Daria Frolova (BY 2024-26) tell us in her own words how she is preparing to climb Mount Kilimanjaro for Amnesty International UK in 2027. 

In August 2027, I will be taking on one of my biggest challenges yet: climbing Mount Kilimanjaro in Tanzania while raising money for Amnesty International UK.

At 5,895 metres above sea level, Kilimanjaro is the highest mountain in Africa and the highest free-standing mountain in the world. Reaching its summit will mean several days of trekking at altitude, dealing with the physical demands of the climb and, perhaps most importantly, having the determination to keep going when it becomes difficult.

For me, however, the challenge is about much more than reaching the summit.

Why Amnesty International?

I chose to fundraise for Amnesty International UK because I strongly believe that fundamental human rights should be protected regardless of who someone is or where they come from.

Amnesty campaigns across a huge range of human-rights issues, from freedom of expression and the rights of refugees to women’s rights and supporting people who have been unjustly imprisoned or persecuted. I wanted the effort that goes into taking on Kilimanjaro to contribute to something much bigger than the challenge itself.

Over the coming year, I will be fundraising towards the challenge while preparing physically for the climb. It is a slightly daunting prospect knowing that the summit is almost six kilometres above sea level, but that is also part of what attracted me to it. I wanted to choose something genuinely difficult - something that would require a long-term commitment rather than simply turning up on the day.

From King’s to Kilimanjaro

King’s has been a significant part of my life. I originally joined King’s International College before moving into the main school in 6b, and although I have now left as a pupil, my connection with the school has continued.

I am now studying Computer Science at the University of Bath, but I also return to King’s as a Cadet Force Adult Volunteer with the CCF. Being able to remain involved with the school in a completely different capacity has been particularly rewarding.

Some of the experiences I had at King’s - particularly through sport, the CCF and the wider opportunities available outside the classroom - have also contributed to my willingness to take on challenges that initially seem slightly ridiculous. Climbing Kilimanjaro probably qualifies!

The journey starts now

The expedition itself may still be some time away, but the challenge has already begun. Between now and August 2027, I will be fundraising, training and preparing for the realities of spending several days trekking at altitude.

I am looking forward to sharing that journey with the OKS community - from the preparation and fundraising over the coming months to, hopefully, standing at Uhuru Peak in August next year.

Most importantly, I hope the challenge will allow me to raise as much as possible for Amnesty International UK and the work it does to defend human rights around the world.

Any support, whether through a donation or simply by sharing my fundraising page, would mean a great deal to me.

Support Daria’s Kilimanjaro challenge here.