After 6 days of climbing, walking and camping in sub zero temperatures, the 15 strong UNIGLOBE Team made it to the top of Mt. Kilimanjaro on the 13th September 2010.
Paul Brand, Commercial Director of Uniglobe Preferred Travel, was one of the team that climbed the mountain to raise money to help build a new dormitory at a girls school in Tanzania.
Money raised will allow pupils to sleep at the school. Currently they can trek more than 10km to class every day. Some have been kidnapped, molested and murdered on route.
Paul now also plans to sponsor a pupil at the school, helping to fund her ongoing education and care.
He joined other travel firms from the global UNIGLOBE alliance for the climb up Kilimanjaro. They reached the peak, more than 5,800 metres above sea level, on September 13th.
The group is close to hitting its £35,000 fundraising target in aid of charity Plan International and its plans for the girls’ school.
The project will create the new residence at Buhongwa Secondary School in Mwanza, Tanzania, providing the girls with a safe and supportive home, so that they can go to school, develop personally and succeed.
Paul said: “To have reached the peak of Kilimanjaro is an incredible feeling. The climb was exhilarating and exhausting, particularly the final section which we did at night."
“We are very close to hitting our target which is fantastic as helping the pupils of Buhongwa Secondary School is crucial."
“The challenge of climbing Kilimanjaro really does pale into insignificance compared to the daily struggle the girls face as they walk for miles just to reach the school. On the way to school they are vulnerable to attack and kidnap, something which happens all too often."
“Every member of the UNIGLOBE team has been deeply touched by the determination of the girls to strive for a better life, and we are thrilled to be helping in some way.”
Plan International’s Because I Am A Girl campaign recognises the important role girls play in helping communities around the world break the cycle of poverty. Education is a key element; in fact an extra year of primary school boosts girls’ wages by 10 to 20 percent, benefitting their communities, their families and eventually their children.
