Lachlan Rowe, 15, from Blackbutt has spent much of his summer holidays planning the trip of a lifetime.
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Before Lachlan begins year 10 at Illawarra Christian School he’ll tag along with his dad to the African nation of Rwanda on February 2.
It’s his quest to inspire children with a passion for sport in a bid to divert them from violence.
On his own accord, the teen will teach the skills of soccer through clinics at the Fruits of Hope Academy in Kigali.
The school was built by volunteers from the Hope Global organisation, beginning as one classroom in 2007. It now currently has a total of around 400 students from pre-school to Year 5 in attendance.
“I want to promote soccer instead of violence, because they don't have much to do,” he said.
“If they don't have much to do, then they start getting into mischief.
“It’s supporting people not as lucky as ourselves.”
Lachlan has been playing soccer since he was five and this year will start for the Port Kembla Under 18’s squad. His dream is to one day play professionally in the A-League, but for now he wants to instill his passion in others.
His father Scott has previously been involved in sustainability work in Rwanda, his son asking many times if he too could make a difference.
“He felt strongly about that so I gave him the opportunity to come over this time,” he said.
“He doesn’t really need much help but I want him to get the exposure; I like to empower other people to support projects.”
When asked how the trip may change him, Lachlan replied he expects it will give him a lot of appreciation for what he already has.
It’s supporting people not as lucky as ourselves.
- Lachlan Rowe
Numerous research studies have been conducted since the 1990s looking into the impact of sport on positive youth development, such as how playing sport can improve a young person’s well-being by University of Wollongong sports psychologist Dr Stewart Vella.
Lachlan is still trying to source balls and other equipment (like goal posts, air-pumps, cones etc) for the trip, which will be donated to the school once the clinics are complete.
Anyone wanting to donate balls or equipment to the cause can drop off materials at the office of Oak Flats chiropractor John Thompson, the corner of Central Avenue and Kingston Street.