Mountaineer issues Galway students with Kilimanjaro challenge invitation

By JACQUELINE HOGGE STUDENTS from across Galway have been invited to take on a monumental challenge to scale one of the world's tallest mountains in aid of sick children. St Jarlath's College Tuam hosted a special information session in recent weeks where adventurer Ian Mc Keever encouraged students from several schools in Tuam, Athenry, and Castleblakeney to consider taking on the Kilimanjaro Schools Project 2012. The event was the only one in Galway, where up to eight students will be invited from 25 schools throughout the country to participate in the trip that aims to set a new record for the largest group to ever reach the summit of Africa's highest mountain. [private] Chernobyl Children International (CCI) and Crumlin Children's ICU, are the main beneficiaries of the initiative, which will see each participant raise up to €4,000. CCI founder and CEO Adi Roche attended the talk in Tuam where Ian shared his experiences of climbing Mount Everest as well as that of his ten-year-old godson, Sean McSharry, who has successfully conquered Kilimanjaro. Last year, 155 secondary school students from throughout the country made it to the summit of Kilimanjaro, which was a huge achievement given that up to 40 per cent of those who try do not succeed. While those students were from VEC schools, this year the invitation has been extended to non vocational schools and organisers are hoping to include as diverse a group as possible to share in the experience. 'Imagine if we could provide students of all ages and of all backgrounds from Ireland with a platform outside of the classroom that would facilitate, encourage, nurture and foster a greater sense of self awareness, self belief and self motivation,' said Ian McKeever. 12-week programme 'By providing students of all ages and of all backgrounds with a 12 week programme culminating in the summit of Africa's highest peak, that ultimately comes down to sheer desire and mental fortitude, we are able to create an environment in which everyone, adults and students alike is able to feel safe, equal and truly enriched and empowered.' Concern has been raised at the total amount required for students to participate in the project, as over €2,500 of this will be needed to cover the costs involved in travelling to Tanzania. 'All proceeds will go towards the work of the nominated charities and while core trip costs may be fundraised in full or in part, each participant must also raise a minimum of €1,000, that will be distributed to the two charities,' he said. 'To this end each participant must carefully consider their fundraising on three levels: the personal level, group basis and overall school-oriented.' Those hoping to take part will undergo a fitness test next week with training sessions beginning later this month. The first test will involve Croagh Patrick in March, while further training days are planned in Carrantouhill, Co Kerry and in Donegal and Wicklow. These will prepare the students for the main event, which is scheduled to take place in August. [/private]