Thursday 17th June 2010
Cycling for HIV education in Namibia
Three Tonbridgians, Chris Bowdler, Max Linington and Andrew Goodman are embarking on a charity bike ride on the 19th July around the UK to raise money for Sekolo Projects. They are cycling 1220 km (750 miles), unsupported, sleeping in tents that they are carrying with them. This is an endurance event which will push them physically and mentally to their limits. Each of them have their own reason for doing it, whether it is to do something truly memorable or because they have been inspired by the many Sport Relief endurance events that others have accomplished, they all have a burning desire to “challenge” themselves. After throwing a few ideas around they decided to commit to a cycle ride that would take them around the whole of England.
Set up by an old Tonbridgian, Sekolo Projects is a non-profit organization, which aims to prevent new HIV infections in young people in Namibia, southern Africa. HIV prevention takes many shapes:
• Direct classroom education helps children learn about the virus;
• After-school support groups and activities reinforces and builds children's self-esteem, strengthening their resilience to peer pressure and the temptation of risky behaviour;
• Physical support through extra meals, clothing donations, or even school hostel (dormitory) fees keep children in school to learn about the virus and safeguard against those behaviours which put children at risk.
Sekolo Projects collaborates with school communities to find and support the best HIV prevention strategy for that community, helping children and their communities keep themselves strong and healthy.
The route, which starts in Edinburgh, travels down the East coast, across to the West coast and along the South coast to the finish in Deal, consists of touching the four sides of England (The North, East, South and West) and goes through a total of 18 counties.
Please support this charity by donating using this link.