Inspired by childhood trips to Africa, one Cypriot is determined to make a difference, one challenge at a time finds PAUL LAMBIS
Petros Nearchou is about to embark on the challenge of a lifetime. On July 12, he will be climbing Mount Kilimanjaro for charity; however, what started as a philanthropic cause has since evolved into an organisation with the long-term purpose of putting humanity first.
“From the very beginning, my parents encouraged me to give back to those who are less fortunate. My commitment to pursue philanthropy has encouraged me to reassess the very core of who I am – my motivations, values, and objectives,” Nearchou said.
Born in Limassol to a Greek Cypriot father and a Lebanese mother, he has always recognised that being kind and giving to others can make life feel more meaningful. But it was not until he was 10-years-old and travelling to Africa for the first time, and then every summer after that to visit his father working there, where he encountered impoverished communities in Ethiopia, Kenya and Tanzania, which had a profound impact on his life and inspired him to establish the Nearchou Foundation years later.
“Regardless of their background or abilities, everyone deserves access to education and basic necessities, this is why I was pleased to launch a non-profit organisation that will support charities dedicated to providing educational and welfare opportunities for underprivileged and disabled children and women,” he added.
“I love children and can’t wait to be a father one day,” he told the Cyprus Mail. “Education is the key to breaking free from the cycle of poverty, and every child deserves the opportunity to learn, grow, and reach their full potential.”
After finishing his schooling and military service in Cyprus, Nearchou did a bachelor’s and master’s degree in the UK and now works in the tech industry in the UAE while also focusing on his charitable causes.
“The idea behind the foundation is to raise money for specific causes by enduring extreme challenges that put me to the test,” Nearchou said. “Most of the time, people donate to charity without knowing where their money is going. By working together with the New Stars Foundation, a non-governmental Tanzanian organisation, we can use the funds to help support children who lack basic rights such as access to education and social life, children with disabilities, and women who are considered to be fruitless in their communities,” he explained.
His initial objective was to raise €5,000 for the organisation, but he intends to surpass this figure, which will eventually help with the purchase of wheelchairs and other medical supplies.
By climbing Mount Kilimanjaro, Nearchou hopes to raise awareness of his foundation and its goals, support his purpose, and hopefully encourage others to do the same. “It is essential for people to step outside of their comfort zones, push their limits, and dream big. Whatever you want to conquer in life, you can do it by taking small steps at a time, and the realisation of my foundation is a dream come true.”
Nearchou has spent the last three months preparing for his most challenging feat yet, which will hopefully see him scale the highest peak on the African continent – at 19,000 feet.
“The entire training programme and preparation process has been extremely arduous, where I have been putting myself through and simulating the same conditions expected on the climb. There are a lot of cardio exercises involved, such as walking and swimming, which will help with breathing control; however, it is also about mental preparation, and I am fortunate to have had great training when I was in the army, which has allowed me to prepare for when challenges such as altitude sickness, and all those other things come into play.”
According to Nearchou, the trek to the top takes about eight days, leading him through different scenery and extreme climatic conditions, whereas the return takes only one day. “The entire journey will be documented, and as I reach the top, I will share my progress on social media, knowing that it will inspire others to do the same in the future. It will also provide me the opportunity to convey the stories of the people from different cultural backgrounds who I will encounter along the way.”
When asked which flag he will hoist when reaching the peak, Nearchou said there will be several, including the flags of his foundation, the New Stars Foundation and Cyprus.
“I am the product of two worlds: Greek Cypriot and Lebanese, and both have shaped me into the person I am today. There are many commonalities and a strong sense of connection between both cultures, and I am immensely proud of my heritage and the influence my family has had on my values and as an individual.
“I am in a fortunate stage of my life that is leading me on an exciting and self-fulfilling journey that is putting humanity first.”
To donate to the Nearchou Foundation, and follow the climb to Mount Kilimanjaro, visit http://nearchoufoundation.com/ Follow Nearchou on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/nearchou.foundation/