There aren’t a lot of events held just for kids in Kyangwali refugee settlement. So, when we announced Kyangwali’s first Children’s Marathon (2km, not 26), everyone was excited to participate and show what they could do!
The kids came together to run on Day 258, which we had planned for a school holiday. Any child in Kyangwali who wanted to participate was invited, but because verification was happening – Kyangwali’s census – some weren’t able to join. Still, 120 kids were lined up at the start when the race began. We handed each child a jersey and helped them each pin on a number.
AND THEY WERE OFF! The kids ran 1 km away and then 1 km back through the streets on Kyangwali. Adults cheered them as they raced by. Before we knew it the runners had returned.
First place won a female goat. “By the time he [the winner] turns 20, he’ll have a whole farm of goats,” said ARC Team Member Joseph.”
Nobody left empty handed. We had chickens for the other top finishers and soap for everyone else. The marathon was a chance to show the children they’re important to the community and to encourage them to run and exercise regularly.
This change made possible by Atomic Data.
