In 2006, I was lucky enough to visit South Africa. While visiting this magnificent country we went to visit a local Xhosa school in Franchhoek about an hour away from Cape Town where we had a game of football. I was initially worried because I had no boots but not only did my team have no boots but they played football in bare feet. This was a bit of shock for me because it was then I realised that not all children have the same opportunities as me. My team mates didn’t really have a home the way I would describe one and their school facilities were terribly poor. Nevertheless, I was welcomed like one of them and they showed an amazing warmth and curiosity in me and my background. 

 

Ever since that day, I have wanted to give something back to my old football team mates to make their lives better and to help them escape the poverty trap that  they all face. Therefore I persuaded my Dad to pay for me and brother that to climb Kilimanjaro this Summer  in aid of the charity that accompanied us in Franchhoek.  The Charity is called the The Kusasa Project  (www.thekusasaproject.org) which means a “brighter tomorrow” in Xhosa. The charity raises money to help to invest in the schools in Franchhoek and giving kids   the chance to escape their life of poverty, drugs and aids.   By Sponsoring me climb the tallest mountain in Africa is a rewarding way to help change children’s lives and future.  Even the smallest donation will have an impact on these children’s lives. The difference we can make even by a small donation is immense.  The Kusasa Project is a small charity run by volunteers where all donations will go directly to improving educational standards in 3 local schools. They will have the possibility despite all the horror they face to learn and try and have a brighter future. 

 

So I am appealing to all my friends , Parents of BSP to  sponsor me, and you will be helping  to give children like me hope for a better future. In the Autumn I will tell you about my Kilimanjaro challenge!