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Tropic Weave

Our Diary

Forest wanderings (Part 1: Adder encounter)

The Wildcoast stretch of South Africa’s coastline lives up to its name; the ocean can almost seem angry as it batters the shores, which rise rapidly from gorgeous beaches to rugged mountains.
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Summary

The aim of the Aussies Across Africa project is simple - to take the courageous stories of many African people and their volunteer companions back to the youth of Australia, so that they may be inspired to act for a fairer world.

In 2004, a 7-month, 8070 kms cycling journey was undertaken through various east African countries, from Ethiopia in the north, down to South Africa. The AuXAfrica team visited a variety of communities where young Australian volunteers were assisting the local people with issues such as HIV/AIDS, youth homelessness, and a lack of access to education and vital medical needs.

Starting from 2006 the AuXAfrica team will give presentations of our journey to young adults attending school or university in east Australia. We believe that if these young Aussies learn about the hardship so many of our African brothers and sisters are faced with, then they may be moved to become actively involved in building a more just world as volunteers.

The project aims

• To spend 7 months in Africa visiting communities where there are Australians helping with programs that directly benefit the livelihood of the local people.
• To photograph, film and interview these communities and the volunteers, and gain an insight into the struggles and dreams of the various peoples of Africa.
• To return to Australia and give presentations to secondary school and university students, inspiring them with the stories of the African people and their volunteer companions.
• To promote organisations that offer volunteer placements for youth so that they can work with marginalised people, while broadening their personal and global awareness.

Africa cycle journey

The cycle journey community visits proved a great source of inspiration. You may read our journal, learn about the countries we visited or check out the photos of some wonderful people and places visited along the way. more...

School visits and presentations

We would like to visit your class to inspire students to help build a fairer world. more...

Helping others

Learn how you can assist the communities visited during the project, and how you can become directly involved with volunteer work in Australia or abroad. more...

The team

The  Aussies Across Africa project has been organised by Sean FitzGibbon, a young man from Brisbane with an adventurous spirit and a desire to bring about positive social change. During various stages of the journey through Africa in 2004, Sean was joined on the project route by other team members to assist with community visits.

However, ‘The Team’ consists of many more than just those involved in the African leg of the project. From web designers to school teachers and willing family and friends, the project is the result of many people working towards a common goal. Thanks to the team…

• Sean FitzGibbon (30) BSc(Hons) PhD. Currently wildlife researcher at The University of Queensland. Extensive hiking and cycling experience in New Zealand & Australia. Previous volunteer worker with Edmund Rice Camps Qld, Sallywattle Retreat Centre / St. Mary’s South Brisbane, Jubilee 2000 Drop the Debt campaign, and the Aboriginal community of Wadeye, NT. Lover of all things creepy, crawly, slimy, scaly, feathery and furry.