As we climbed, we raised money for two local Tanzanian charities (working in the area near Kilimanjaro) - more information below. Thanks to all those who gave so generously.
You can still sponsor either of these charities direct and on-line by clicking on their respective web addresses below. But we would be grateful to know that you have done so that we can keep a tally of the total we raise, and also so we can thank you. So please let us know by sending a message to us at either bdalalclay@aol.com OR s.dalal-clayton@hotmail.com). Alternatively, if you do not have access to the internet and would rather send a cheque, please send us an email and we will provide an address and bank account details.
We have also set up a charity account with "JustGiving" (www.justgiving.com/Meru-Kilimanjaro-2010) which is able to reclaim Gift Aid from the government. This means that for every £10 of sponsorship, JustGiving can send £12.82 direct to the charity. But this only works for charities registered in the UK. The Mkombozi Centre for Street Children is registered in the UK and you can support it by sponsoring us via Just Giving. But the Kilimanjaro Porters Assistance Project is only registered in Tanzania and you will only be able to support this project online via its website (go to www.kiliporters.org)
Mkombozi Centre For Street Children Charity Profile
Mkombozi’s mission is to help vulnerable children and youth to grow in mind, body and spirit and to build a more caring society for all. It captures local potential through learning and reflection and acts as a catalyst for holistic development. Mkombozi’s vision is a world where all children and youth are prioritised and can access opportunities to become well rounded, inquiring and productive people who are working towards a more just and democratic society. The charity believes that social justice can be promoted through participation and collaboration.
Mkombozi (meaning "liberator, emancipator" in Swahili) works to stem the tide of Tanzania's street children through housing, education, research, advocacy, and outreach. It was in 1977 as a live-in residential center and safe haven for street children. But Mkombozi has now expanded its vision and mandate significantly over the years. In addition to working with children already on the streets, Mkombozi works to end the abuse and neglect of children, to ensure that children's dignity and rights are recognized, and to identify opportunities for intervention before a child migrates to the street. Today, Mkombozi is one of the leading child-focussed agencies in northern Tanzania, working with over 1,000 vulnerable children and families a year in Kilimanjaro and Arusha Regions.
To support this charity, go to
Kilimanjaro Porters Assistance Project
The Kilimanjaro Porters Assistance Project recognizes the value of the demanding labour these porters perform. It is committed to improving the working conditions of the Porters on Kilimanjaro, eg
- lending donated climbing clothing;
- providing free classes for porters in conversational English, HIV/AIDS awareness, money management, and first aid certification;
- educating the public on porter working conditions and providing guidelines for proper porter treatment;
- gathering information on company practices through the collection of porter surveys; and
- monitoring the performance of trekking companies operator on Kilimanjaro
To support this charity, go to www.kiliporters.org, and click on the 'Join Now' section and you will find a specific line item 'Contribution to Porters Project' below the membership categories where your donbation amount can be entered
