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Former President of Sierra Leone, Ernest Bai Koroma, has joins thousands at the Street Child Makeni Marathon. Street Child is an international charity organization that supports some of the most vulnerable children.
Makeni is the centre of Street Child’s operations where it has two operational centers since its establishment in 2008. The organization works with 120 children every year 60 boys and 60 girls divided between the two centers offering them education, regular meals, clothing and medical facilities in a safe environment away from the streets.
“We believe every child deserves the chance to go to school and learn”.
They also believe that there is a link between education and a better life. “We believe that basic education is the single greatest step that can be taken towards the elimination of global poverty”.
One of it key activities is its annual 42km Marathon which attracts participants around the world. But the organizers say no one needs to run the full 42km, 21km, 10km and 5km are perfectly fine as well.
Sunday’s event marks the 10th Anniversary of the marathon which is a fantastic six-day adventure that would give pe9ople the opportunity to challenge themselves and experience Sierra Leone’s culture while doing something good.
According to the organizers, the run or walk, depending on what the individual prefers takes place on bumpy unpaved roads, along villages, through the jungle and participants are warmly welcomed by Sierra Leoneans throughout.
Through the Marathon, Street Child fundraises to finance it charity work, at the same time encourages interested persons outside Sierra Leone to do a fundraising campaign in whatever creative way they could before they come to Sierra Leone.
“We can assure you 100% that the money goes directly into our projects, this is why it is very important for us to give you the opportunity to visit Street Child’s projects while you are here”. This is not only a chance to see how Street Child works with it local partners, but it also provides you the possibility to get in touch with the local community. Moreover, you would travel through lush green landscapes, meet children who live in rural areas, sing and dance with locals. Every day will be a new adventure. Beautiful Sierra Leone,” says Street Child
The Sierra Leonean statesman has been participating at this event even while he was a sitting President. In fact, it was he who launched the event in 2018. “It’s so refreshing being part of such an extraordinary physical exercise with a community of people of all ages in support of the extraordinary humanitarian work of StreetChild charity. I’m truly pleased to be associated with it,” said former President Koroma.
This year’s Marathon brought together several high profile runners/ walkers including the British High Commissioner in Sierra Leone, Lisa Chesney.
”Superb to celebrate the Platinum Jubilee of the Queen being part of an event that’s rooted in empathy, care, love and concern for the welfare of others,” said the High Commissioner.
