In June 2008, four cyclists; Michael Strain, Ross Montagne, Richard Moore and David Draisey will undertake to cycle 552 kilometres directly south from Dar-es-Salaam, the largest city in Tanzania, to the village of Mikindani, 10 kilometres north of the coastal town of Mtwara and the home of the educational charity EdUKaid. 

Every penny of the sponsorship monies raised from the trip will be used to support EdUKaid’s projects in and around Mikindani – the cost of airfares, accommodation and other expenses are covered by the participants (see below for more information on the organisation and how to donate). 

As construction of the main arterial road through southern Tanzania has not yet been completed the route will involve cycling on a mixture of terrain including gravel, sand and mud. 

The whole trip will be completed over the course of a week, cycling distances of up to 120 km a day in intense heat and humidity and staying in local villages. 

The Organisation

EdUKaid is a UK based charity providing educational support to primary and secondary schools in the Mtwara region of southern Tanzania. Their work can be broadly divided into four categories: 

1. The purchase of books, desk and other resources;

2. Teacher's training and development;

3. Sexual Health Education; and

4. Provision of fluent English-speaking teaching staff. 

The current standard of education in the Mtwara region is very poor. The schools are oversubscribed, extremely poorly equipped and the teachers own standard of education is low. Your donation will enable EdUKaid to continue its work improving all aspects of the educational system in southern Tanzania. For more information or to provide regular support to the charity please visit www.edukaid.com.