Running a half-marathon - for youth in Uganda

Long distance running has never been my most favorite discipline, but when I heard about the half-marathon in Uganda and saw an opportunity to collect money for Right to Play Uganda, an amazing NGO that works with young people in disadvantaged communities, I was up for the challenge!  My training started and I can tell you, it is painful... First of all, I needed to loose a few kilos of Christmas cookies and then get used to long distances... But I am getting there. 

Race day will be June 4th!!

To put things into perspective.... War is raging in Europe - and I am amazed by the support people are providing by organizing truck loads of food and medicine to the Ukraine, donating money or organizing support in their neighborhood. When I planned my pledge for Right to Play, the war was far away. In spite of all the support provided already for the Ukrainian people, I am hopeful that this humanitarian crisis uncovers the awareness in many of us to the importance of looking beyond our bubble and realize the power of solidarity with others.

Why did I chose Right to Play? Right to Play focuses on young people, introducing play based and participatory education in schools, as well as support early childhood development in schools and refugee camps - you might not know that Uganda hosts over 1.4 million refugees from war zones in South Sudan and the Democratic Republic of Congo. Such news hardly make the headlines anymore in Europe. 

But I want to talk more about opportunities: I have seen first hand how effective support of youngsters can be when I was working with young coffee farmers in Central America, Colombia an East Africa within a program called "Coffee Kids". Uncovering the creativity and spirit of these young people and supporting them to realize their dreams was more than inspiring. This is what Right to Play can also do with their work. 

My little half-marathon and your support can show that we take interest in the lives of people with less chances in life - and I hope it can builds small human bridges of humanity between people from different continents that help to prevent conflicts and war. 

I will keep you updated on my progress!!

Thanks for your support!

Jan