By Heather Bennett Eye
A life-changing tip following their Kilimanjaro summit not only impacted the guide who received the tip but also Jim and Kristi Sumpter, local Walton County residents and co-founders of Endeavor Expeditions. After learning that their tip would help put their guide’s child through school for the year, they began taking steps to develop Kids of Kilimanjaro, a 501(c)(3) nonprofit to help fund educational opportunities for the children of Kilimanjaro guides and porters.
Jim and Kristi have built partnerships with local guides across the globe, but it’s been their years of traveling in Tanzania and the gratitude, generosity and genuine joy of the guides and porters of Kilimanjaro that inspired them to start their nonprofit organization. Both Jim and Kristi have summited Kilimanjaro multiple times with Jim leading teams to the summit. This winter, they invited local award-winning photographer Chandler Williams of Modus Photography to join them on their Kilimanjaro and Safari expedition to not only create marketing content for Kids of Kilimanjaro but to experience for himself the joyful spirit of the guides, porters and their families.
You may be familiar with Chandler’s photography, a mix of inspiring landscapes, people, and wildlife from 30A and around the world. Chandler has experience with international travel and is “comfortable in a lot of uncomfortable environments” with his camera. He arrived in Arusha several days before the expedition to spend time with the families of the African team. There can be anywhere from four to ten porters for every one person making the climb. Chandler’s expedition with Jim and Kristi had a total of 10 climbers, some local and some out of state. They had 40 members on their African team to assist them. Porters are expected to carry tents, propane tanks, cooking supplies, toilets and equipment with packs weighing up to 40 pounds each, up the mountain through five different ecological climate zones. Most of them have worn-out tennis shoes, and often lack rain gear, hats, gloves or proper clothing for climbing. They rely a lot on donations and tips. Some people donate their supplies and outdoor apparel at the end of an expedition.
“These guys that are carrying your gear, they’re nothing but cheerful, singing, happy, and helpful. It’s unbelievable,” stated Chandler.
When Chandler found himself with his waterproof boots drenched from rain, the guide grabbed his boots and gave them to the cooks to dry over the propane tank when they were done cooking. “There’s probably 10 people in a three-man tent. They’re huddled and trying to dry them off for me, like just laughing and cheering. I almost broke down. It’s just their willingness to help,” Chandler said.
The guides make around $25/day, while cooks make $15/day and porters make between $5-$10/day. What Chandler observed is what Jim and Kristi also experienced. People who, although they are doing extremely physically demanding work in less than ideal conditions, are doing it with a heart of humility and joy, singing and laughing throughout their journey. “They’re doing this hard work and they’re not making a lot of money. They’re making the sacrifices for their children, but they’re doing it happily you know.”
In Tanzania, school is considered a privilege. Even though it’s officially “free,” education can cost around $800 per year due to fees, uniform costs, books, food, and supplies. Transportation can also be costly due to long distances between schools in rural areas. With all these obstacles, getting a good education can be difficult, but finishing school means more opportunities and a brighter future.
Kids of Kilimanjaro was created to help with tuition assistance to students of families of the Kilimanjaro communities. Opportunities for education lead to opportunities for better jobs, which in turn benefit families and communities. “Education is important,” stated Chandler. “It can change everything for these families.” He and his wife will be funding one porter’s son’s education indefinitely.
If you are interested in learning more about Kids of Kilimanjaro and Chandler’s experience, he is showcasing his “Journey Through Africa” from 6-9 p.m. on May 15 at 30a Studio Rental, 416 S County Hwy 393, Bldg 7, Unit 3 in Santa Rosa Beach. You can RSVP to the event through Modus Photography at www.modusphotography.com/rsvp.
“It’s really hard to convey how genuine the experience was,” said Chandler. “It’s a life changing experience when you go on these trips with them. This is something, personally, I plan on being a part of the rest of my life. My wife and I now pay for one of the students, a porter’s son. Modus Photography is going to pay for his education indefinitely.”
If you can’t attend the event, or are interested in learning more about Kids of Kilimanjaro, please visit https://kidsofkili.com. For more information on Endeavor Expeditions, you can visit www.endeavorexpeditions.com.
Author: Sowal Editor
Visits: 7
