Pedaling for Pathways Togo: Our Cross-Country Adventure on Wheels
www.pathwaystogo.org
This summer my best friend and I crossed the country from Lubec, Maine to Seattle, Washington by bicycle. It was no easy feat. We pedaled through torrential downpours, biked in a high of 110 degrees and slept in a low of 26 degrees. We got lost, laughed, and swore at hills. We slept in unexpected places and shared the road with some of the angriest drivers we have ever encountered. We sported weird tan lines and collected scars that may never fade. Despite the literal and figurative ups and downs of our trip one cause made it all worth it: Pathways Togo.
Led by Peace Corps Volunteers and inspiring Togolese partners, Pathways Togo is an organization based in Togo, West Africa with one goal in mind: educate women and empower the world. Through scholarships, life skills training, and mentoring Pathways offers a rare opportunity for motivated Togolese women and girls to pursue their personal goals and dreams. As one of the poorest nations in the world Togo offers few educational opportunities for women and children; less than 30% of Togolese girls are enrolled in high school. Child marriage, pregnancy, school fees, and a lack of role models are only a few of the reasons why many girls never continue their education. One of the initiatives working hard to change this is Pathways Togo.
I learned about Pathways first-hand during my two years in Togo as a Peace Corps Volunteer. From 2012 to 2014 I watched Pathways create positive change in the lives of Togolese women and girls across the nation. These girls are intelligent, motivated, and want to learn so they can give back to their communities. Whenever I felt tired or defeated during my bicycle trip I thought of these girls. They reminded me of all the things I have to be grateful for as an American woman and inspired me to continue pedaling so that they, too, can have the same opportunities I have had in my life.
After biking 4300 miles this summer over the course of four months we were able to raise $4700 for Pathways Togo--money that will go directly to Togolese girls in the form of scholarships, an annual leadership conference, and mentoring. Countless strangers and friends helped us reach our goal. We are forever grateful. Now, despite having crossed the 'finish line' of our bicycle adventure six weeks ago, we still want to continue to spread the word about Pathways Togo. Because when you educate women, you empower the world, and that's always a cause worth supporting.
Thank you for your consideration.
Review from #MyGivingStory