One Abu Dhabi resident is going to new heights to help school-children in Tanzania – by trekking the highest summit in Africa. Caitlyn Davey speaks to the man who’s moving mountains to raise money.
Abu Dhabi resident Craig O’Sullivan is taking on a trek up Mount Kilimanjaro in Tanzania from July 4 to 12 in affiliation with Gulf for Good. Through the charity Village Education Project Kilimanjaro (VEPK), Craig is aiming to raise Dhs25,000 for a school in Tanzania, East Africa, which needs seven classrooms to accommodate its 250 students – it currently only has three. Craig tells us more.
Can you tell us why you decided to get involved?
I have always wanted to climb Kilimanjaro and challenge myself to do something different. As soon as I came across Gulf for Good and the challenges it organises, I decided I wanted to do it straight away, not only for a personal achievement but also for the charity.
Are you nervous?
I must admit, I am a little nervous as this is my first big challenge. I am most nervous about letting myself, and the people who have sponsored me, down.
How do people respond when you tell them you are doing it?
The general response I have received from friends and family has been great. For the past month I’ve had support in raising money at TriYAS at the F1 track on Yas Island from my amazing support system: Linda Forrest, Shirley Preece and Nicola Dobson. I am also in a fortunate position to have a good social circle, which offers support here and home in the UK. My family are proud and, as always, supportive. What more can I ask for?
Why this did you choose this school in particular to fundraise for?
Any charity that concentrates on improving the future of children’s education deserves support and recognition. VEPK is working to improve education in primary and nursery schools in the Kilimanjaro region of Tanzania by providing training, books and materials, and liaising with government officials at all levels. VEPK also runs an educational computer and community centre with internet access, a vocational training school and village crafts shop.
How are you preparing for your challenge?
Gulf for Good arranges local mountain treks, which will help me train for Kilimanjaro. Other than that I am in the gym most of the week.
How can people get involved?
We are hosting a pub quiz night at Cooper’s here in Abu Dhabi [on Mondays from 8.30pm], so people should definitely come down and participate, contribute to the cause, and help with sponsorship and other fundraising events. If you can’t make it to the event, definitely visit the JustGiving website that will link you to my sponsorship page. You can track my progress to my charitable goal and contribute in any way you can.
Is there a minimum donation?
There is no minimum donation at all. All contributions are welcome and greatly appreciated! I have, however, created a certain activity called ‘donate a brick’: I have agreed with the charity that we can put people’s names on a wall or plaque at the school in Tanzania to offer some sort of recognition for the people who kindly sponsor me.
What would you say to someone considering a project like this?
Do it! This is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to do something adventurous and will no doubt give you a sense of self achievement. I have two mountains to climb: one is the money I need to raise and the other is Kilimanjaro. If I manage to do both I will look back on this and feel great, I know that for sure. It’s like the old saying by Mark Twain, ‘Twenty years from now you will be more disappointed by the things that you didn’t do than by the ones you did do. So throw off the bowlines. Sail away from the safe harbour. Catch the trade winds in your sails. Explore, dream, discover.’
www.justgiving.com/craig-o
About Gulf for Good
Gulf for Good works with residents around the UAE, planning adventures to raise money for worthy causes. Just this year it organised a cycle ride through Laos in South East Asia and a bike trip through Mongolia, as well as the trip to Tanzania that Craig is participating in. Participants are required to pay an entry fee, which goes to the chosen charity, as well as encouraged to raise extra funds themselves.
www.gulf4good.com (04 368 0222).
