Qatar based academy delegation embarks on third Mount Kilimanjaro expedition

By Henry Mwangonde , The Guardian

Published at 03:20 PM Jun 16 2025

Photo: Correspondent

A dynamic group of nine travelers from Al Wakra Qatar Academy in Qatar arrived yesterday at Kilimanjaro International Airport, marking the start of their third ambitious expedition to summit Africa’s tallest peak, Mount Kilimanjaro.

They were received by officials from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and East African Cooperation.

The delegation is led by Abdirahman Hussien Handule, Head of Student Affairs at the Academy, and comprises six students, one teacher, and one parent — all united by a shared spirit of adventure and a commitment to experiential learning.

Running from June 16 to 25, the climb continues the Academy’s successful mountaineering tradition and is part of a broader initiative focused on outdoor education, leadership development, and global citizenship.

The expedition is the result of a growing partnership between Al Wakra Qatar Academy and the Embassy of Tanzania in Doha, built on a foundation of cross-cultural collaboration.

“The mountain challenges our students physically and mentally, but it also offers a profound educational and cultural journey,” said Handule. “We aim for them to return not only with memories of the summit, but with new perspectives that will shape their lives.”

In addition to the climb, the group’s itinerary highlights a deep engagement with Tanzania’s natural beauty and cultural richness.

Scheduled excursions include visits to Tarangire National Park, the Masai Boma cultural village, Materuni Waterfalls, and local coffee plantations in the Kilimanjaro region.

Furthering their commitment to global connection and service, the team will also visit a government primary school in the Moshi Rural District.

There, they will participate in a day of social and educational exchange with Tanzanian students and educators — an initiative Handule describes as an opportunity to “bridge communities and foster mutual respect.”

As the delegation begins its ascent, the journey stands as a testament to the power of education, adventure, and international friendship — a model of how schools can nurture compassionate, globally minded leaders through hands-on experiences beyond the classroom.