Road2Uganda

WHY UGANDA?

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To be honest there were many countries and places that I had wanted to help. Africa often seems to get talked about as, “ the place with no hope” (with regards to poverty and malnutrition). Many parts of the Western world believe that there is no point in even trying, as it is such a huge challenge.  What I am doing is trying to show people that no challenge is too huge, and that even the smallest contribution, if done with the correct reasoning, can make a massive difference.

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WHEN DID YOU START TRAINING?

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​I started training for the Road2Uganda on June the 20th, 2016, with the aim of having 6 months of dedicated preparation before embarking on the 4 day challenge.

 

WHAT INSPIRED YOU TO DO SUCH A CHALLENGE?

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​Since 2012 I have been consistently studying at university trying to complete my degree, and playing football for my representative college teams. Whilst doing that I have made it a goal to be an upstanding member of the community, doing things such as: fundraising events, visiting members of the community, spending time with residents at local nursing homes and making a determination to encourage each person I come into contact with, no matter what there situation. However, I've always felt that I can help people outside of my immediate environment, and that others can also do the same. This is when I came up with the idea of the Road2Uganda challenge.

 

HOW EASY/DIFFICULT WAS THIS PART OF THE JOURNEY?

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​The pre-Uganda part of the journey was more difficult than I could ever imagine.  Having to manage my time between going to school and studying, working, coaching soccer for the University, training, raising awareness and money for the Road2Uganda campaign and keeping up with my SGI Buddhist activities was very difficult. It often meant training at all times of the day and night, tackling the Alabama roads at 3 or 4 o’clock in the morning was never easy, and getting enough food and sleep into my body felt like a constant struggle.

 

WHAT HAS THIS PART OF THE JOURNEY TAUGHT YOU?

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It has taught me that no matter how hard our personal circumstances are, and how busy our lives may be, we can always find time to help people and make a difference. Whether just having dialogue with somebody and encouraging them, or committing to do a challenge such as the Road2Uganda, we must never give up on people. From the amazing support I have received from all over the world, it has showed me that people truly do care, and want to make a difference, and despite all the suffering and terrible things going on in the world, we still have hope that we can create a better life for everyone, so that all people will eventually respect and value each other, no matter their background.