The purpose of this Mount Kilimanjaro challenge is to focus on restoring previously trafficked victims who have experienced severe trauma.
Johannesburg, South Africa (01 September 2022) – In line with her vision to see vulnerable, oppressed and enslaved women and children set on a path to freedom, B Loved Foundation, Socio-Economic Development director Octavia Ephraim is training towards summiting Mount Kilimanjaro to raise awareness and funds.
Freedom Challenge Africa, a ministry of OM Africa, will be celebrating their 10th anti-human trafficking challenge in the same way as they did their first – by climbing Mount Kilimanjaro. The Mount Kilimanjaro Anniversary Challenge will take place from 1 – 10 October 2022 and is hosted by the head division of the organisation, Freedom Challenge USA.
The purpose of this challenge aligns very closely with the B Loved Foundation’s R3egain programme, which focuses on restoring previously trafficked victims who have experienced severe trauma. Raising funds to support this cause lies very close to Octavia’s heart and serves as her motivation to embark on the upward journey of climbing Mount Kilimanjaro. The gruelling 6-day climb to Uhuru Peak – The “Roof of Africa” is physically and mentally challenging, requiring a strong purpose to drive perseverance in extremely rugged circumstances.
As with this climb, Ephraim says, “This work can be overwhelming and drawing strength from God gives me the courage to press forward.”
She is no stranger to preparation for charity challenges, having previously partnered with Freedom Challenge Africa to complete the Tankwa Camino in 2018. The 35 participants who will attempt the October Kilimanjaro challenge, of which three others are fellow South Africans, are undergoing thorough mental and physical training to ensure their safety and success on the mountain.
“In my preparation thus far for Kili, I am truly learning new ways of how to strategically pray for the freedom of the vulnerable.”
The R3egain programme will celebrate this challenge as a brave step towards freedom as all proceeds go towards restoration, rescue and prevention campaigns. The fight against human trafficking doesn’t happen in a day and is a cause that must be sustained financially in the long term. To support Octavia Ephraim’s Freedom Challenge, you can make a donation towards the greater R3egain Anti-Human Trafficking programme through the foundation’s website: https://b-loved.org.za.
The process is fast, easy and secure. Any donation amount given to help fight human trafficking is money they did not have to shine a light on this hidden crime.
As Octavia says, “It is such an incredible honour to join hands with Freedom Challenge Africa in this challenge to make our voices even louder, and we can’t wait to welcome you in playing your part.”