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Kate Leeming (BPhysEd 1987; DipEd 1988) has set her sights on breaking the cycle of poverty in Africa by cycling 24,000km across the country. The 10-month bicycle journey will start on October 1 from Cap-Vert in Senegal, the most westerly point in Africa, and aim to finish at the most easterly point, Cape Hafun in July next year. The project's purpose is to learn first hand about the causes of extreme poverty and through the story of the expedition which unfolds, educate and inspire actions which will assist in making communities more sustainable and resilient to the issues. Essentially, says Kate, "it's about giving a 'leg up' rather than a 'hand out'."

Her expedition will be the subject of a documentary and book, aiming
to educate people about the plight of Africa's poor. Kate will be joined by British cyclist Daniel Harman and support driver, John Davidson. It is also intended that local African cyclists will join the team for short stages of the journey to enhance cultural
understanding.

In 1993, Kate was the first woman to cycle across the new Russia unsupported and in 2004-05 she cycled 25,000km around Australia, becoming the first woman to cycle the 1000 sand dunes of the Canning Stock Route.
UNESCO has recognised Kate's project, Breaking the Cycle in Africa, as an 'official activity' of the United Nations Decade of Education for Sustainable Development.

To sponsor the project, email: [email protected] and to follow her epic journey go to: www.btcycle.com