Journey to conquer the highest mount in Africa

Never having previously participated in a multi-day climbing challenge, Sasha Crawley, a Year 2 Teacher at the British Vietnamese International School, Hanoi (BVIS Hanoi) was ambitious and determined enough to conquer Africa's highest mountain. "I cannot say that I was not worried, but excitement was my biggest emotion whenever I thought about the trip," Ms. Sasha said. So, let's find out about Sasha's inspiring journey to Tanzania to climb Mount Kilimanjaro.

Mount Kilimanjaro is the tallest free-standing mountain in the world and the highest peak in Africa, located in Tanzania National Park. Covered with a permanent layer of ice, Mt. Kilimanjaro stands at an altitude of 5,895m. From the climbers’ point of view, conquering Mt Kilimanjaro is much more "harsh" than ascending to Everest Base Camp (EBC). Some studies also show that among the nearly 60,000 people who attempt to explore this mountain annually, the success rate is only about 65%.

“Be Ambitious" is the inspirational slogan at the British Vietnamese International School, Hanoi, and for all Nord Anglia schools worldwide. Bringing along the "Be Ambitious" flag to Mt. Kilimanjaro, Sasha hoped it would create motivation for her to go through the difficulties and provide a meaningful message for her students. Sasha said: “Aspiration is not just about achieving success. It is about effort, commitment, preparation – giving myself and my students a view of being the best that we can be. Being able to follow our passions is true happiness and success.”

Sasha Crawley's 7 days’ hike was full of ruggedness and nights without sleep. However, she received a priceless gift from the natural world.

Our congratulations and thanks to Ms. Sasha Crawley for sharing such an inspiring story and for her efforts to bring BVIS's spirit to the peak of Mt. Kilimanjaro! #BVISHanoi #BeAmbitious

If anxiety prevents many from facing challenges, it is the motivation of helping others that fully prepares an individual to overcome difficulties. “I have spent months training for this trip and wanted to ensure I was more than adequately fit to join the climbing group” she shared. “Seeking useful information and advice from people more experienced was also important. Nowadays, the internet makes it easier for us to do so. My unfailing companions also helped me a lot in preparing and overcoming this special challenge.”