Mandela Day: Trek4Mandela – Helping keep a girl child in school
Fran Castens / 18 July 2016
Trek4Mandela: Supporting Girls and Honouring Heroes
Established in 2012, Trek4Mandela is a life-changing initiative aimed at raising awareness and funds for underprivileged girls who cannot afford sanitary towels. This incredible expedition was started to ensure that young girls in rural areas do not miss school due to menstruation challenges.
The Inspiration Behind Trek4Mandela
The initiative was born when Richard Mabaso overheard his mother and niece discussing the struggles girls face during their menstruation cycles. Research revealed that girls miss up to 50 school days a year because of these challenges. To combat this issue, the **Caring4Girls** programme provides essential sanitary resources and educational materials to keep these young women in school.
Impact and Progress
- 🎓 In just 4 years, Caring4Girls has impacted the lives of more than 10,000 girls.
- 📦 Over 130,000 packets of sanitary pads have been distributed to young women across South Africa.
- 🎯 The initiative now aims to distribute 670,000 sanitary pads every year.
The Trek4Mandela Expedition
To support the foundation, Trek4Mandela is held annually, inviting individuals, government institutions, celebrities, and business leaders to scale Africa’s highest peak – Kilimanjaro in Tanzania. This extraordinary event offers participants different ways to contribute:
- Driving and Climbing
- Driving Only
- Flying and Climbing
- Donating from Home
RapidStudio’s Contribution
At RapidStudio, we were privileged to support this meaningful cause by printing autographed photobooks for the participants of the Trek4Mandela expedition. It is an honour to contribute to an initiative that empowers young women and inspires hope. We look forward to assisting this great cause in the years to come and wish the foundation continued success in their efforts.
Honouring Gugu Zulu
It is with great sadness that we commemorate a significant loss within the Trek4Mandela family. South Africa’s celebrated rally champion, Gugu Zulu, tragically passed away on 16 July 2016 during the expedition.
"It is with a heavy heart that we announce that one of the climbers on the Trek4Mandela, Gugu Zulu, lost his life while summiting Kilimanjaro early this morning before summiting," the official statement read.
Gugu Zulu’s unwavering spirit and dedication to the cause leave an enduring legacy. His efforts and contributions will forever be remembered, inspiring us to keep making a difference.
Read more about this story on News24.
Join the Movement
Empower young girls, inspire change, and honour those who dedicate their lives to making the world a better place. Learn more about Trek4Mandela and the Caring4Girls initiative.
For more information or to get involved, visit Trek4Mandela today!
Together, we can help young women rise and thrive.