The Hakuna Matata team, made of nine Turks, is taking on Mt. Kilimanjaro in Tanzania on 28^th of August to raise money for underprivileged students in Turkey. They aim to raise 28,000TL (roughly equal to 15,655 USD or 10,877 Euros) and they’ve already managed to raise 17,774 TL.

Who are they?

Having lived in the US, UK, and Canada for over 6 years, Ayşe, Begüm, Doruk, Itır, Jean, Selin, Şirin, and Volkan have assimilated to the custom of philanthropic activities, and decided to dedicate their climb to a charity organization that they personally care a lot about. They will be hiking for a Turkish organization called Adım Adım (which translates roughly into “Step by Step”).

Why Adım Adım?

Adım Adım is a young organization founded by college students and young professionals who are involved in a plethora of activities and are united by the sentiment that “there has to be more to life than work” (in Stacie Orrico’s wise words). Adım Adım aims to raise awareness and funds for students who continue their education in very rough conditions. The organization raises money for young adults, who are receiving financial aid, and allows them to be more active outside of the classroom through extracurricular activities. The organization is dedicated to empowering the Turkish youth, and raising young adults who have a strong sense of self.

What does Hakuna Matata aim to achieve?

Through this cause, they are hoping to help cultivate a youth who have a better understanding of what being a citizen of the world means, as they have learned to appreciate during their time living abroad. With donations, they are trying to give these young adults a voice and a brighter future.

What can you do?

They are kindly asking for a donation of any size that you are comfortable with to support their cause. Every dollar, every cent helps turn a person’s life around—which will also benefit the future of Turkey. If you would like to, you can make your donation through the Turkish Philanthropy Fund’s website: http://www.tpfund.org/TOG/default.aspx?projectid=4965942820129494730.

For more information about the team, their progress, and training, check out http://hakunamatatakili.tumblr.com/ or follow them through Twitter @hakunamatataTR.