Benjamin was convinced that he wouldn't make it out alive, and indeed, his mother and sister were not so lucky. After ten years of fleeing from country to country, Benjamin eventually made his way to Lukole Camp in North West Tanzania where he was united with his relatives and first encountered local coaches trained by Right To Play.

Right To Play entered the camp at a time when many young people were being recruited to follow rebel groups fighting in Burundi. Right To Play programmes gave them an alternative and many chose instead to take part in regular sport and play activities. Benjamin recalls now that sport was the only thing that gave him relief and allowed him to relax. When he played sport, things felt normal again. The stress, anxiety and depression which affected him were reduced and he was able to laugh and have fun with his friends. Through sport, Benjamin learned about tolerance and was able to overcome much of the trauma he experienced as a young child.

As he got older, Benjamin became a Junior Leader on Right To Play's programmes which helped his confidence and developed his leadership skills. As a full time Right To Play Coach, Benjamin now has the opportunity to work with children that have experienced conflict of the kind he knows all too well. As a mentor for these children, Benjamin is able to give children a chance to overcome trauma, learn how to protect themselves from deadly diseases like malaria and HIV/AIDs, and develop as future leaders of change.

Harlequins is proud to support coaches like Benjamin as they work to educate and inspire children under their care. Right To Play are Harlequins' official charity partner this season and next. To find out more about their work, please visit www.righttoplay.org.uk . To enter the Quins Charity Sweepstake and support Right To Play, please click here.