This back-to-school season I'm doing a 25km sponsored hike across the South Downs to raise money for the incredible charity Raising Futures Kenya.

Raising Futures Kenya works with children and young people, particularly girls, who are experiencing poverty, to gain the skills and confidence needed to get a job or start a business.

Through their Seed of Hope training programme they offer free vocational and business skills courses. Education alone doesn't create change. Raising Futures Kenya provides tailored support for every student, to ensure they are in the best position to learn. Support covers mental health, in the form of unlimited free counselling and group workshops and meeting practical needs such childcare vouchers, food, period pads, transport costs etc.

Together, the free courses and support packages lead to 75% of students being employed, running a business or in further education within 6 months of graduating.

Every young person deserves an opportunity to build a secure, rewarding future for themselves, free from poverty.

Sponsoring the team with a generous £25 donation (at £1/km) can provide a month of free vocational and business skills training, the wrap-around support and hope to a young person in Kenya. But any donation towards our target would be amazing. Thank you!