Thanks for taking the time to visit my JustGiving page - Running 4 Schools.

I will be running NYC Marathon this November and desperately need your help to urgently raise funds for the reformation of schools in Rubaga, one of the poorest areas in Kampala, Uganda, in partnership with the UK charity, Right To Play.

It all started when I was given an opportunity to visit a Right To Play programme during my visit to Kampala just over 3 years ago...

It was unplanned, however, I had a chance to visit one school in Rubaga, which was badly in need of repair and improvement for it to provide a safer and a cleaner learning environment. With money we have initially raised after returning from the trip, three schools in Rubaga were successfully reformed under the leadership of Dr Rudaba Khondker, Regional Director of East & Southern Africa for Right To Play, and her great team in Ugana. The positive change – improved environment to learn – has had led to encouraging reactions: earning trust, support and acknowledgment from the community and the government, which I believe is vital for the future and on going success of the schools. It is my earnest belief that access to education and childhood are children's prerogative.

Through snapshot reports I receive, I have come to realise that it is not huge modifications, but often what would be taken for granted and small improvements results in real rewarding changes, for example, having separate and appropriate hygiene facilities have lead to increased number of children to enroll (especially we saw a huge increase in girls enrolling), and for them to remain at the schools.  

The fund raised will afford the schools to further make those small but effective progresses, which lead to far greater changes in the lives of those children.

I do believe in wonderful and unexpected encounters in life and this was certainly one of them.

Thank you very much for your support!

Donating through JustGiving is simple, fast and totally secure. Your details are safe with JustGiving – they’ll never sell them on or send unwanted emails. Once you donate, they’ll send your money directly to the charity and make sure Gift Aid is reclaimed on every eligible donation by a UK taxpayer. So it’s the most efficient way to donate - I raise more, whilst saving time and cutting costs for the charity.

Any amount will be very much appreciated by me but most importantly by the children who will have a better footing as a result of having their right to education and to their childhood.

If you would like to further read about the schools, please visit: http://web.me.com/yhattorimcintyre/yumi_runs_nyc_marathon/Welcome.html