MSU alumnus Matthew Clough recently fulfilled his lifelong dream of reaching Mount Kilimanjaro’s summit. After learning his porters don’t make enough money to educate their youth, Clough founded his company, stone cloth, to donate proceeds to African children’s education. Clough took some time to tell The State News exactly what happened during his trip.
—Zachary Peña, The State News
The State News: Why did you embark on the journey?
Clough: I’ve always dreamt of climbing the seven summits — the highest peaks on every continent … (Mount) Kilimanjaro is the highest peak in Africa and was my first opportunity to check one of those mountains off the list … I ended up being only one of four out of our group … to get to the summit.
What struggles did you face during the climb?
The four-and-a-half-day climb to the summit became quite brutal on the last night at higher elevations. I began hallucinating because of the lack of oxygen, and others in the group turned around, concerned about frostbite, and couldn’t take the physical demands of the higher altitudes … Once the sun came up around 6 a.m., I was looking down on the clouds … The beauty of that view gave me all the energy I needed to get to the summit.
When did you have your idea to help African children with their education?
After summiting, I realized the reason I was able to make it to the top was because of my porters … This was the time when I learned they make around a dollar a day … I then learned that the one thing they wanted help with was educating their youth.
How do the proceeds help educate children?
I found the Knock Foundation after moving to California. (It is) an amazing organization making a big impact in Tanzania. (It) focuses on education and health, but our donations (which come from people who purchase backpacks) get distributed into scholarships, school supplies and lunches for the kids.
Support student media! Please consider donating to The State News and help fund the future of journalism.
