As school gets started in 2018 in Mozambique, ADEDAR continues the expansion of rugby with new teams, more tournaments, and more girls enrolled to play than ever before.
Maputo, Mozambique, Africa – ADEDAR’s initiative in Mozambique is to develop a home for rugby and use it as a tool for education and gender equality. Creating this program for girls to play rugby is leading them to increased self-esteem and self-confidence, as well as enhanced sense of power over one’s body, challenging traditional and oppressive gender relations. ADEDAR is introducing rugby to Mozambique by teaching rugby in schools, training future Physical Education teachers on how to play and teach rugby, creating teams throughout schools and neighborhoods, and working to incorporate rugby into the curriculum of Physical Education. ADEDAR provides workshops and resources for teachers and coaches, and sets up tournaments, clinics, and games.
“I play the game of rugby because it is a game I like and I have learned to face some of my fears. The game of rugby isn’t to win, it isn’t to score, but it is for the fun of the game. And when I am with my teammates I feel I am with family, I am in a happy environment. I was challenged with rugby itself, and I will become the winner. I have always liked challenges since I was a kid, but this is the best challenge. Today when I enter the field, I feel a winner of myself. I feel proud in my heart and in the flag to be a rugby player in Mozambique. Rugby is my life!” – Crelia Jornal Hoguane, current player and coach of ADEDAR Rugby.
After spending two years volunteering with the Peace Corps in Mozambique, Mandy Nurrenbern, founder of ADEDAR, decided to put the two things she is most passionate about together, her love for rugby and her passion for uniting and empowering the people of Mozambique.
“I started ADEDAR to make a difference in the lives of women and the people of Mozambique by creating unity among each other and creating a space for women to find their place in the world. My hope is that this community connection will inspire joy, self-empowerment, and lead to more fulfilling lives for the players and coaches involved as well as the rest of the community,” said Mandy, founder of ADEDAR.
ADEDAR is a non-profit organization in California based in Maputo, Mozambique. Founded in 2015, ADEDAR has created and managed a total of 17 teams from the ages of 10 to 20 years old, both male and female. The organization survives and thrives on the gracious donations from its supporters and hopes to continue its efforts for many years to come.
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If you would like more information about this topic, please contact Mandy Nurrenbern at 619-573-6740 or via email at adedar.africa@gmail.com.
