The Trail of Hope: A Motorcycle Journey Helping Children

Today’s post comes from activist Tendai Sean Joe founder of the Trail of Hope Foundation.  I was extremely inspired and excited when I found him on Twitter.

In the coming months, Tendai is planning a motorcycle tour  Starting in South Africa and ending in Europe where he will be raising awareness about the plight of children around the world.

Last year, Dave and I cycled from Cairo to Cape Town where we rode for Plan Canada; another charity that focuses on helping children live a better life.

We are happy to be able to help spread the word about this enormous undertaking and to  let people know about the great work that is being done by an inspiring human being.

The Trail of Hope

“We are no more important than the children we are standing up for.  Hoping that one day, through adventures like these, we will join hands and say enough is enough.  Poverty has to end and so must all forms of child abuse”

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I have seen many faces turn red when they hear what I am planning. I have been to BMW Cape Town, KTM Cape Town and even here in Pretoria.  I remember the early days when I met a woman from one of Africa’s elite dynasties who told me that my plans and ideas were far from turning into reality.  How would a right minded African young man of my age, be found in the middle of conflict territories of Sudan in the name of charity?  But my heart told me I was doing thew right thing.  There was always going to be those who judge me and those who judge my ideas.

It has been a roller coaster trying to put together an adventure that will be remembered in Africa as one crazy idea that inspired a million. I know I still have a long way to go but the truth is, I am getting there.  Like Barack Obama said,  “If you’re walking down the right path and you’re willing to keep walking, eventually you’ll make progress.”

The Trail of Hope is a 3 month motorbike journey through Africa and Europe to raise awareness on the plight of children around the world. The campaign’s goal is to activate the international community against deplorable conditions that millions of children endure daily. I conceptualized this adventure as a former “street” child.  Trail of Hope seeks to create a platform that highlights the desperate struggles our children face to survive against poverty, HIV/AIDS, crime, addiction, war, human trafficking, institutionalization and disease.

Partnering with different organizations, corporations, foreign missions, governments, public figures, professionals and individuals the campaign brings to the forefront the dire situation of those vulnerable as they try to access the basic human needs like adequate food, education, health care, shelter and an environment safe from traffickers, pedophiles, and criminals.

Using the power of motorbikes, film and photography to document the journey, the riders also plan to visit critical areas along the route to expand the general public’s knowledge of programs working to alleviate the obstacles vulnerable children face.

Hence TRAIL OF HOPE can be broken down into[Trail of Goodwill][Trail of Inspiration][Trail of Humanity][Trail of Sustainability][Trail of Awareness][Trail of Smiles][Trail of Ubuntu][Trail of Peace]

We are no more important than the children we are standing up for.  Hoping that one day, through adventures like these, we will join hands and say enough is enough.  Poverty has to end and so must all forms of child abuse.

Trail of Hope Foundation (“T.H.F”) is a non-profit organization based in Pretoria, South Africa that empowers orphaned and vulnerable children to develop critical consciousness within their context of living.

It was founded by Tendai Sean Joe, former street child, now an international advocate for disadvantaged children and youths.

Tendai Sean Joe – Follow him on twitter @TendaiJoe
Activist/Dreamer/Humanitarian

Previous Articles from our Giving Back, Travel the World and Make a Difference Series;

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• Make A Difference With The Global Volunteer Network byErin Courtenay of Global Volunteer Network
• Nicaragua, A First Time Volunteer Experience by Teresa Wilson of The Wellness is You
• This Global Citizen is Making a Difference by Rebecca Sweetman of The Paradigm Shift Project
• Teaching Monks in Nepal by Shannon O’Donnell of ALittleAdrift
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• Support Local Art and Help Communities Thrive Keith Jenkins of Velvet Escape
• Giving Back, Travel the World and Make a Difference