GIRLS' EDUCATION AND EMPOWERMENT: 3 half marathons

Knowledge is power, and education is freedom.

I was born in a small town in the communist Czech Republic. Education enabled me to move across the world, become a citizen of my favorite country (Australia), turn my hobby into a career and live a good life without depending on anyone or anything else other than my skill (and health). Thanks to my education and skills, I’ve been helping the community to become healthier and happier. Long story short, education turned me into a contributor to public health and the economy instead of a burden.

It’s sad to know that there are 16.7 million girls out of school in sub-Saharan Africa, 9.3 million of whom will never set foot in a classroom. Besides living in poverty and getting forced into teenage marriages, the lack of girls’ education in Africa impacts the world’s environment, affecting all of us.

Making sure all girls finish secondary education by 2030 could boost the gross domestic product (GDP) of developing countries by 10% over the next decade. Simply put, when girls are not getting educated, the world misses out on trillions of dollars that could strengthen the global economy, public health and stability. Furthermore, sub-Saharan African countries are among the world's most susceptible to the impacts of climate change. Educating girls can reduce global carbon emissions by decreasing fertility rates and population growth and reducing forest dependency, thus decreasing deforestation significantly.

When my friend HEATHER suggested we run three back-to-back half marathons through the plains of Africa to raise awareness and funds for girls' empowerment programs, including providing one year's sanitary pads and education scholarships, I was IN! I don't have children and never will. Instead, I decided to keep helping children in need over a decade ago. And this time, I can use my running passion to help other girls live better lives. The SERENGETI GIRLS RUN is a girls-only event organized by SINGITA to help the GRUMETI FUND improve the energy and environment in Africa. The Grumeti fund is a non-profit organization focusing on conserving the Serengeti ecosystem for future generations. Their programs are quite amazing and involve conservation, community outreach, anti-poaching, research and other special projects.

Together, Heather and I have pledged to raise 30.000 USD, which is 15.000 USD each, for the GRUMETI FUND, and we need your help.

Your contribution will help fund the following empowerment initiatives for girls:

• Scholarships for 80 local girls in secondary school, vocational studies and university

• Empowerment events for 5,000 high school girls

• One year’s worth of pads for 5,000 high school girls so that they can attend school with dignity and pride

• Mentorship program

• Life skills training

Let's do this!!! We will take you on the journey via social media and share our preparation (training, nutrition and mindset), travel and the race itself.

I really appreciate any donation you can provide. We start on 31st October!!!

The funds will go to https://grumetifund.org/