Simon Rendell reports on how the Old Colstonian Society is helping him in his most recent charity initiative.
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Simon Rendell on A-level results day |
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"After leaving Colston’s in the summer of 2010 and taking a Gap Year, I am now studying for a degree in Politics at the University of Nottingham. Whilst at school I took part in two tough physical challenges: the 45 mile Ten Tors event and secondly, along with Mr Berry, Mr Calder and a few school friends, the National 3 Peaks challenge which we completed in less than 24 hours and raised funds for St Peter's Hospice.
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Simon with the Colston's team about to attempt the Three Peaks Challenge |
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Having enjoyed these challenges immensely I was looking to aim higher, literally, once I reached University. This opportunity was presented to me in the form of Mount Kilimanjaro, the world’s highest free standing mountain at 19,341 feet (5,895 m). The challenge of climbing the mountain is organised by Childreach International, a charity dedicated to ‘giving every child the opportunity to unlock their full potential’ and in return participants raise awareness and funds for the charity. This year 150 students from Nottingham University will be taking up the challenge throughout the summer. In order to take part I have to pay my own costs of £1450, I will be working at the Olympics this summer to fund that, and raise a minimum of £1000 which goes directly to Childreach International.
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Simon and his Colston's team on the highest Peak |
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The charity operates in Tanzania, India, Pakistan, Nepal, Cambodia and Bangladesh at a grass roots level, working on child specific projects to address children’s most immediate needs: better access to education, improved health, and greater child rights and protection. The projects for which I am raising money are in the Kilimanjaro region of Tanzania and focus on education. A schools' improvement programme run by Childreach has aided in developing six primary schools in the area. The charity has also assisted in the development of vocational training centres where children who previously had no access to secondary/college education can learn new skills. After the climb I will be visiting these projects to help out, for example taking part in English lessons, running sports events and serving school dinners. It will be brilliant to see where the money raised will end up.
With the charity’s work being centred so strongly on education, I turned to the Old Colstonian Society to ask if they would consider making a donation. It was fantastic news to hear that the committee are prepared to make a very generous donation of £500. It is fantastic that the OCs are willing to encourage the fundraising efforts of former students and I am extremely grateful for their support.
The challenge will be extremely demanding but should be an unforgettable experience and an opportunity to see at first hand how charitable initiatives in countries such as Tanzania can make a significant and lasting difference to the education of children who have very little. I will report back in September once the challenge is completed. Many thanks again to the Old Colstonian Society for their support and generosity."
Simon Rendell
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