'We can make a difference': Jaime inspired by African orphans

Jaime Chapman has called for Indigenous culture to be celebrated on a daily basis as she revealed how volunteering in Africa has given her a greater appreciation of ways she can make an impact.

Chapman, who recently returned from working with orphans in Tanzania, will play in the centres for the Indigenous team in Sunday’s All Stars match against the Māori Wahine at FMG Stadium Waikato.

The Titans and NSW Blues superstar said the annual game was one of her favourite events on the NRL calendar because of the focus on Indigenous culture – but she is envious of how Māori values, language and customs are embraced in New Zealand.

“I always say All Stars is the best week of the year,” Chapman said. “We are not only celebrating and showcasing our culture on the big stage, but we get to play for our Mobs, our communities and the name on our back.”

Players and officials from the men’s and women’s All Stars teams were greeted by a powerful Pōwhiri (Māori welcoming ceremony) at Tūrangawaewae marae in Hamilton, which is the royal residence of the Maori Queen Nga wai hono i te po.

The 29-year-old monarch took part in a haka. 

“To be playing in New Zealand and to see how proud they are of the Māori culture is really inspiring,” Chapman said. “It is something that is celebrated every single day and not frowned upon.

“I really hope that we can learn from that as Australians to embrace our culture and to celebrate it every single day, not just in All Stars week, because it is pretty special when we come together as one.”

Chapman, who is set to feature with Reece Walsh, Josh Addo-Carr and Ali Brigginshaw in the new sporting reality TV show ‘Rivals’ on Kayo from March 1, has recently returned from Tanzania, where she worked with orphaned school children and helped promote rugby league.

The 23-year-old speedster volunteered at a school in Zanzibar during the off-season and she said it had given her a new perspective on life.

“I got allocated to a school where 90 per cent of the kids were orphans,” Chapman said. “It was very sad but an eye opener as well.

“I was a bit rocked by it but I formed connections with all these kids, who don’t have parents. We bought food for all the kids and went to where they reside.

“Seeing some of their living situations it hits really hard, knowing that from the ages of two-to-15 they are living in these ways where they don’t even have access to clean water or a bed.

“It was definitely good for the soul, I learned a lot of things when I was over there and to be able to give back in ways that not only change lives but save lives as well was really special and definitely filled my cup.”

Through her own sponsors, as well as the Titans, Chapman was able to donate active wear, shoes and even NRL jerseys and balls.

“I rocked up with three massive suitcases of gear,” she said.

“I was lucky enough to have Rockwear give me over 100 pieces of women’s active wear so I went to a fitness group and gave sports bras to women who are interested in exercising - some of who had never owned one before.

“Nike also gave me heaps of shoes as well and it was good to see people rocking some fresh Nike kicks who didn’t even have shoes before, or they had holes in their shoes.

“I try to make a difference in ways that I can. I took some footies over and some jerseys so to see all of these kids running around in Titans jerseys and kicking Titans footies was pretty humbling.

“Thise kids had never heard of rugby league so I was just teaching them how to play and teaching them what rugby league is.

"There are some very good athletes over there so I think they could be very good in the NRL if we start the game at community level.”

Chapman said she had also gained a lot from the experience and now wants to use her profile to raise awareness and money for the orphans.

“It definitely gave me time to reflect on my life. It taught me a lot about being grateful and gratitude, knowing that what I am doing by giving back and working in the community every day is making a difference,” she said.

“It has given me more drive to do better. If I can use my platform to spread that awareness and hopefully raise some money for them, I will do that.

“It filled my cup and I am going to keep filling my cup, so I am really excited about the year ahead."