Climbers
Angela Godfrey – Sponsored youth
Angela is a 19yrs old student at Barboro Johansson Model Girls Secondary School in Dar es Salaam, Tanzania. She is studying for her A-level certificates, which will give her an opportunity to apply to various universities. The Barbro Johansson school was founded by Professor Anna Tibaijuka, with the objective to educate and inspire young Tanzanian women to become leaders in their country.
Glory Mtui – Sponsored youth
Glory is a 26yrs old woman from Marangu, Kilimanjaro. She was selected by the Marangu Rotary Club, through which Glory manages their Roteract Club. Glory is in her final year at Mount Kenya University, where she is doing a Bachelor’s degree in Medical Laboratory Science. She has a passion for supporting non-Governmental organizations, having contributed to AFRICAID and Homeopath for Health in Africa.
Jasmine Garvin – Sponsored youth
Jasmine is a 21yrs old actor and community advocate from Poughkeepsie, New York. Since graduating from New York’s Conservatory for Dramatic Arts in 2021, Jasmine has worked with multiple non-profit community organizations. She helped develop mentorship programs for fellow youth and worked with her local government to create arts-related opportunities for young women and men.
Kaif Jama – sponsored youth
Kaif is a 26yrs old filmmaker from Mogadishu, Somalia. Her short films address social issues and celebrate the rich cultural heritage of Somalia. Kaif has been actively involved in the revival of Somali cinematography, following the country’s civil war. Having supported explorer Justin Fornal with his filming in the Horn of Africa, Kaif is now also a proud member of The Explorers Club.
Kispan Sepeke – Sponsored youth
Kispan is a young woman from Chyulu Hills in southern Kenya. From the Maasai tribe, she is a keen advocate for gender equality and women and girls’ empowerment. Kispan has fought for her right to education in the face of traditional mindsets, believing that marriage and household duties should play second to academic and professional pursuits. Her aim is to be a role model in her community.
Simon Mtui – Sponsored youth
Simon is a 25yrs old young man from Marangu, Kilimanjaro. He was selected to participate on the climb by the Marangu Rotaract Club, through which he contributed to a number of community projects. Simon pursued a Bachelor’s degree in Wildlife Management at Sokoine University of Agriculture, in Tanzania. He is currently working as a porter on Mount Kilimanjaro.
Ward Archer – Sponsored youth
Ward is a 19yrs old history, international politics and theater student from Brooklyn, New York. He is dedicated to assisting others. He served as student president at New Summit Academy in Atenas, Costa Rica. Ward has also worked as a student mentor and hiking guide at Blue Ridge Wilderness Therapy; and as an after school counselor at the Brooklyn Arts Exchange.
Willis Odhiambo – Sponsored youth
Willis is a young man from Kibera slum, Nairobi. As a young boy, he reached as far as class 6. He was then pulled out of school as his parents could no longer pay for his school fees. Food on the table has always been a problem for Willis. After some time in his parents’ upcountry village, he returned to Kibera so that he could join Trinity Boxing Club, set up by Kilimanjaro Initiative. Willis is homeless and unemployed.
Xavier Holloway – sponsored youth
Xavier is 18yrs old and resides in the Bronx, New York. He has just graduated from Beacon High School and will be continuing is academic journey at LaGuardia Community College. His passion for health science has lead him to specialize in occupational therapy. He wants to make a positive impact on people’s lives, helping them regain independence and well-being.
Yesenia Negron – Sponsored youth
Yesenia is a 25yrs old Afro-Dominican from the Bronx, New York. She is a passionate socio-therapist, assisting youth in the foster care system who are in need of crisis intervention. Yesenia is currently studying for a Master’s degree in Social Work at Simmons University in Boston, so that she can be better equipped to support child and social welfare programs.
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“President Nyerere said we should light a candle on the top of Mt Kilimanjaro, which would shine beyond our borders. This is what we will do!”
Simon Mtuy, Chief Guide on The Big Climb
Want to support this mission?
Be a part of The Big Climbs. In parallel with the Mount Kilimanjaro climb and Mount Everest Basecamp trek, organize your own activity. Raise awareness on the need to support sustainable mountain development. Raise funds for projects that will make a difference in communities, using mountains as vehicle for creating better and more sustainable lively hoods.
Funds will go to recognized community-based projects.