Climbers to raise funds for schools in Palestine

Twelve young climbers have volunteered to try and raise funds for schools in Palestine by climbing Mount Kilimanjaro in Kenya.

They are being mentored and led by the official ambassador of Reach Out to Asia (Rota), Sheikh Mohamed al-Thani, a seasoned mountaineer and the first Qatari to scale Mount Everest.

The initiative is supported by El Jaish Sports Club as the title sponsor, in addition to Qatar Financial Centre and Qatar Olympic and Sports Museum as platinum sponsors. Gold sponsors include QNB, Zidan Real Estate, Qatar Academy, Qatar International School and Al Jazeera Academy.

Following a period of rigorous preparation, Rota’s ‘Elevate to Educate’ challenge started on October 2 and will last for nine days. At over 5,800m, Mount Kilimanjaro is the highest mountain in Africa and the highest free-standing mountain in the world.

“We are incredibly proud of the team and will support them every step of the way,” said Rota’s executive director Essa al-Mannai. “Children suffering the consequences of poverty and conflict deserve our assistance, and we at Rota will do everything in our power to help them.”

Dr Thani bin Abdel Rahman al-Kuwari, general manager, El Jaish, 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.”

The team includes Mohamed Fakhro, Mohamed 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 Fakhro, a Rota volunteer.

Sheikh Mohamed 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, but will also be working together with Rota to enable a brighter tomorrow for some of the world’s most deprived children.”