News

Matt Napier’s mission to end world poverty will see him walk 2,250 kilometres across Southern Africa, to raise awareness of the importance of reducing poverty around the world through sustainable change. As part of the Walk to a Better World campaign, Matt will travel through four different African countries, kicking a soccer ball the whole way as a way of connecting with people from all walks of life. If that is not enough of a challenge, Matt will also be living below the poverty line (US$1.50 per day) as a way of experiencing and sharing how hard it is to survive on so little.

The three month journey will start on 5 June from Walvis Bay in Namibia. From there, Matt will walk through the Kalahari Desert in Botswana, across the top of South Africa and finish in Maputo, the capital of Mozambique on 20 August.

“I’m hoping to help all Australians better understand the role they can play in ending world poverty in the next generation, and the importance of supporting sustainable development that works hand-in-hand with local communities” Matt said.

“I’ll have a documentary crew following me the to provide an insight into the personal challenges I face but also the communities and individuals that I meet along the way and some of the projects that are empowering them to create better futures through sustainable development initiatives.

Having previously cycled and walked across Australia for the same cause in 2012 and 2013 respectively, Matt is no stranger to long distance walking but Africa will be his greatest challenge by far.

Matt is calling on all Australians to support sustainable development projects such as those facilitated by his four Charity Partners - Oxfam Australia, The Fred Hollows Foundation, CARE Australia and Caritas Australia – and has launched an online pledge to encourage people to donate as little as 1% of their income towards sustainable poverty alleviation. Supporters can also donate directly to one of four specific projects that Matt aims to fund with each Charity by the end of his walk.

To keep up to date with Matt’s progress from his very first step, follow the Walk to a Better World team on Facebook, Twitter (@WalkTBW) or Instagram (walktbw).