I am not a runner, but every now and then I some how sign myself up to a run. Last year, it was a half marathon, this year it's the full marathon. It seemed like the obvious next step, I must be having a midlife crisis, as I had no idea what I was letting myself in for. The training has been long and gruelling, especially during the month of Ramadhan. I couldn't have got to this point without the incredible support of my SJ Running family. The motivation and advice they provide through the (extremely!) active Whatsapp group has been invaluable.
I'm running to support 30 secondary school children in Tanzania to build a brighter future for these students.
These students are from a remote area of Tanzania, Kigomo, along the shores of Lake Tanganyika. Kigoma is historically one of the most underdeveloped regions in Tanzania as far as secondary education is concerned. Students are often from families who are barely able to afford one meal a day.
The existing programme run by WF-AID is making a huge difference to the lives of young people who are unable to complete their secondary education without this support. Upon completion of secondary school, these students have pursued higher education and successfully secured roles in either government or private sector roles.
The cost of sponsoring each child for the entire Academic Year 2025 is ~£800 which covers the school tuition fee, accommodation, meals, stationery, textbooks, examination fees, uniforms, sports, transportation, medical fees and a stipend for each student.
