We left earlier than expected this morning when the weather, which predicted thunderstorms, suddenly changed. We didn’t think we would make it in time before it started pouring, but we did- it also never started pouring. Tomorrow is supposed to be even worse- we probably won’t be able to avoid the rain, and that’s ok, it’s the lighting we’re more worried about. I actually quite enjoy riding in the rain.

We are 2,000km into our trek across the continent for Katcham School. It seems so surreal. I would have never guessed, even a little over a year ago, that this is what I would be doing this summer. It’s already taught me more lessons and skills than I would have ever imagined knowing or understanding.

In 2000, the UN set forth sustainable development goals in hope of beginning to solve some of the world’s biggest and toughest issues. The goals expire this year and will be renewed in September. Those goals cannot be achieved by governments alone; people need to get involved, understand, and want to strive for a better world. Education is a big part of the cyclical dilemma of poverty. Although we’ve already almost raised enough money for one school for one single school year, this only makes a dent in the over-arching problem. People need to take action in order for change to come. Inspired by these goals, I feel my fundraising goal should be raised. I feel that these children of Katcham School should be supported. Every child should be supported in education, but this is a place to start. School by school, year by year, this problem can be cured, but not without the help of the world and a reliance on stable, strong, loyal acts of determination and empathy.

A specific goal pertaining to education is as follows: “ensure inclusive and equitable quality education and promote lifelong learning opportunities for all”. This strongly connects to my belief that it shouldn’t matter where you’re from, who you are, or what you want to do, everyone should be given the opportunity to pursue what they want. For many, education factors into that. I, personally, love to learn, and I cannot comprehend how a child, who is in so many ways similar to me, wouldn’t be given that right, just because they were unluckily born somewhere that didn’t offer it. I am riding to raise awareness and funds for these problems. More importantly, I want to help give that right to others whose lives and circumstances can be changed for the better with the aid of education.

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