ESTG Student Delivers 80 kg of School Supplies to Children in the Moroccan Desert

Francisco Violante Lopes, a final-year student in Automotive Engineering at the School of Technology and Management (ESTG) of the Polytechnic University of Leiria, traveled 2,400 kilometers along the old Dakar routes over eight days, behind the wheel of a 37-year-old vehicle, to deliver 80 kg of school supplies to children from underprivileged communities in the Moroccan desert. The journey was part of UniRaid 2025, an event that challenges participants to travel across the Moroccan desert to distribute humanitarian supplies to disadvantaged communities from February 8 to 15.

“More than an adventure, participating in UniRaid was an opportunity to make a difference in the lives of many children and families, bringing a little hope and joy to those who need it most. Witnessing the happiness and smiles of these children when receiving the materials was a very enriching experience, which also allowed me to become aware of realities very different from those we know,” says Francisco.

The ESTG student, who teamed up with his friend Tomás Nunes Batista, drove a 1988 Ford Fiesta Mk2, which was adapted, revised, and prepared for the desert by the team before the journey.

“This is the car I use daily for all my transportation needs. Covering more than 300 kilometers per week, between Belas—where I am from—and Leiria, the Fiesta has shown unmatched durability and reliability. In Morocco, it proved to be a true ‘machine’ ready to face any challenge,” Francisco highlights, adding that, among the 200 participating teams, their duo managed to finish among those who completed all stages.

Among other supporters, Francisco Violante Lopes and Tomás Nunes Batista were involved in the Agrupamento de Escolas EB 2,3 Dr. Rui Grácio, in Montelavar, which developed a humanitarian project with students to collect supplies to be delivered to the Moroccan children.

UniRaid is an adventure challenge designed for university students who want to experience a unique and transformative journey, consisting of a humanitarian rally covering 2,400 kilometers along the old Dakar stages in Morocco. Driving cars over 15 years old, participants must complete six stages, navigating with a roadbook and overcoming various obstacles and challenges, while spreading smiles to those they meet along the way. Each team must transport at least 40 kg of humanitarian supplies, including school materials, toys, clothing, and other essential items.