In 2017, two young South Africans climbed Mount Kilimanjaro, the highest mountain in Africa, and then walked home – 6000km, through six countries, over six months, living on just $2 a day.
And in the process raising much needed awareness and about the importance of early childhood development.
Ten years ago, FCB Joburg MD Thabang Skwambane was so moved by the plight of one small Limpopo child that he founded Aluwani to care for a community of 63 orphaned and vulnerable children, cycling unsupported from Johannesburg to Kilimanjaro to raise awareness and funds for the organisation.
Skip ahead to 2017, one million days of feeding and caring for the growing community of 3 500 Aluwani children: Warren Handley and Tom David, former Aluwani interns, have returned to Johannesburg after tracing Skwambane’s journey in reverse, to mark the 10th anniversary of his trip.
Tom and Warren are two South African 25-year-olds who have just written a book about their journey of climbing the highest mountain in Africa, Mount Kilimanjaro, and walking 6000km through six countries on $2 a day in aid of Early Childhood Development.
Handley says he was inspired by Aluwani: “We are so privileged to have played a part in this journey; this story is not about us, we are merely part of a far bigger story. It is the community caregivers and the children themselves who are the real heroes.”
In a story of extreme pain and even greater kindness, overcoming challenges and lessons learned, they have a message to share: Not everyone has to walk 6000km to make a difference but what can YOU do to contribute to a more equal society?
They need you to walk with them and share their story by preordering your book today.
After a six-hour uphill battle, the sky slowly grew lighter and Mount Kilimanjaro’s summit, Uhuru Peak, was in their sights. With 100 meters to go and fighting back tears, the two adventurers knew that they would make it to the top, together.
“We’re going to do this! We’re going to make it to the top!
A few more steps and we’re in line with the horizon, watching the sun emerge from a deep orange, gently spreading its glow into the lightening blue above. A shadow of cloud spreads below us, like some primordial jungle. If there is a God, he’s up here on the summit with us.
We stand on the top of Africa.”
But the adventure didn’t end there. The two young South Africans decided that it was time to walk all the way back home.
A journey that would take over 6000km, walking through six African countries, over six months, and living on just $2 a day.
To get more information about their story or to pre-order their book, click here.
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