HELLO! ( or "Salam aleikum" as you would say in Morocco- "Peace be upon you!"). Thanks so much for visiting our donations page! WHAT ARE WE DOING? This coming spring Helena and I will be joining the Edinburgh University Hitch Society and hitch hiking all the way from Edinburgh, Scotland to Morocco on the northern coast of Africa (a journey of over 1,600 miles!) to raise money for Link Community Development, a well established non-profit organization. All of the money that we raise will come from your donations and will go directly to Link where it will support education for children in Africa. WHY? Personally, we believe in the power of education to change lives and provide the conditions for a sustainable future- a right of every person. Education is the key to alleviating poverty as it results in tangible, sustainable improvements in community health, community prosperity, and life opportunities. It provides significant positive impacts for women, children, and in the fight against HIV/AIDS. Education inspires, empowers, and swells the minds and hearts of individuals and communities alike. It is estimated that by year 2015, 54 million African children will not have access to basic education. And today the majority of African children who do attend school receive only between two to six years primary school education. Education disparity in Africa is one of the major limitations to sustainable development The money that you donate will go through Link and on to education projects in Ethiopia, Ghana, Malawi, South Africa and Uganda, which impact on the lives of over half a million children in severely disadvantaged areas. This number grows each year. The money isn't just a one time 'donation' it will be used to create opportunities for people to empower themselves through education. Some examples of uses: £25/$50: One school's HIV/AIDS training materials and resources to complete a HIV/AIDS action plan £100/$200: Allows 10 teachers to attend a literacy workshop. £250/$500: Provides one school with an Improvement Grant. They can use this to build a new classroom or purchase new desks and books. WHAT CAN YOU DO: It can't be said often enough: with even the smallest donation you can make a difference (large sources are often made up of small private donations). We realize that there are many causes that you can give your money to, so we appreciate your time and consideration, and all your love and support. HOWEVER, there are many ways to give. If a donation is beyond your means at this time then there are still many things you can do: learn more about sustainable development and education, share this project with somebody, or perhaps even just bring up the topic with friends and family to spread awareness. It all counts. TO ACT: to donate please go to: www.justgiving.com/mikeandhelena This is a protected web page where you can read about our project and use your credit card to donate funds. REMEMBER: 1 U.S. Dollar is currently equal to about 0.50 U.K. Pounds. to learn more please go to: www.myspace.com/mikeandhelenashitch This is our home page for the project. As of right now there isn't much on it, but as time goes on we will be adding pictures, writing, and links to information about the project, sustainable development, education, and Africa. For more information on Link Community Development, please click on the link below: http://www.lcd.org.uk/ As environmental scientists, educators, students, and children of this planet we believe that we can make a difference and, with you, that this project can do a lot of good work for people in need! THANK YOU SO MUCH! SEE YOU ON THE ROAD! Much Love, Mike and Helena *Why hitch hiking? Well, it got your attention! (Actually, the project is quite safe: It is the largest group hitch hike in the world. Students have done the route before with Link and there has never been a problem. Further, when we register with Link we will be monitored by an online tracking system throughout our trip. It should be safe.)