THE CHALLENGE

Hello, my name is Silvio Cimenti, and I am 56 years old. I am fundraising for Kuunganisha, a project created specifically for the Tumaini Foundation in Tanzania, East Africa, to support local orphans and widows.

I am reaching out to everyone—philanthropists, patrons, sponsors, donors, and anyone with a big heart—to sponsor me in my challenge to run from Big Ben, London to Gatwick Airport (approximately 42.5 km/26.5 miles, just over a marathon) at 07:00 hrs on Saturday 4th January 2025

Every contribution, no matter the amount, will make a difference. Thank you for your generosity!

WHAT IS THIS PROJECT AND HOW WAS IT BORN?

KUUNGANISHA which means "connecting" in Swahili, is a project by The ItinerAnts to reach rural communities in Tanzania. On 11th January 2025, the ItinerAnts—a group of ten artists, comprising theatre actors, storytellers, musicians, and fine artists—from Canada, Italy, Malaysia, Nigeria, and the UK will be heading to Tanzania, to exchange their arts with isolated communities in the Dodoma region. I will be joining them to document some of the event.

The month-long programme will feature weekly performances with the inclusion of the community, to create events celebrating life through the arts. In addition to these there will be activities throughout the region such as storytelling, mask workshops, puppet making, and painting, etc. These will take place in areas ranging from extremely rural villages to the inclusive schools for children with disabilities run by Tumaini Foundation to bustling towns. The project will culminate in a three-day Children's Arts Festival in Ihumwa, on the outskirts of Dodoma.

ABOUT THE TUMAINI FOUNDATION

The Tumaini Foundation, based in Ihumwa near Dodoma, is an NGO dedicated to improving the lives of orphans and widows. Since its founding in 2008 by Tumaini Kivuyo—herself an orphan who endured immense hardship—the foundation has supported hundreds of children and widows in Tanzania's capital region. Tumaini’s mission is to provide hope and equal access to education for orphans, children with special needs, and widows. Learn more: https://www.tumaini-foundation.org/about