Childrens Charity, India
by Alice Masquelier Page
Trekking the Sahara was unforgettable – golden dunes, inspiring people, all to support the OSCAR Foundation and its mission. A journey for a cause.
Over three days, we walked through the undulating sand under the intense desert sun, with a sense of purpose and adventure that fuelled every step.
Walking through the Sahara was no stroll in the park. Every step felt twice as hard on the sand and the rolling dunes stretched out endlessly before us. The desert sun was persistent, testing our endurance and giving us all some funky tan lines! We were accompanied by camels that carried our water and snacks, providing a lifeline in the harsh conditions. It was a challenge I was grateful to embrace, it taught me so much about my own limits and the power of pushing past them.
What made this trek easier was the amazing group of people. Laughter filled the air as we shared stories and jokes, the lighthearted chit chat helping us through the tougher parts of the walk. But it wasn’t all jokes; we also shared some deeply insightful conversations, especially in the evenings after a long day of trekking. The group was made up of people from different backgrounds, places and ages, each bringing unique perspectives and stories.
Notably, Ashok and Karan shared powerful stories from their Indian communities. Hearing about the hardships they faced and continue to face was eye-opening and inspiring. It brought the purpose of our journey into focus and reminded us of the resilience and strength the OSCAR Foundation teaches young people. I bonded with people in a way I never expected, creating friendships and memories that I’ll remember forever.
One of the most memorable parts of the trip was sleeping under the stars. We lay under the vast, clear Moroccan sky, surrounded by the silence of the desert. With no facilities or showers, we experienced a simple lifestyle that made me appreciate the beauty of nature’s rawness. Of course, this simplicity came with some unique “desert” challenges like finding your own dune when nature called! It became an ongoing joke throughout the trip, adding humour to our early mornings.
A group of Moroccan guides from PJS Challenges showed us the way and welcomed us with open hearts. They prepared delicious, traditional meals and despite the basic accommodation, they made us feel entirely at home. Their warmth and kindness added so much to our experience.
This trek was an experience in pushing mental and physical boundaries. Every step through the Sahara felt like a reminder of what we were trekking for, the spirit of OSCAR, which encourages us to break through our limits and prove that boundaries are only what we make of them.
I left Morocco feeling incredibly grateful for the memories and friendships. This trip taught me that with the right mindset and support, there’s nothing we can’t achieve.
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