On December 14, 2024, I am going to ride my bike 185 miles in a day to raise money for Ngamo Primary School and these great kids
Ngamo Primary School Inspired Our Family
On July 3, 2024…
While on Safari in Zimbabwe, our Family asked our Imvelo Safari Lodge guides to take us on a tour of the local village to see the school. Our guides asked, “would it be OK if we picked up some kids on the way to school?” “Of course!” we said, excited for the experience.
The Next Morning
We left the lodge at dawn in a Toyota Land Cruiser outfitted for safari tours with 3 rows of 4 bucket seats. With the 4 Tuckers strapped in, we expected to pick up 5 or 6 kids on the way to school from the village. What happened next blew us away…
The Amazing Kids
As we drove towards the village, our guides honked the horn and DOZENS of kids came running! They piled in to the Land Cruiser, climbing all over the seats, sitting on our laps, smiling, introducing themselves to us in English. 20+ kids piled into the vehicle! It was amazing!
And They Started to Sing!
The kids spontaneously broke into song! One of the kids led the group in a call and response. Kids were clapping, whistling and singing along in response to the leader. I looked at Sara and the kids - they all had ear to ear smiles watching this group of kids, full of life and love and energy as we pulled up to Ngamo Primary School.
Teachers and Students Welcomed Us
We sat with a classroom of middle school aged kids for about an hour, watching the lessons which were taught in English, and talking with the students. They were bright, ambitious and hopeful for a good future in a place where they have so much less than we do. When we left that day, we were inspired to help this community.
A Little Will Go A Long Way
Ngamo Primary School has solar power in a few buildings and a well for water. There is no electricity or running water in the village - the power lines were cut 7 years ago and remain in disrepair. The teachers’ humble homes on the campus do not have electricity or running water. A modest donation will go a long way to bring electricity, water, food and supplies to the school so the teachers and kids can focus on education.
Help Us Help Ngamo
Our goal is to raise $20,000 for Ngamo Primary School. The Tucker Family is donating $2,000 to kick off this campaign. Please Donate! Our donations will be used to:
Fund School Lunches for Students and Teachers
Add Solar Power to More Buildings
Improve Water Service
Raise Chickens
Finish Installing Flush Toilets
Purchase a Printer
Purchase Furniture, Stationery and Equipment
The Ride
The C&O Canal National Park follows the Potomac River 184.5 miles from Cumberland, MD to Georgetown in Washington DC. I ride on this gravel trail every week, many times a week, but usually a few miles at a time.
Why ride all 185 miles? In a day? On dirt? Why ride solo? Because I’ve always wanted to give it a go! And why do it for a great cause!
Reach out to me with any questions
Matt Tucker
tucker.matt@gmail.com
202.870.7471