Doha: Twelve young climbers have volunteered to try and raise about QR1m for schools in Palestine by climbing Mount Kilimanjaro in Kenya.
They are mentored and led by the official ambassador of Reach Out To Asia (ROTA), Sheikh Mohammed Al Thani, the first Qatari to scale Mount Everest.
The title sponsor of the initiative is El Jaish Sports Club, with Qatar National Bank (QNB), Zidane Real Estate, Qatar Academy, Qatar International School and Al Jazeera Academy as gold sponsors and Qatar Financial Centre and Qatar Olympic and Sports Museum as platinum sponsors.
ROTA’s ‘Elevate to Educate’ challenge began on October 2 and lasts nine days.
At over 5,800 metres, Mount Kilimanjaro is the highest peak in Africa and the highest free-standing mountain in the world.
“We are proud of the team and will support them every step of the way,” said ROTA’s Executive Director, Essa Al Mannai.
“For the next seven days, the volunteers will be training hard to succeed in the challenge and help secure quality education for their brothers and sisters in Palestine. Children suffering the consequences of poverty and conflict deserve our assistance, and ROTA will do everything in its power to help them.”
Dr. Thani bin Abdel Rahman Al Kuwari, General Manager, Al Jaish Club, said: “We always look forward to supporting Qatari youth in sports, not only to ensure their success, but also as a humanitarian cause in their support for their brothers in Palestine.” He said the club’s responsibility is to ensure education for people, especially in countries suffering from poverty and turmoil. “Hence, we decided to support ROTA in its battle against poverty and mission to facilitate education for children of Gaza.”
The volunteers are Mohammed Fakhro, Mohammed Al Naama, Aisha Ahmed Al Naama, Yacoub Al Yacoub, Bashaer Al Mulla, Dana Al Anzy, Noor Al Thani, Nasser bin Marzooq, Bader Al Madani, Masoud Kalafchi, Raed Zidan, Asma Al Thani, Shaima Sherif, and Sultan Al Thani.
“Investing in the education of children in Palestine is investing in hope — hope that there will be a future,” said Mohammed Fakhro, a volunteer.
The group is confident that alongside their family and friends, the entire community will support their efforts.
Sheikh Mohammed Al Thani said: “I have dedicated many climbs to charitable causes, but ‘Elevate to Educate’ is the first of its kind for me. Not only will I be leading a group of inspirational young climbers on the adventure of a lifetime – we will also be working with ROTA towards a brighter tomorrow for some of the world’s most deprived children.
“Education is the only reliable path to peace and gives cause for hope in conflict zones across the world. Despite this, a shockingly small amount of global humanitarian aid is earmarked for educational initiatives, which is why ROTA’s work is important. I’m proud to be part of such an ambitious project and can’t wait to get started with the team.”
Donations can be made at https://www.justgiving.com/teams/elevate2educate
Donate QR10 for Gaza and send E2E to 92678. For details, please check https://www.justgiving.com/rota
The Peninsula
