A year in review: 2024
This past year has been a remarkable journey. While some things unfolded precisely as envisioned, others presented unforeseen challenges and delays. What an adventure!
I have to extend my sincere gratitude for all the support for Project Rudisha. This initiative was sparked by my Kilimanjaro climb in January 2024, where I witnessed the potential for positive change in the lives of the guides and porters we trekked with. I am thrilled with the progress we've made and invigorated by the opportunities that lie ahead.
In 2024, Project Rudisha provided financial assistance to five guides and porters, enabling them to pursue safari guide training or enhance their language skills. Here's a brief update on each individual:
Enock: Enock has enrolled in safari guide school, balancing his studies with his work on the mountain. He also purchased chickens, and he is excited to generate income by selling their eggs.
Chriss: Chriss is attending safari guide school and has aspirations of launching his own company next year.
Nick: Nick is enrolled in safari guide school, recently obtained his driver's license, and aims to graduate by June 2025. He also used his earnings to help his family purchase goats, which they plan to raise and sell.
George: George is attending safari guide school alongside Nick and is also learning Spanish when he’s not busy guiding on the mountain.
Jackson: Jackson utilized the funds to support his family and enroll in French language lessons, which he intends to continue in 2025.
Project Rudisha: A Year in Review
May: Project Rudisha achieved a significant milestone by registering as a non-profit organization with the state of Oregon.
June - August: We organized a successful gear drive and fundraiser, generating enough funds to purchase essential equipment to take back to Tanzania. This included high-quality backpacks, multiple pairs of hiking boots, and numerous other items such as base layers, beanies, pants, books, maps, and other hiking essentials.
August: Jenni Tan, Dardee Layne, and Ferhat Hoke agreed to join the inaugural Project Rudisha board.
October: I returned to Tanzania with a shipment of new and used gear and computers, which were distributed to the guides, porters, and their families.
December:
I embarked on a third trip to Tanzania, where I collaborated with Nature in Spirit, a local tour company eager to expand its trekking expeditions. We explored the possibility of their KPAP membership and assisted them with website development.
I met with Kelvin and Saskia of KPAP to begin fostering a partnership with them with the shared vision to continue to improve guide and porter health and well being on the mountain.
The work ahead:
We are diligently working towards submitting Form 1023 to the IRS in early 2025 to obtain 501(c)(3) tax-exempt status. This is the crucial next step in the long-term sustainability of Project Rudisha.
With the launch of our new website, our goal is to generate more awareness for Project Rudisha and its mission to support guides and porters. The website will be a central resource for collecting donations to directly supplement the larger fundraising efforts that will be ongoing.
Thank you for your incredible support of Project Rudisha. Your generosity and belief in this mission fuel our progress and inspire us to continue creating positive change. I am deeply grateful for all the support Project Rudisha has received.