Mahopac Cyclist to Pedal 520 Miles to Support Women in Kenya
On November 14, Mahopac resident Adam Mitchell will be embarking on a 10-day trek by bicycle across the frigid terrain of northern Newfoundland, Canada to raise awareness and funding for a project led by the Maryknoll Fathers and Brothers in Ossining that provides vocational training for women in Elburgon, Kenya.
Mitchell’s 520-mile-long, off-road journey will begin with a seven-hour ferry crossing to Channel-Port aux Basques, and finish at “mile zero” of the Trans Canadian Highway in North America’s oldest, and easterly most city, Saint John’s.
His route will be along the old the old railway corridor built in 1881, that was abandon years ago. While elevation is relatively low, 80% of the trail surface is old, large crushed stone railway track ballast, with overgrown stretches of hunting trails alongside the old tracks and abandon bridges, many in disrepair.
This type of trip does not include Air BnB, or cozy cabins. Mitchell will be completely self-supported, with all food and camping supplies packed on his bicycle. The journey will take him through remote parts of the island, under harsh and highly unpredictable weather conditions.
Mitchell was deeply inspired by his friend and local business owner Mary Courtney, who died suddenly on October 12, 2012 while volunteering in Africa, where she helped women and children build stronger communities.
“Mary was a mentor to me, someone who taught me about the potential of our choices, how they can have profound effects on so many people,” he said. “My choice to follow a dream (crossing Newfoundland by bicycle), meanwhile honoring her legacy and the work she was committed to is something I know Mary would appreciate.”
Mitchell has partnered with Maryknoll Missioner, Fr. Lance Nadeau who has served the last 20 years as a Catholic missionary priest in Kenya, much of which has been spent administering to people suffering with AIDS. Currently, Fr. Lance’s work is focused on developing career training and independence for women within the parts of Kenya where he serves.
This work is incredibly important for Kenya. According to the UN HD Index 2017, Kenya has an unemployment rate of 39.1%, one of the highest in the world. The unemployment rate for youth (18-35) stands at about 65%. Most employed youth are engaged in the unregulated informal sector and are subjected to low earnings and long working hours. The dire situation of youth employment is exacerbated by a shrinking economy, political instability, and intensifying income inequality.
Most of women’s labor takes place in the home, subsistence agriculture, and informal trading such as selling produce or running small food stands, occupations that are not included in studies of employment. It seems reasonable to conclude that Kenyan women suffer economic marginalization like Kenyan youth.
Through the generosity of his friends and family, Mitchell hopes to support the work of Fr. Lance to improve the quality of life for youth-women as they learn to skills for independence.
Fr. Lance would like to purchase 30 sewing machines for a women employment project in Elburgon, Kenya. It’s Mitchell’s goal to support this effort by raising money for these machines and resources.
One hundred percent of money raised by Mitchell will go toward supporting this project through the purchase of hardware, machinery and resources.
Mitchell will be equipped with lightweight video equipment and will have reasonable access to internet at points. For all of those willing to support his cause, he will be sharing the challenges and beauty of his wilderness trip across Newfoundland.
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