In the summer of 2019,  TriAdventure will celebrate its final year. The swim, run, paddle, and cycle raises money to support Nikibasika, a Ugandan school for children who were caught between the civil war and the raging HIV epidemic. At the time Nikibaska opened its doors, an entire generation of Ugandans had been wiped out, leaving kids without parents to care for them. But so much has changed since those initial dark days.

Right now, twenty-five students have completed the Nikibasika program, with twenty-seven remaining. The group of twenty-five are doing amazingly well, working as social workers, IT consultants, welders, hairdressers, mechanics, supply chain managers, electricians, community developers and one opening a community health clinic.  

Nikibasika means “it is possible”, and over the twelve years of the program, amazing stories have happened. There were originally fifty-two children and youth in the project, focused on helping these young adults become self-sustaining leaders in their communities. Each participant is supported with formal education beyond secondary school, and more important, with leadership development, career guidance, global and human rights awareness.  

Alex, of Nikibasika

Each young person also participates in a team where they create and lead a community-development project that helps people in need in their local area. This year, the students have created and led projects to help street kids, the sick and the elderly in their community, paying school fees and other supports with their own pocket money. Their hope is to become adults who will be able to do for others what the TriAdventure has done for them.

By next summer, another twelve will graduate, leaving thirteen younger kids to support until the too have graduated.  The ambitious goal for this TriAdventure is to raise $250,000.00, enough money to support those remaining through their studies. 

Sign-up, donate or learn more about Nikibasika and the TriAdventure.

TriAdventure finalé
August 16 – 18, 2019

“I was seven years old when I was brought to Nikibaska by my uncle. Although my parents don’t have enough money to look after me, I am happy for the support the TriAdventure has given me.” – Manzi Alex Bagoke, second-year high school

About the Author

Raymond Helkio is an author, director filmmaker, and graduate of Ontario College of Art & Design. He currently lives in both Toronto and New York. His most recent play, LEDUC, is now available in paperback. www.raymondhelkio.com