Women’s 10k Mini Marathon in Dublin – June 4th 2007

As part of the fundraising for my trip I decided to embark upon the challenge of running in the Women’s 10k Mini Marathon. The Flora Women’s Mini Marathon is the biggest all women’s event of its kind in the world. Since it began in 1983 some 560,000 women have entered the event raising close to €100m for all different charities. Prior to 1983 it was almost unknown for Irish women to train in public places – the Women’s Mini Marathon changed all that. The event is renowned for its carnival atmosphere with numerous bands and dancers en route to provide encoragement to all participants along the way, with huge emphasis on making it a fun day.

My friend Fiona and I before the race.

Merrion Square awash with Ladies!!

That’s me coming in 1st, not quite, its Marie Davenport from the USA!

And off course the day couldn’t pass without a few celebratory drinks with some other friends who took part in the race, a fun day and night was had by all and we successfully raised funds for Volunteer Africa.

Results

677 out of 40,000, watch out Marie Davenport!!

THE TABLE QUIZ

My second and final fundraising event took the form of a table quiz held at Break For The Border. It was an extremely succssful night thanks to our DJ and quizmaster Damo, my budding helpers, Dave, Iano and Fi and off course thanks to everyone who attended.

DJ DAMO

Some Mellon Participants – Cill Dara

Fergal and Mick’s Team

These guys look like real winners but didn’t produce results in the end…

The Runners Up and me

Me and The Winning Team 3 Men and a little Lady…

And the real winner or so he thought until his girlfriend told him otherwise!!

Not everyone left the quiz happy, better luck next time Brady!!

Before I signed up to live & work as a volunteer in the middle of Africa for 3 months I DID do a little research.

• Population: 38.4 million (UN, 2005)
• Capital: Dodoma
• Area: 945,087 sq km (364,900 sq miles)
• Comparative Area: Slightly larger than twice the size of California
• Major languages: English, Swahili (official) and numerous local languages
• Religions: 45% Christian, 40% Muslim, 15% indigenous beliefs
• Life expectancy: 46 years (men), 46 years (women) (UN)
• Exchange Rate: 1 US Dollar = 1,320.10 Tanzanian Shilling 1 Tanzanian Shilling (TZS) = 0.0007575 US Dollar (USD)
• Main exports: Sisal, cloves, coffee, cotton, cashew nuts, minerals, tobacco
• GNI per capita: US $340 (World Bank, 2006)
• Internet domain: .tz
• International dialling code: +255
• Time difference: +3 GMT, 12:00pm noon New York = 7:00pm Dar Es Salaam

Geography

Tanzania is a land of plains, lakes and mountains with a narrow, low-lying coastal. The bulk of the country is a highland plateau, some of it semi-desert and the rest savannah and scattered bush. The highest mountains – Meru (4556m/14943ft) and Kilimanjaro (Africa’s highest at 5896m/19335ft) – are in the northeast along the border with Kenya.

Climate

Summer: December – March
Winter: March – May
Located at an altitude of 5,000 to 7,600 feet, northern Tanzania’s dry sunny climate is nothing like the steamy African jungle of Tarzan movies. The weather is spring-like year round, with daytime temperatures in the 70s and 80s, evenings in the 60s. From June until August, temperatures are slightly cooler, ranging from the 50s to the mid-70s. The coastal and lowland areas tend to be more tropical in temperature.

Africa

Facts & Basics

The world’s second largest and second most populous continent, has an amazing array of climates, cultures, and natural resources not to mention the wildlife and world leaders. Here are just a few of the basics about Africa.

• Population: 860 Million
• Regions: North, West, East, Central and Southern.
• Countries: 54
• Highest Point: Mount Kilimanjaro at 19,563 feet
• Largest City: Cairo, Egypt, 9.2 million
• Languages: Approximately 1,800
• Religion: Christianity, Islam, numerous Indigenous Religions.
• Wildlife (most popular): Mountain Gorilla, Chimpanzee, Elephant, Lion, Cheetah, Giraffe, Zebra, Hippopatomus, Warthog, Hyena.
• Mineral Resources: Gold, Diamonds, Uranium, Nickel, and Cobalt to name a few.
• Popular Tourist Sites: Serengetti Safari, Cape Town, Pyramids in Egypt, Beaches of Seychelles.
• Famous People: Nelson Mandella, Desmond Tutu, Kofi Anan, Charlize Theron.
• Famous Films: Casablanca, Out of Africa, Constant Gardener, The Last King of Scotland, Blood Diamond.

Map of Africa

Poverty in Africa

As rich in culture and resources, Africa remains underdeveloped. Most African nations suffer from military dictatorships, corruption, civil unrest and war, underdevelopment and deep poverty. The majority of the countries classified by the UN as least developed are in Africa. Numerous development strategies have failed to yield the expected results. Although some believe that the continent is doomed to perpetual poverty and economic slavery, Africa has immense potential.

Sustainable Development in Africa

In September 2000, the heads of state gathered at UN Headquarters and created The United Nations Millenium Declaration which set out to achieve 8 global goals to address poverty, hunger, disease, lack of adequate shelter, and exclusion-while promoting gender equality, education, and environmental sustainability. The Millennium Project was commissioned by the United Nations Secretary-General in 2002 to develop a concrete action plan for the world’s billions of people in need.

Since then many well-known figures have joined in the fight for Africa. Angelina Jolie has helped as a UNHCR Goodwill Ambassador. Oprah is opening The Oprah Winfrey Leadership Academy for Girls. Bill & Melinda Gates are helping with a number of initiatives through the Gates Foundation. And Bono is on a ONE Campain crusade along with some of his other influential pals (George Clooney, Tom Hanks, Susan Sarandan) to “make poverty history”.