Journey Across the Sahara
Sean Thomson, Development Manager, writes:
Last week, a group of dedicated trekkers from our community successfully completed a remarkable and arduous journey through the Sahara Desert in Morocco. The six-day adventure saw these fundraisers traverse the iconic Chigaga dunes, facing the intense challenges of the vast and ever-changing desert landscape. Guided by skilled Bedouins, the group undertook four days of demanding hiking across breath-taking terrain, rising before dawn to witness awe-inspiring sunrises and journeying through towering sand dunes, all in aid of our valuable partnerships programme.
This was no easy feat. The trek required both physical and mental stamina, with participants enduring extreme heat and long hours of walking. Just reaching the starting point involved a challenging 10-hour journey by minibus and 4×4, setting the tone for what would be an extraordinary yet gruelling experience.
One trekker, a current parent reflected on the expedition’s intensity and beauty:
“I signed up for the Sahara trek not really knowing what I was letting myself in for. I’m not a fan of the heat, nor sand for that matter! But I am always up for a challenge and taking myself out of my comfort zone. And boy did it do that! It was way hotter than I anticipated and we trekked a lot further than the paperwork said we would. I was also not prepared for the 10 hours of travelling by minibus and 4×4 to even get to the start of the trek. But it was simply spectacular on every level. The scenery was breathtakingly beautiful. Miles upon miles of undulating sand dunes interspersed with the occasional tree, providing some welcome shade. We slept under a blanket of stars and witnessed magical sunrises and sunsets. This made the lack of sleep, no showers or flushing toilets all worth it. All of this was shared with the incredible Teddies team of OSE, parents and staff. I felt very privileged to be part of such a supportive community raising money for such a worthy cause.”
The Sahara trek was a testament to the strength and commitment of the Teddies community, bringing together students, parents, OSE, and staff for a greater purpose. Their hard work paid off, raising significant funds to support the school’s Partnership Programme, which aims to extend educational opportunities and community support in Oxford.
Keep your eyes peeled for our next adventure!
Donations can still be made at this JustGiving link to support this worthy cause.
