MT. KILMANJARO, Tanzania-With the backing of United Nations FCU, many in the group seeking to reach the summit of Mt. Kilmanjaro, Africa's highest point, did so last week.
Organized by the Kilimanjaro Initiative, a Nairobi-based non-governmental organization, in partnership with the United Nations, 10 underprivileged youth joined 25 other people from the private and public sectors in a group led by Timothy Challen, the founder of the Kilimanjaro Initiative, to raise awareness on the dangers linked to climate change.
In a report sent by satellite phone to Credit Union Journal from Mt. Kilmanjaro, the group reported that on its third day it had to fight through a hail storm and heavy clouds that limited visibility. On day 3, the group climbed eight hours and reached the Kibo Hut at 15,500 feet, many fighting headaches and stomach pains from the altitude. Day four started at midnight following thunderstorms and more hail under clear skies, with the group proceeding slowly. Challen reported that the cold wind and altitude forced several climbers to drop out, but after seven hours of "strenuous trekking," 19 climbers reached the rim of the crater, Gilman's Point, at 18,635 feet, in time for sunrise. The group pressed on to Uhuru Peak, known as the "rooftop of Africa," and displayed United Nations and United Nations FCU flags and banners.
Challen noted many discovered the trip back downhill to be even more difficult than the ascent, with 75% of Kilmanjaro accidents occurring while heading downhill. The group returned to its starting point on day five after covering 26 miles roundtrip. Among those who assisted on the ascent was chief guide Emmanuelli Menjah, 78, who has shepherded climbers on more than 3,000 ascents.
