We are still seeing donations and support rolling in for the Zambia Bike Challenge 2011 along with an increasing amount of press coverage.

This article for the Crawley Observer talks all about Ed Spencer's fundraising and sponsorship from ManFrotto

view a PDF of the article here

Thanks also to luxury travel company Africa Odyssey for supporting our riders and pledging their support for future online activities.

So far the Bike Challenge Team have raised more than £45,000 and counting!

You can also view some photos of the Zambia Bike Challenge 2011

Our Team of Amazing Cyclists Made It!

After months of preparation, hard training and serious fundraising, 30 intrepid British cyclists arrived in Kalomo on Wednesday night this week. This was the 4^th day of a 5-day challenge to cycle from Lusaka, Zambia's capital, to Livingstone to raise money for African Revival's projects.

Whilst in Kalomo, the team visited Lubombo and Kinnertone Community Schools, where they were able to walk around and see for themselves the work that African Revival is doing with the local schools and communities.

They also talked to pupils and teachers, and there was even an impromptu game of volleyball using new balls that were donated by the cyclists.

The cycle challenge takes place every year and the money raised goes directly to AR's projects on the ground. If you fancy taking part in next year's challenge, contact our UK office for more information.

- AR Zambia

Out in Zambia, we're pleased to announce that work has begun on the latest project at Inkumbi Basic School - a new 1x3 classroom block! The building will have 3 classrooms, separated by 2 smaller rooms that may be used as staff offices or storerooms.

The block is being built on the site of an old double classroom building, which had become so dilapidated that it was becoming a danger to use. It was torn down by the local community a few weeks ago and four of AR's expert builders are now preparing the foundations for the new classrooms.

[crowded classroom at Inkumbi]

The original bricks from the old building have been salvaged, as have some of the iron sheets from the roof and we'll be able to use them again. This means that the overall cost of building the new block will not be as high as if we had had to buy all new materials.

Of course, whilst the block is being built, teachers at Inkumbi are having to find alternative spaces to teach their classes. Some are being held outside under the trees, whilst others are sometimes combined so that two grades use a classroom at the same time. This can mean things get quite crowded, but it is only temporary and we hope it will be worth it when the 3 brand new classrooms are ready later this year!

[site where the new classrooms will be constructed]