It's been just over two years since I stepped foot in the slums of Tuglakabad, Delhi, India and witnessed first hand the incredible work of Tejas Asia. This organisation works day in and day out to make a difference in the lives of so many children who are living in absolute poverty and don't have access to basic education. The small community school, located in the heart of the slum is just one of the many programs Tejas Asia run as part of their organisation. This program, however, particularly impacted me for it's contribution to the education of all children regardless of gender, socioeconomic status or financial means. According to the UN Millennium goals, universal primary education is a worldwide priority and Tejas Asia are doing their small but significant part in Tuglakabad where ordinarily children could easily enough be forgotten.
These two weeks I spent volunteering in Hope Community School impacted me significantly. Although growing up fully aware this way of life existed in developing nations, never had I witnessed it first hand.
I have stayed up to date with the movements and progress of Tejas Asia and in close contact with Marlo (the director), championing his cause with what little I could offer - mere moral support. But at the end of 2012 I felt the need to take this support one step further. I brainstormed I could be of practical support, but living abroad away from my own support base made it difficult. I started to get interested in cycling as a hobby and thought why not combine it with some serious training and attempt an independent cycling challenge as a means to raise money for Tejas Asia.
For those of you who know me well, you'll know this will be no easy feat, physically. For those of you who have travelled to India, you will know cycling around the country will be no easy feat, mentally, emotionally and logistically. But I am ready to put it all on the line to raise what I can for a cause I truly believe in.
I initially thought I had convinced my boyfriend Rudy (a very keen cyclist) to agree to make the journey with me. However, it seems he keeps jokingly backing out. We will see. I hope he makes the trip - primarily to keep me company, push me more than I can myself and offer some sanity in the midst of insanity. And more than anything I would love for him to see "Incredible India".
I aim to set off in September 2014, cycling approx 1000km, circumventing the golden triangle with a little detour to Jodhpur. Delhi to Jaipur to Jodhpur to Agra and back to Delhi making a few stops along the way.
If you’re a friend or family member of mine or even mere acquaintance, I will be hitting you up for monetary support and sponsorship of some kind. There will be a few different opportunities to contribute. I will be seeking sponsorship for the challenge itself, I will be hosting a few dinners in two separate locations - Brisbane and Albury-Wodonga. There will be opportunities for attending the dinners, auctions with Indian made merchandise available to purchase.
You can also sponsor me directly. Perhaps per km cycled, or how many times I burst into tears, or every time and enthusiastic Indian man asks me about Ricky Ponting or cricket or even just a one off donation will be great!
Unfortunately as this is an independent venture and the organisation is not registered in Australia, I am unable to offer tax deductible receipts. However, it is a great cause and every dollar, pound, RMB donated will be accounted for and donations noted on this blog and my facebook page.
To find out more about Tejas Asia, their programs and dedicated staff and directors please visit their website at www.tejasasia.org. I have witnessed first hand the amazing work they do and wouldn't be risking saddle soreness, blisters, broken spokes, tyre changes on the side of a dusty road, possible nightmare bathroom episodes relived and emotional breakdowns if it wasn't a cause I truly believed in. So help me champion this cause by championing mine and support me in anyway you can.
Stay tuned for updates over the next few months.
Reading over this has made me realise how much I sound like one of those spam emails you would receive from Nigeria or wherever. I'm sure then the message has been received loud and clear! Haha!
