I’ve challenged myself to climb Kilimanjaro. At 5,895 m (19,340 ft) it’s the highest peak in Africa. Why?

The "Kilimanjaro Challenge" has been organized by Accenture and Voluntary Service Overseas (VSO). Funds raised for this challenge will go directly to VSO's Regional AIDS Initiative of Southern Africa (RAISA). This four year programme seeks to strengthen the response to the HIV & AIDS pandemic in Southern Africa. It aims to join forces with government institutions and civil society organizations to provide effective prevention, treatment, care and advocacy for people affected by HIV & AIDS, and to mitigate the personal, social and economic impact of the pandemic. 

Last year, I spent 6 months working with United Nations Development Program in South Africa, to help build capability development in one of South Africa's poorest municipalities in the Eastern Cape.  In the municipality that I worked in HIV/AIDS rates are estimated at about 50%. Working with people suffering from HIV/AIDS brought home the realities of this disease and the effects it’s has on households, social cohesion and the economy.

The effects of this disease are profound. At the end of 2006, roughly 15.2 million children had been orphaned by HIV & AIDS worldwide. Nearly two-thirds of all HIV positive people live in Africa.

I feel extremely fortunate to take this opportunity to return to Africa, to be in good health to take on this challenge, to climb this mountain and to have the opportunity to hopefully make small imprint in a greater challenge to strengthen the response to this incredibly devastating disease.  Please take the time to strongly consider sponsoring me for my climb and donating to RAISA. 

Every donation helps me reach my goal and your help is greatly appreciated.  If you feel that others may be interested in sponsoring me, please forward this link to them.

Many kind thanks,
Siobhain

Donating through this site is simple, fast and totally secure. It is also the most efficient way to sponsor me. All sponsorship will be going to RAISA, costs of the climb will be met by me. If you are a UK taxpayer, please use gift aid to add a further 28% to your donation at no extra cost to you.