raising awareness for Kilimanjaro Kidz

We’ve all done it – waited for that unmistakable sign from above.

Maybe it’s a door that swings wide open or a whisper that says, “Now.” But most of the time, the sign doesn’t arrive in flashing lights. It comes softly. In the stillness. In the climb.

On September 1, 2025, six fellow climbers and I started our trek up Kilimanjaro. The biggest question I got prior to leaving was, “Why would you do that again?” My short answer… to raise awareness and funds for the Kidz. And for these six, to show themselves what they’re capable of. To overcome fears, anxieties, and setbacks. Frankly, I knew I’d done it once, so I wasn’t too doubtful I’d make it again.

The climb begins long before your boots hit the mountain. It starts in your mind. You prepare, plan, and pack, believing you can control every variable. But at some point, you realize – preparation only takes you so far.

Our trek was to be 8 days – 6 to go up and 2 to come down. On day 5, the day before Summit day, I was feeling strong, capable and confident. However, I’d made one tactical error – I’d underhydrated. By midnight, I was in trouble. By 4 a.m., when we were supposed to head off for the summit, I knew I couldn’t go. So, the others went on without me, and as I lay in my tent fighting migraine, nausea, and tears, God gave me the same message I got back in 2019: It was never about YOU, Amy.

The climb humbles you. It strips away ego and expectation until all that remains is gratitude for each step. For each person beside you. For each breath you’re still able to take. And this time, coming through loud and clear, was that I was there for the Kidz.

Because of that climb, we added four new sponsors. We raised additional funds. And we’ve also raised awareness for the cause, and for the need. Each of those six new summiteers, who found themselves surrounded by people who seem to have “nothing,” instead discovered abundance. Faith. Hope. Happiness.

They have it in spades. Their smiles, their laughter – it’s a pure reminder that love isn’t found in possessions, but in presence. That’s the heart of the Kilimanjaro Kidz Education Foundation: giving the gift of opportunity while learning from the radiant joy of those we aim to serve.

If you’ve been waiting for a sign to take the next step – to give, to sponsor, to serve, to join the climb – this is it.

As I reflect on the 2025 climb, I know we carried every child’s name in our hearts, every sponsor’s generosity in our packs, and every act of faith as proof that waiting can transform into walking.

So don’t wait for a sign. Be one.

Meet the Kidz

Hi! My name is Elsa. I am 13 years old, and I recently completed Primary School (I was head girl in my last year, standard seven, of primary school!) and am preparing to start Form One of secondary school in January of 2026.

My father raises bees and harvests honey, and my mother is a schoolteacher. I take great pride in my schoolwork and my spoken and written English are both exceptional. (Miss Amy tells me my English rivals many my age in the U.S.!)

Who’s Next?

If you haven’t yet sponsored and would like to, or you are a sponsor and want to give an extra one-time contribution, please visit the How You Can Help page and donate today! Our students, who range in age from 4 to 19, are so grateful for having their education secured, and removing a huge burden from their family’s daily concerns.

$900 per year, just $75/month, covers not only the enrollment for the year, but also health insurance, school supplies, uniforms, books, transportation to and from school, and two meals each school day. If you want to help, but don’t feel that amount is achievable right now, we’ve ADDED OPTIONS for partial sponsorships for as little as $25 per month. And we continue to welcome one-time donations in ANY amount, as they contribute to the whole of what we do.

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