Kenya Connect, a US based Non governmental organization held a five-kilometre junior marathon race in Wamumyu town on Tuesday to help promote reading culture among school going children.
The event which was attended by dozens of children from neighbouring schools was also attended by among others area MCA, Thomas Mutinda, the Machakos County Association of Manufacturers Chairman, Kilei Mutinda and representatives from the organization.
Speaking during the flagging off ceremony at Wamunyu ABC Primary School, Mutinda hailed the initiative as a milestone towards upscaling reading in rural areas.
“As leaders and the business community, we pledge to continue supporting this noble cause and believe it will go a long way in improving education performance in our society,” he said.
He similarly thanked Kenya Connect for sponsoring the race and called upon other well-wishers to follow suit to help uplift education standards in the area.
James Musyoka who is the organization’s local director said the theme of the competition was ‘running to read’ which resonated well with the objective at hand.
The official said since the program was launched at the beginning of this year, the organization has distributed books to 3,000 pupils.
The Kenya Connect country representative, Shirleen Bradge said her organization was not only using the event to promote reading culture among needy children but also to create awareness among locals on the need to stay healthy through regular physical exercises.
Ms. Badge said she was delighted to participate in the mini-marathon race and assured residents of the organization’s commitment to continue supporting the community in improving literacy levels in the area.
“I have now been working with Kenya Connect since 2006 and today has been a fabulous day of running to read. I am especially thrilled that your countryman, Eliud Kipchoge broke the World record of running marathon under two hours on Saturday, October 12, 2019,” she added.
Since its inception in 2002, Kenya Connect has expanded with robust programming to break down barriers to education while providing enrichment and empowerment activities for 17,000 students and 500 teachers in 44 primary and 11 secondary schools in Mwala Sub County alone.
By Samuel Maina
