{"id":296891,"date":"2026-02-19T17:09:38","date_gmt":"2026-02-19T15:09:38","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/novanews.co.za\/noordkaapbulletin\/?p=296891"},"modified":"2026-02-19T17:09:40","modified_gmt":"2026-02-19T15:09:40","slug":"alayas-long-walk-for-peace-and-education-a-two-year-journey-across-continents","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/novanews.co.za\/noordkaapbulletin\/alayas-long-walk-for-peace-and-education-a-two-year-journey-across-continents\/","title":{"rendered":"Alaya’s long walk for peace and education: A two-year journey across continents"},"content":{"rendered":"\n

Driven by a dual mission to promote peace and children’s education, Jordanian adventurer Saddam Al Alaya, known as Alaya, embarked on an expedition to traverse the world’s longest continuous walkable route from Africa’s southern tip to Russia’s remote eastern shores. \n<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\"Saddam
Saddam Al Alaya, known as Alaya, is a Jordanian adventurer and founder of “Hike With Me”. He is currently undertaking the world’s longest peace march. His walk began on 1 January, and on 10 February he was welcomed in Kimberley by members of the SAPS. He also visited the Big Hole. PHOTO: Facebook<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

The route from Cape Agulhas to Magadan covers over 23 000km across 18 countries, six time zones; and will take approximately two years to complete. \n<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The expedition also includes efforts to break seven Guinness World Records.\n<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The Petra-born Alaya commenced his peace walk with a white flag on Thursday 1 January from Cape Agulhas, and by early February he had reached the Northern Cape. \n<\/p>\n\n\n\n

On Tuesday 10 February he was welcomed in Kimberley. \n<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The Frances Baard District commissioner, Major General Charlotte Makgari, accompanied by the provincial head of Corporate Communication and Liaison, Brigadier Mashay Gamieldien, officially welcomed Alaya to Kimberley on a wet and cool morning.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\"Long
With Alaya are, from the left, Major General Charlotte Makgari (Frances Baard District commissioner),
Brigadier Mashay Gamieldien (provincial head of Corporate Communication and Liaison), and Colonel Cherelle Ehlers (section head for media relations Northern Cape and spokesperson). PHOTO: Facebook<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

During a gathering at the Big Hole, Makgari commended Alaya for undertaking such an extraordinary journey in support of a noble cause that affects the global community. \n<\/p>\n\n\n\n

She conveyed her heartfelt admiration for his bravery, dedication and perseverance, and wished him well for the remainder of his journey.\n<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Alaya addressed the men and women in blue, sharing the purpose of his adventure and inspiring those in attendance through his humility and passion for promoting peace.\n<\/p>\n\n\n\n

He also emphasised the importance of education and investing in the youth as a foundation for a peaceful future.\n<\/p>\n\n\n\n

‘Living testament to power of human connection’<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

According to his website, hikewith-me.com<\/a>, this adventure is a living testament to the power of human connection. While we walk to prove that borders are lines on paper, hope is written in the human heart.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

What started as one person’s journey has grown into something much bigger.\n<\/p>\n\n\n\n

WATCH:<\/strong> https:\/\/www.facebook.com\/reel\/1357751262521521<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n

“Hiking was never just footsteps on stone. It was a language slow enough to hear stories, humble enough to share bread with strangers, strong enough to carry hope into the world’s hidden corners. \n<\/p>\n\n\n\n

“That truth ignited Hike With Me: an invitation to turn trails into bridges,” Alaya stated on his website. \n<\/p>\n\n\n\n

He has already more than 8 000km solo hikes behind him.\n<\/p>\n\n\n\n

“Walk with me. Let’s change the world, step by shared step,” he also wrote. \n<\/p>\n\n\n\n

On his route, Alaya will visit schools to promote the peace initiative and motivate learners on the importance of education. \n<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Alaya is currently walking through parts of the North West province on his way to Botswana, and members of the public who encounter him along his route are encouraged to join and accompany him in support of this peace initiative.\n<\/p>\n\n\n\n