The team did not scale the mountain for leisure but rather had a special mission behind them. The team carried the banner of highlighting an improved education for girls as well as food supply in schools during lesson hours.

 

According to WFP information Officer Fizza Moloo the team includes Hlubi Mboya, a South African actress and WFP national ambassador against hunger and Ashura Kayupayupa, a youth activist from Dar es Salaam.

 

Besides the message for girls’ education and school meals, the team also took the opportunity to mark the week of International Women’s Day tomorrow.

 

The expedition included seven Nepalese women who scaled the world’s highest mountain, the Everest in 2008 and three other African women. Nimdoma Sherpa is a former recipient of WFP school meals in Nepal, and Anna Philipo Indaya, a member of Tanzania’s endangered Hadzabe people. She is also a teacher in a WFP-supported primary school in Arusha.

 

“We are on the top! Nothing is impossible if we struggle to pursue our dreams”, said Sherpa from Africa’s highest point.

 

“Sherpa is an example of what girls’ education can do,” said Shailee Basnet, the leader of the Nepali group. 

 

“We know there are many more Sherpa s around the world and we hope we can motivate them to realise their dreams. This has been such an exciting experience”,  said Anna Indaya. 

 

The expedition was undertaken in partnership with the Childreach International, a Non-governmental organisation working with local communities in Tanzania to help improve children’s access to education and healthcare, Tanzania’s Ministry of Natural Resources and Tourism and Tanzania National Parks.

 

The climbers began their ascent through the Machame route on February 28and were due to complete the mission in Moshi by yesterday. 

 

 The team’s final itinerary is visit schools around Dar es Salaam, Arusha and Moshi to share their inspiring stories and talk about the importance of education.