Going the Distance

in September 2011 - Community Caring

Often we complain about not finding a close enough parking spot usually walking distance from the nearest entrance. We undertake the few extra paces with deep sighs of frustration. Sadly the thought that there are individuals who will never be able to walk those few steps hardly, if ever, cross our minds.

In certain parts of Africa the average life expectancy of a disabled person is 18-years. Funding that will enable children and disabled young individuals to access the necessary facilities are either limited or non-existent. As a result these individuals do not receive the proper treatment or care and live restricted lives.

When 27-year old hockey coach, entrepreneur and educator; Craig Sieben decided to embark on a journey to Africa he realised that while he wanted to discover  more about the people and challenges of African communities; the initial motivation behind his journey had become more focused on discovering himself.

“I have about eight months to spare before the hockey season starts in Europe, so I decided to explore Africa. I didn’t just want to embark on an African trip, I wanted it to have a purpose, and after being involved with  The Chaeli Campaign doing the Double & Again cycle challenge during the Argus I was so inspired by Chaeli Mycroft, I decided to approach the organisation to see whether my journey could somehow aid in helping them. It was Zelda Mycroft, CEO of The Chaeli Campaign and mother of Chaeli, who informed me that in certain parts of Africa, a disabled person would only live until age 18. I realised then that this would be the motivation behind my African adventure giving it a new meaning and a great purpose.”

After many discussions about how to bring awareness to African communities about disabilities, ideas were transformed into actions and the Walk4Wheels initiative was born. 

“We realised that there is a need to educate African communities about the ability of children with disabilities, “says an enthusiastic Craig.

On 17 September Craig will be leaving Cape Town to travel to Port Said, Egypt. Although he won’t be following a set route, he will travel through 15 countries; South Africa, Botswana, Zimbabwe, Zambia, Mozambique, Malawi, Tanzania, Burundi, Rwanda, Uganda, Kenya, Ethiopia, Eritrea, Sudan and Egypt. His journey will span over 16 000kms.

“I will mostly be travelling by foot but will also rely on the goodwill of passing vehicles, no public or paid-for transport will be used.”

 The drive will span over 222 days and will combine the efforts of organisations and individuals who share a passion for the same purpose.

“I will be engaging with disabled children in each country by visiting Early Childhood Development Centres (ECD), sharing stories of hope with them and gathering new ones. The Chaeli Campaign has developed a poster, using only images so language would not be a barrier. The poster helps to identify children with possible disabilities and will also assist in educating the parents about the abilities, not just disabilities of their child. We are also going to provide children with the appropriate assistive devices,” says Craig.

With Craig’s support, The Chaeli Campaign will strive to establish a network in Africa.

“We want to mobilise the minds and bodies of children with disabilities and change their lives in a significant way,” says Tracy Green, Chaeli Campaign fundraising and events co-ordinator.

However in Africa where an estimated 925 million people are the victims of poverty, families barely manage to survive. As a result the R2 150 priced standard 16” wheelchair is considered a ‘luxury. The price excludes any adjustments to the chair to cater for children with specific requirements. On average adjustments or specific posture requirements can exceed R15 000 per wheelchair.

Families who have no means of supporting themselves have no hope of giving their child the required assistance to prove that living with a disability, may limit them in one way but makes them excel in another.

It is therefore that Craig and The Chaeli Campaign joined forces to make the dreams of 222 disabled African children a reality by providing appropriate assistive devices to one child in each country throughout Africa.

“We will be selling each one of the 222 days for R222 and the entire amount will go towards buying the necessary devices. Donations are also appreciated, every rand really does make a difference – so anything is welcome,” says Tracy.

Walk4Wheels extends an invitation to anyone willing to become involved and help. It takes one person to make a difference. For further information contact Tracy on 021 761 4326 or visit www.walk4wheels.org.