Terres en Mêlées: developing education through rugby

In six years, 51,150 children, of which more than 27,000 girls, have had access to Terres en Mêlées’ educational programmes around the world and more than 450 young adults have engaged in training and working activities.

Set up in January 2017, Rugby Solidaire develops educational programmes around rugby, culture and the environment by establishing links between French-speaking African countries and French territories. It tailors these programmes around different social and geographical contexts, helping to provide solutions for issues affecting and concerning young people in France and Africa. Rugby Solidaire operates in four countries (Madagascar, Morocco, Togo and Burkina Faso) for which it has established links with four French departments (Côte d’Azur, Haute Garonne, Ariège and Hérault respectively). Each project is led by French and African project leaders who work closely together coordinating the educational activities and volunteers in their territory. To ensure its success and reach as many people as possible, it specialises in training educators and teachers.
Its impact in communities in Africa and France is significant, particularly in terms of integrating young people and fighting discrimination. Its successes include a nationwide school rugby championship in Madagascar, a national Rugby Solidaire festival in Togo, a camp in Burkina Faso and a leisure centre in Morocco.

After months of preparation with Malagasy Rugby and the National Education Minister, Terres en Mêlées has announced it will hold a second nationwide school rugby championship in Madagascar. The first stage took place in the presence of Alexandre Flanquart on 15, 16 and 17 June in Tuléar with secondary school teams from south-western regions of the island. Fianarantsoa, Tamatave, Ambanja and Tananarive will be the next stages before the final on 23 September at Malacam stadium in the capital.