Education provides greater opportunities to society through knowledge and empowerment. As a leading tertiary institution, the Macquarie community understands the importance of investing in global education and is committed to raising the standards.

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Next month, Faculty Research Officer for the Faculty of Business and Economics, Kevin Newport will be cycling 335km through the mountainous roads of rural Nepal in support of the International Brothers and Sisters House – a charity dedicated to providing higher education to orphaned youths in developing countries.

“I first heard about the International Brothers and Sisters House when it was established in 2014 through the founder and his family,” Kevin said.

“The cycle came to my attention at the beginning of the year when it was initially advertised through social media. I thought it was an interesting concept and the first of its kind to take place in Nepal.”

Upon learning of the challenges that the orphaned youth face, Kevin had enough of a reason to pay attention.

“A big motivator behind why I decided to sign up for the cycle was based on the fact that without support and access to higher education, the youth departing these orphanages have very little chance of achieving their dreams,” he said.

“In developing nations, education is absolutely vital to begin the process of stepping away from poverty.”

Having worked in a number of educational roles, it’s of little surprise Kevin’s passion for education is a driving force behind his desire to help make a difference to the lives of these children.

Kevin’s training began in June at the Macquarie University Sport and Aquatic Centre and has involved a combination of activities that include running, rowing and cycling to help adapt his body to the physical rigours of travelling over rolling hills for up to six hours a day.

“By the time I finish my training, I will have cycled close to 1000km which will hopefully put me in good stead.”

Kevin’s goal is to raise $2500 for the charity.

“It is actually interesting to consider that an average week’s worth of coffee (one per day) can provide stationery to a student for 6 months. Five week’s worth could cover 12 months of university tuition for one student.”

To read more about Kevin’s journey visit his fundraising page.