By cycling through southern China, Vietnam, Laos, and Cambodia, a total of 2000 miles, during the summer of 2008, he aims to raise $20,000 to build an elementary school in the rural Gansu province of China. His reputable partner organization, Free the Children, has established more than 450 schools across the globe and has provided 40,000 children with an education. Since launching the site in February, Auggie has raised $11,000. He has also enlisted the help of DHL, who have agreed to sponsor the cost of shipping the bicycles to China, where the ride will begin in Kunming on June 19th.
Auggie's proposal for this significant undertaking is below:
These days, stories of China's rapid economic development and financial success frequently grace the cover of American news publications. Many people associate China with prosperity and accomplishment, pointing to the country's astounding 11.1% annual GDP growth rate as evidence of the country's achievements. However, the plight of China's poor often goes unnoticed. There is a great disparity between the rural peasantry and those working and living in China's thriving cities. In fact, more than 130 million people living in China fall below international poverty lines. While China's increasing economic figures look impressive on paper, in reality, there is still a great number of people suffering the ordeals of poverty.
My project, Cycling +1, aims to help China's forgotten peasants by providing children living in rural China with an education. Currently in China, more than 3.27 million children are not enrolled in school due to poverty. Consequently, these children lack the tools to create better futures for themselves. Without an education, how can they keep up with China's rapid development? How can they compete in China's job market? How can they improve their own unfortunate financial situations? Undoubtedly, every child in China deserves an education and an opportunity.
On a more personal note, China and children's education have always been two passions of mine. While traveling through rural China, I encountered many children not enrolled in school. Upon meeting me, they were always very curious to learn about where I come from. They assailed me with questions; they intently studied my digital camera; they were eager to learn about the world beyond their villages. Evidently, these children have a thirst for knowledge. We all bear the moral responsibility of providing these children with the same opportunities that were given to us.
I invite you to contribute to this cause by sponsoring me in my Bike-a-thon through China and Southeast Asia. If you would like to give a donation, please visit http://www.cyclingplusone.com/. Funds raised will go towards the construction, outfitting, and hiring of teachers for the school. If you choose to donate, I will keep you up-to-date on the Bike-a-thon's progress, the construction of the school, and educational development in China. I sincerely hope that you will support this cause and help bring an education to those who are not as fortunate as we are.
I'm hoping you can help me spread the word of our project to the SAS community. Attending SAS for over twelve years, I have come to cherish the closely knit network of families and lifelong relationships I have established with teachers, students and parents alike.
Thanks!
Auggie
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SAS Alum and her dance company performing in Chameleon