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SIT alumna raises awareness and funds by summiting Africa's highest peaks  SIT alum to summit Africa's highest peaks The 3 Weeks 3 Peaks Challenge raises awareness and funds for 3 critical issues affecting Africa today; HIV/AIDS, education, and environmental sustainability During the Fall of 2004 I had the opportunity to study abroad in Tanzania with SIT. I took part in the Wildlife Ecology and Conservation program, which allowed me the chance to learn more about the land, people, and history of the country. Living with homestays gave me a view of the various cultures and traditions, and offered me a platform to practice kiswahili. The four months I spent in Tanzania studying with SIT in conjunction with over a year working with HIV/AIDS and drinking water issues, inspired me to undertake a larger project: The 3 Peaks 3 Weeks Challenge.
After meeting Chloe Chick, an Australian working at a local primary school for under-privileged children, I joined forces with her. We both realized that something more needed to be done. Our vision included opening a much needed secondary school on the outskirts of Arusha (a city in North-Eastern Tanzania), providing mobile HIV testing to remote villages in the surrounding areas, and enriching environmental conservation within local communities. This vision encouraged us to initiate 3 Peaks. I have been able to use the field-based experience and knowledge SIT gave me to structure our goals.
Even after completing my studies with SIT, my desire to work in East Africa has never left me. This coming January, along with 11 other women from around the globe, I will head to East Africa in hopes of becoming the first all-female climbing party to summit three of Africa's highest peaks in less than 3 weeks! The climbs of Mt Kenya, Mt Meru and Mt Kilimanjaro aim to raise money and awareness for the three peak issues affecting Africa today: environment, education and HIV/AIDS.
The 3 Peaks 3 Weeks Challenge is about dedication, motivation and inspiration. We aim to inspire other women and men abroad to get involved and contribute to causes where community awareness and efforts can yield powerful self-sustaining results. Help us in spreading this awareness and in achieving these results. Laura C. Hartstone
The 3 Peaks 3 Weeks Challenge www.3peaks3weeks.org p: 928 853 6373 e: lhartstone@gmail.com
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