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Cycling from Oslo to Damascus

About the project

Project background

This project is about more than a cycling trip. It is a humanitarian initiative where I will cycle from Oslo to Damascus to raise funds for building and rehabilitating schools in Syria.

After years of conflict, millions of children are without safe and stable schooling. Thousands of school buildings are destroyed or underfunded, and the lack of resources is critical. Education is not just learning – it is stability, dignity and a future.

By cycling through Europe all the way to Syria, I want to combine physical endurance with a clear purpose: to raise awareness, mobilise support and contribute concretely to children's right to education.

The journey is symbolic – but the goal is entirely concrete.

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Goals & purpose

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Awareness

To highlight the situation of children in Syria and show how vital education is for reconstruction and long-term stability.

🎓

Fundraising

To raise funds for school rehabilitation, safe learning environments and educational materials in collaboration with local partners.

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Documentation

To document the journey and process along the way, creating transparency, engagement and trust.

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Long-term impact

To build a structure that ensures funds are used responsibly and that the project has lasting significance beyond the cycling trip itself.

Who I am

Alaa Same

I am Norwegian-Syrian and came to Norway as a refugee after the war in Syria. Through education I got the opportunity to build a new life – from secondary school to higher education.

Education gave me stability, direction and hope for the future. That same opportunity is what I want children in Syria to have.

I have a background in voluntary organisational work and have previously been involved in education-related projects. This initiative is built on long-term commitment – not a one-time stunt.

The cycling trip is personal, but the purpose is bigger than me.

Education focus & long-term vision

The project has one clear focus: education.

Through collaboration with relevant partners, raised funds will go to concrete measures such as:

  • Rehabilitation of school buildings
  • Improvement of learning environments
  • Access to necessary materials
  • Support for local initiatives

Long-term goal

The goal is to ensure that children have access to safe and stable schooling – a prerequisite for reconstruction, societal development and lasting peace.