Humanity and Sharing
Africa: a playing field for Westerners looking for advernture… ? How often we’ve heard this type of comment, especially from people who’ve never even been to Africa, and who, naturally, have very firm opinions on the subject.
Having often visited both the Saharan and Sahelian parts of Africa for scouting as well as racing purposes over the past 20 years, we have noticed that the African people have always done everything possible to encourage rallies to take place in their homeland, in their cities and little villages too. Local authorities and the local populations both await the events with great enthusiasm, fighting against by-passing itineraries which they consider an insult to their presence in their own land. For the past few years, aware of this awkward feeling amid the European public opinion, the various rallies have multiplied their humanitarian involvement. Whether they are actually effective or not, we cannot tell, but there are indeed all sorts -- and the best kind are those which directly aid the local people with long-term support. That’s precisely what we, the organizers, and you, the participants, will set out to accomplish. In the word “humanitarian” there’s the word “humanity”; but there’s also a sense of sharing, both our wealth, and our know-how.
Based on the reconnaissance notes taken in each country through which we travel, and with the help of all our many correspondents, we will strive to clearly define the medium-term needs for each village’s population along our route. Our priority will be to set up a lasting project that can eventually be self-maintained. The aid project could encompass medical support (such as free health care clinics, water safety and quality controls, etc.), farming, educational, or even building and/or real estate support (for schools etc.) – and will be implemented in cooperation with a specialized humanitarian aid organization already set up and working in the area.
It is still a bit too early to expand on the project in great detail for now, but it seemed important to us to mention this aspect of our event right from the start so everyone involved understands and supports our philosophy and efforts each step of the way.
-- Patrick Zaniroli
Patrick Zaniroli a manager in love with Africa »
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