Sep 08, 2013 at 04:13 pm

Why a Marathon?

Update posted by Dean Burgis

We were driving back from a long teaching session at Nyarugunda school. As we drove we passed groups of children who were making their way home while chewing freshly cut sugar cane. They were caked in red dust, didn't have shoes and yet all wore the biggest grins on their faces.

 

 

Our host, Kenneth, pulled over and asked the kids if they wanted a lift home. They got in and proceeded to giggle all the way home because of the strange Mazungus (white skins) sat beside them. When they got out 20 minutes later Kenneth explained that the chance to travel in any vehicle was a luxury for the children and it was his delight for him to bless them in this little way. He went on to explain that before Nyarugunda school had been built the children would walk 20+ miles to get to the next school. This is the equivalent of a marathon a day and once they got back there is no sports massage or even a bath but instead they would help clean, cook, care for sick relatives and then sleep ready for the 5 o'clock rise to work before going to school again (That's just for those fortunate to be able to afford schooling).

 

Another time Kenneth explained that before the new school was built two girls who had been making this journey had been attacked as they walked and were raped. Children stopped making the journey and families faced a future with little chance of bettering themselves. It was as a result of this that Nyarugunda school was built to give a safe, local and affordable place for children to be educated. Nyarugunda began with one class  two years ago and now has two classes filled to the brim with children from the area. This little school has brought hope to the towns nearby just by being a place where children can learn, play and grow so that one day they can get jobs and support their families. There are still children who are unable to go to school so Kenneth and his team are hoping to grow the school so that more children are free to get an education and a chance to change their lives. It is a simple hope but one that is having a huge impact on the people around Nyarugunda.

 

So why am i running a marathon? That 20 mile journey was a daily marathon that each kid willingly walked because it held out the hope of an education and the chance to change the lives of their family and community. The journey is now much shorter but still involves crossing collapsed bridges and dangerous roads. There is also the problem that there are some kids who would make the journey but cannot afford to pay the fees once they get there and in some cases they can't leave home becuase they are the only carer for their sick parents and siblings.

 

One of the broken bridges children (and 80 year olds) had to cross to get around.

 

I have chosen to run a marathon because I figured that if these kids are willing to walk 20+ miles a day for the chance of an education then maybe I could run 26.2 miles just once to give a few more children that same chance. I'm certainly not a hero, and in the grand scheme of things this won't change the world but if I can change the future of a few people then I will consider this a success. I am the first to avoid guilt trips in trying to make people give, but if you think the cause is worth it and you feel you can support me in this simple plan then I would be grateful to have your support.

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