Izzy and I decided to do this walk a couple of months ago, partly to spend time together before she headed back up to Uni, but also as a personal physical challenge. 

It was not easy. It was supposed to be 67 miles in total, but due to about a dozen diversions was more than 77. We did it in 4 days, while carrying 30kg of kit between us. We did not set out to do this as a fundraiser, but with plenty of time to think and talk on our journey, we realised we might be able to help Kwasa College if a few friends wanted to recognise our efforts and could spare a pound or two.

In the summer of 2017 Izzy first went to volunteer at this school in South Africa with a group of young people and saw first hand the difference that a good education is making in a very deprived part of the world. She was planning to return this summer but of course Covid came along. 

Kwasa College, near Johannesburg, South Africa provides education and hot meals for 341 children aged 3 to 12. Most come from an informal settlement where domestic violence and alcoholism are rife. Without Kwasa, they would have no safe space and no education at all. Kwasa College is a well-run, sustainable school with a Covid-shaped hole.

In round figures 40% of its £210k income comes from the government, 25% from donations and bursaries and 35% from the fees parents scrape together. South Africa’s normal unemployment rate is 35% but with Covid it is climbing up to 50%. Parents can’t afford the fees and feel the shame. Locally donated food parcels are the only support they receive.

Even with the covid disruptions in the UK, our children still have the opportunity to receive an education. If 100 of our friends can spare £1, we can help these lovely young people on the other side of the world. 

Thank you, 

Emma and Izzy