Zimbabwe 2026: A Journey of Volunteering, Learning and Adventure
In May 2026, twenty Year 12 students embarked on an unforgettable expedition to Victoria Falls, Zimbabwe. Organised in partnership with the Tag Rugby Trust, the trip combined volunteering, cultural immersion, community engagement and adventure, creating an experience that will stay with students for years to come.
Coaching, Community and Connection
Each morning, students visited local government primary schools, where they coached Grade 4 and Grade 5 pupils in Tag Rugby. For many of the children, this was their first introduction to the sport. Through enthusiasm, teamwork and encouragement, our students helped develop skills and confidence while building meaningful connections with the local community.
The week culminated in a friendly tournament involving eight teams from four schools. Our students took responsibility for planning and running the event, ensuring every child had the opportunity to participate and represent their school with pride. A testament to the quality of coaching throughout the week was the fact that every school had a team reach the finals.
Afternoons were spent supporting a range of community projects. Students helped build flowerbeds at Chada Old People’s Home, painted a storeroom, and learned about sustainable plastic recycling initiatives at the iZeeko Foundation. These experiences provided valuable insight into the importance of service, sustainability and community support.
Through the Eyes of an Elephant
A particular highlight was participating in the "Through the Eyes of an Elephant" programme with EleCREW. Students gained a deeper understanding of conservation and human-wildlife conflict, while also helping to care for elephants by preparing food, cleaning stables and refilling water troughs.
Adventure and Discovery
After a week of volunteering, students enjoyed two nights on safari at Sian Simba, where they were fortunate enough to spot elephants, giraffes, zebras, buffalo, crocodiles and hippos in their natural habitat.
The group also visited Victoria Falls National Park and experienced the breathtaking beauty and power of one of the world's most iconic natural wonders.
A Life-Changing Experience
Reflecting on the trip, Year 12 student Gerda Saviscevaite said:
"The Zimbabwe trip was honestly life-changing and I would do anything to experience the emotions I felt during the trip all over again."
Many students spoke of the confidence they gained, the friendships they formed and the lasting impact of working alongside local communities.
The Zimbabwe Tour was far more than a school trip. It was an opportunity for students to challenge themselves, broaden their perspectives and make a meaningful contribution to communities thousands of miles from home.
We are incredibly proud of the compassion, leadership and commitment shown by every student throughout the expedition and grateful to the Tag Rugby Trust for providing such an enriching experience.
To learn more about the Trust's inspiring work, visit their Instagram page @tagrugbytrust. If you would like to support our ongoing fundraising efforts, donations to our JustGiving campaign are warmly welcomed.
Mr Lewis Tillett
Zimbabwe Trip Leader