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 the run is among initiatives geared towards involving the girls at the rescue centre in sports where athletics and basketball is already gaining traction.
Some of the students have already participated in Athletics Kenya age-grade competitions, Saruni said.
He said the money raised will be used for the construction of dining and boarding facilities at the organisation headquarters in Loitoktok, Kajiado County.
The event, set for Uhuru Gardens, will comprise 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 violence top on our agenda,” said Saruni.
“Our projection is to raise Sh10m as we hope to attract people from all walks of life. 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 started in 2015 and has been partnering with local and foreign donors.
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 forgetting the trauma they have gone through on their journey to Magnolia, we usually have professional counsellors take them through sessions 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 the 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 in areas of education and health.
In addition, Saruni said they have diversified their activities and are now into sports – athletics and basketball - where
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.
