This summer marks a major milestone for Volunteer Zambia – a pioneering international sport initiative that has empowered over 160,000 young people across Zambia and the UK since its launch in 2005. Cardiff Metropolitan University is proud to celebrate 20 years of involvement in the programme, which continues to inspire change through the power of sport.
Volunteer Zambia was established in 2005 as the flagship initiative of the Wallace Group – a collaboration between leading UK sport universities. Now in its 20th year, it brings together British universities committed to sustainable international development. Its members include Cardiff Met, Durham University, Loughborough University, Northumbria University, University of St Andrews, University of Stirling, University of Edinburgh, and University of Bath.
Conceived as a partnership with Zambia’s leading sports non-governmental organisation, Sport in Action, Volunteer Zambia enhances the quality of life for Zambian youth through sport and recreational activities. Over the past two decades, Cardiff Met volunteers have supported the initiative to evolve into a multifaceted programme focusing on increasing participation, education and leadership opportunities within deprived Zambian communities.
Students and staff who participate engage in various roles, including coaching, teaching, sports development, marketing, media and event management. Their collective efforts have reached over 160,000 children and supported multiple sporting organisations across Zambia.
The programme’s impact is exemplified by the development of community sport hub sites, which have significantly expanded access to sports for young people, particularly girls. These hubs have facilitated the training of numerous local leaders and coaches, fostering a sustainable and empowering environment for youth development.
In celebration of its 20th year, volunteers past and present – affectionately known as the ‘Zamfam’ – met at UNESCO World Heritage Site, Durham Castle on 5 April to mark two decades of achievements.
Speaking at the event, Ben O’Connell, Director of Sport at Cardiff Metropolitan University and Chair of the Wallace Group, said: “Having been fortunate enough to visit Zambia in 2023, I left feeling inspired and committed to doing more to help support the great work and continue to develop life-changing experiences for our students.
“As Volunteer Zambia commemorates two decades of dedication and achievement, it stands as a testament to the enduring power of international collaboration and the unifying spirit of sport in driving positive change.”
Cardiff Met Sport’s Digital Media and Marketing Officer, Rhys Russell, accompanied five students to Zambia last summer. He recalls the impact the experience had on him: “The project is about so much more than sport. It’s about empowering young people, especially girls, fostering leadership, and creating opportunities that inspire long-lasting change. I’ve seen how the local coaches grow in confidence as they step into leadership roles, and how the children light up with excitement and joy as they engage with sport in a safe and supportive environment.”