In October 2009 I, together with 42 other cyclists, will be taking part in Cycle Tanzania 2009 in support of the International Childcare Trust ("ICT"). This involves an arduous ride on mountain bikes of 200 miles over five days on disused railway tracks and dirt roads/tracks from to Morogoro.
Who is ICT?
ICT is a small energetic London-based charity. They are over 132 million children globally orphaned due to extreme poverty; family dysfunction and HIV/AIDS. ICT's work is about ensuring that vulnerable children have a future by partnering with local organisations in , , , , and who have been displaced by). Displaced children, whether street children, child labourers or child soldiers grow up too fast and lose their childhood.
ICT projects adopt four key aims to: provide quality education and training; improve health; promote secure livelihoods and provide protection from harm. ICT also seeks to develop the capacity of their partner organisations so they can manage and sustain their activities on their own on a long-term basis, without the ongoing support of ICT.
In , ICT supports a number of projects through its partner Faraja Trust Fund. These projects include Street Children Education and Psychological Support, Hope for Children Living with HIV/AIDS. At the Faraja Home Care Centre, children benefit from primary education, counselling, medical care, life skills, creative arts, sports and nutritional meals.
www.ict-uk.org - the charity's website
Why am I supporting ICT?
Whilst we are all naturally concerned about our financial future in the current economic climate this palls into insignificance when compared to the plight of the orphaned children of . They have spent their lives on the streets, often as a result of parents dying from HIV/AIDA or family dysfunction, in extreme poverty and often exploited for child labour or the sex industry and with no hope to escape endless circle of impoverishment they find themselves in. By helping raise funds for ICT I believe we can help make a difference.
Another reason why I decided to support ICT is that by cycling ftrom Dar es Salaam to Morogoro, where the Faraja Home Care Centre is situated, we will get to see at first hand what impact raising this money will have on the lives of the local children.
I have set myself a target of raising £6,500. The cost to ICT of the cycle ride is £1,500 which I have donated, so ANY contribution by you goes DIRECTLY to support ICT. Any form of support would be gratefully appreciated by me as well as ICT.
Donating on this page through Justgiving is quick, easy and totally secure. It’s also the most efficient way to sponsor me, ICT gets your money faster and, if you’re a taxpayer, Justgiving makes sure 25% in Gift Aid, plus a 3% supplement, are added to your donation.
I know you are asked to sponsor many worthy causes but I hope you will agree that this is especially worthy of support and I urge you to support me.
With many thanks.
Best
David
