I will be the youngest person and only Canadian to run 7 marathons on 7 continents in 7 weeks in early 2010 to raise funds and awareness to empower AIDS orphans and vulnerable children in Kenya to outpace poverty through running. Follow me in my training and find out more at www.tasharuns.wordpress.com and help my campaign through clicking donate and/or spread the word above.
Often when children arrive in orphanages they are traumatized and have not been given the chance to see their true potential, let alone acheive it. Like is often the case here in Canada, athletics can be a great catalyst for children to realize their own potential and come out of their shells, and ultimately finding ways to pull themselves and their communities out of poverty on their own terms. The development of specific skills, such as social entrepreneurship and business skills, and university educations can further this empowerment and allow these children to thrive even in areas with unemployment rates between 15 and 30%. This is exactly what this project hopes will do in partnership with Hope Runs and by focusing on 5 key project areas:
- Daily Running Programs in Two Kenyan Orphanages: Capitalizing on children’s universal love of sport and activity, Hope Runs uses running as a primary community builder in locations where structured after school activities and athletics programs are unheard-of luxuries. With its ability to show personal progress, to prove the effectiveness of goal-setting and discipline, and to improve these children’s health, running has proven an amazing tool to teach these children motivational and disciplinary lessons that can apply to every aspect of their life. This is also an exceptional way to engage our volunteers in the community and to bring the children together in their efforts toward a common goal.
- Student Runners Attending International and Local Races: With the ability to help these children train for and complete races in International Events, Hope Runs has realized that the process of goal setting, discipline and self-motivation that are part of any training program are also essential skills for these children learn. With proven improvements in school performance, self-esteem, and future outlook, the involvement in competitive racing for those who are able has proven a valuable and important program for this population.
- Hope Runs University Scholarships: University Scholarships allow High School graduates to garner further skills and put their sense of self developed through other Hope Runs programming to work. A University education gives these kids the critical thinking skills and tools needed to create the world they wish to see.
- Business and Social Entrepreneurship Training Program for Kenyan High School Graduates: In collaboration with long-term volunteers and consultants, Hope Runs has developed a business training program that provides high school-aged children with the training they need to begin their own businesses after they leave the home.
- First Blog on the Internet Written by Orphans and Vulnerable Children - www.TumainiKids.blogspot.com: Through blogging these children take accountability for their achievements, learn how to express themselves, and see that the whole world has an interest in who they are, pushing them to go further.