The second edition of the Magnolia Girls’ Run, set for November 27, is targeting to raise Sh10m, the organisers have said.
Robert Saruni, CEO and co-founder of Rainbow of Magnolia, said this is geared towards the contruction of dining and boarding fcacilities at the organisation headquarters in Loitoktok, Kajiado County.
The event, set for Uhuru Gardens, will comprise of two categories, 10km and 5km, and where participants will pay a Sh1,500 registration fee. Registration will start next week.
“The main aim of the race is to raise money to fund our activities, with rescuing vulnerable girls from female genital mutilation, early marriages and other forms of domestic top on our agenda,” said Saruni.
“Our projection is to raise Sh10m as hope to attract people of all walks of life to participate. We are actually calling on corporates to come partner with us in uplifting the lives of these vulnerable girls.”
Saruni said they are currently taking care of 73 girls between eight and 19 years. The institution was stated in 2015 and have been partnering with local and foreign
He added that with all the girls being of school going age, they have partnered with several schools, who have helped ensure that the girls do not miss classes, school fees or not.
“With most of these girls being in their teenage years and not forgeting the trauma they have gone thriough on their journey to Magnolia, we usually have professional counsellors take them through session to complement what we are offering,” said Saruni.
He added that most of the girls are either runaways or victims of FGM, planned early marriages, rape, torture and neglect in their families and society and who need not only basic needs but also health services, education and right to association.
Saruni added that despite their main focus being on the girls, they have also come through for needy boys who seek their help especially on areas of education and health.
In addition, Saruni said they have diversified their activities and are now into sports – athletics and basketball – where some of the students have already participated in AK age-grade competitions.
Athletics kenya vice president in charge of competitions, Paul Mutwii said: “This is a very noble course and my prayer is that you (the organisers) reach out to the county and national governments and even President William Ruto to come and chip in.”
He observed that a move towards athletics is welcome since the girls can go on to become elite athletes and therefore earn a living from one of the most pronounced sporting careers in the world.