Kilometers for Kids: On the Move for Open Schools Worldwide

Friday morning, June 5th, I headed out early with 3 other family members onto the Atlantic City, New Jersey boardwalk overlooking the ocean, to begin what ended up being an 18-kilometer run.  It was a sunny but cool morning - good running conditions.  However, as I had not run that distance in quite a while, it began to take its toll, as my knees and hips started talking to me, along with the hot spots and blisters that began forming under my feet.  But as I thought of the marginalized kids we serve, I knew that my temporary aches were nothing compared to the harsh realities that they live with every day.  I managed another 12 kilometers that weekend, rounding out my personal goal for “Kilometers for Kids”, the annual Open Schools Worldwide global fundraiser that took place for the 7th time. 

I was joined by folks on 5 continents who participated in Kilometers for Kids. They put in kilometers either by running, walking, or biking, generating funds through donor pledges for each kilometer they put in.  Others gave set donations for Open Schools Worldwide.  Some of the countries that folks participated in KM4K were the UK, Canada, USA, South Africa, Germany, Ireland, Australia, West Asia, Burundi, Liberia, and Zambia.  In several African countries, children from Open Schools projects took to the streets with singing, dancing, and signs to communicate the value of education, Open Schools Worldwide and God’s love. 

This year’s donations will be used towards providing training and educational materials in multiple new countries that Open Schools Worldwide is being invited to come and serve disadvantaged children, especially in regions where there is limited access due to restrictions on faith-based organizations. It will take some time before we know how many funds were generated through Kilometers for Kids last weekend. It’s very encouraging to see folks around the world showing love for these marginalized children by getting out and completing some kilometers and/or donating to Open Schools. We know that God will honor these efforts, and they will help provide many more children with “hope through life-changing learning”, as well as help build His kingdom.  

Though the KM4K weekend has passed, the link for donations is still open at www.osww.org/km4k.