Sudanese model and activist Jiel Malual has completed a trek of approximately 1,450 kilometers to raise donations for building schools for displaced children in his home country.
Accompanied by his friend, John Koy, Malual’s journey lasted over a month. The pair traveled from southern England to the far north of Scotland, facing harsh weather conditions and grueling physical and mental challenges while walking long distances daily in sub-zero temperatures.
Speaking to Al Jazeera Mubasher, Malual explained that he intentionally chose to undertake the journey during winter. “I wanted to put myself in the shoes of the Sudanese people and experience a fraction of their daily suffering,” he said. “Had it been in the summer, it would have seemed like just an ordinary adventure.”
The activist noted that walking through ice and snow for hours each day was a massive challenge. “On some days, we walked in temperatures as low as -5°C or -6°C. Our feet were wet and cold the entire time, and there were many moments where I felt I might not be able to finish the journey.”
He continued, stating that reflecting on the plight of the Sudanese people was his primary motivation. “Thinking about the suffering of my people in the North, South, East, and West gave me the strength to keep going. This shared sense of purpose is what kept us moving day after day.”
Human Solidarity vs. Hostility
Malual mentioned that the experience revealed a different side of human solidarity despite rising racist rhetoric elsewhere. “Over the course of 33 days, we did not encounter any form of hatred or racism. Instead, we met people who supported and stood by us, reflecting the true values of people on the ground.”
His daily routine began at 3:00 AM, walking for about 13 hours to cover 35 to 40 kilometers a day. He emphasized that “the thought that this trip would contribute to building schools for the children of Sudan gave us immense drive.”
Exceeding the Goal
Jiel Malual and his companion successfully raised over £100,000 (approximately $136,000), far exceeding their initial goal of £35,000 (over $47,000) intended for a single school.
Expressing his joy at surpassing the target, Malual said, “The donations exceeded expectations and may allow for the construction of three or four schools. This means even more children will be able to attend school.”
Malual views this journey not as the end of the initiative, but as the beginning. He stressed that the next phase will focus on implementing the school projects and ensuring their sustainability. “I don’t feel like the journey has ended; I believe it’s just the start. The important thing now is ensuring these schools continue and supporting the children in their education.”
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