinson, who saw an opportunity to use rugby as a tool for social change in Swaziland.
Swaziland is one of the countries with the highest prevalence rates of HIV/AIDS in the world. According to UNAIDS, about 27% of adults aged between 15-49 years are living with HIV/AIDS. This has had devastating effects on families and communities, leaving many children orphaned and vulnerable.
Skrum's mission is to empower young people with knowledge and skills that will enable them to make informed decisions about their health and future. The organization uses rugby as a platform for delivering its programs because it is a sport that promotes teamwork, discipline, respect, and leadership – values that are essential for personal development.
Through its programs, Skrum provides education on HIV prevention, sexual health, gender-based violence prevention, life skills training such as financial literacy and entrepreneurship skills development. Skrum also provides access to healthcare services such as testing and treatment for sexually transmitted infections (STIs) including HIV/AIDS.
One of Skrum's flagship programs is called "Get Ahead" which targets young girls aged between 12-18 years old who are at risk of dropping out or have already dropped out from school due to various reasons such as poverty or early pregnancy. The program aims at empowering these girls with life skills training so they can become self-reliant individuals who can contribute positively towards their communities.
Another program offered by Skrum is called "Rugby Against AIDS" which targets boys aged between 12-18 years old who are at risk of contracting HIV/AIDS due to various factors such as peer pressure or lack of knowledge. The program uses rugby as a tool for delivering HIV prevention education and promoting healthy lifestyles.
Skrum has been able to reach over 10,000 young people in Swaziland through its programs. The organization has also partnered with other organizations such as UNICEF, World Rugby, and the Swaziland Rugby Union to expand its reach and impact.
In addition to its programs, Skrum also organizes rugby tournaments and events that bring together young people from different communities. These events provide an opportunity for young people to showcase their talents, build friendships, and learn from each other.
Skrum's work has not gone unnoticed. In 2017, the organization was awarded the Beyond Sport Global Impact Award in recognition of its efforts towards reducing HIV/AIDS infection rates in Swaziland through rugby.
In conclusion, Skrum is a charity organization that is making a difference in Swaziland by using rugby as a tool for social change. Its programs have empowered thousands of young people with knowledge and skills that will enable them to make informed decisions about their health and future. Skrum's work is commendable, and it serves as an inspiration to many who believe in using sports for social development.