The Cycle of Life aims is to promote inclusive values of unity, balance, and opportunity, both in the assessment and treatment of rural African issues, but also in the wider scheme.

For these reasons, the Cycle of Life team will be enhanced by a number of disadvantaged young people sent by Centrepoint – the leading UK youth homelessness charity.

Because they have each experienced exclusion and marginalisation in their lives in the UK, these young people will have a unique insight into the hardships we willl come across in Africa. We also hope, and expect, that the expedition will drive them to re-assess their perspectives, ambitions and futures.

Four young people joined the Cycle of Life team at Maes-y-Lade. We all hope that each of these four will be able to come with us to Africa. They are:

JC
“I thought it was just cycling and helping us homeless people to get somewhere in life. But when I realised it was for charity I was really excited. I really want to raise money for the kids – that’s my goal. Then, when I become a nurse, I can go to Africa and all the poor countries to help them out and tell them about health and fitness and medicine.”

Emilyn
“I want to help with fundraising, and even if I don’t get the chance to go to Africa, it will be okay because I would have helped out and met new people.”

Somia
“I think I’d come back like a different person, like certain things we’ve got here I wouldn’t take for granted. I’d see how I live in a different way. You never know – I might go and work with children in Africa!”

Sadie Odeogberin – Centrepoint staff“I was extremely impressed with the teamwork and levels of participation from all involved. It was amazing to hear Centrepoint young people speak so poignantly about what they can do to help people in Africa.”

Barty – Cycle of Life project leader
“It has blown me away to see these young people care so deeply about African issues. Now everyone has to match their passion and enthusiasm, and the Cycle of Life will be a huge success.”