Run Alex 10km Paves the Way for Youth Empowerment Through Holiday Programme

Run Alex 10km Lays Groundwork for Youth Empowerment with Holiday Programme

ALEXANDRA, March – When thousands of enthusiastic runners hit the streets of Alexandra for the Run Alex 10km in March, they were not just racing against the clock; they were paving the way for a brighter future for local youth. Their collective strides, sweat, and generous donations have culminated in the launch of the inaugural Run Alex Holiday Programme, which aims to enrich the lives of 32 children aged 7 to 15 during their school break.

Set to take place from July 1-8 at the Kwabhekilanga Sports Ground, this six-day initiative is designed to engage young minds and bodies through activities like chess, coding, and athletics, all while steering them away from the streets.

Nomthandazo Moloi, a representative from Run Alex, emphasized the programme’s mission. “There is more to life, more to reading, more to running, more to anything we do to take children off the streets. And it was the generosity of our runners that made this possible,” she stated.

Chess: A Game of Strategy and Opportunity

The first three days of the programme are dedicated to chess, led by Bongani Mazibuko, a seasoned chess coach and founder of Chess Is My Lifestyle. With a history of establishing chess clubs in communities like Soweto and Tembisa, Mazibuko is excited to introduce the game to Alexandra, highlighting its accessibility. “When you look at other sports, you need a big investment in terms of stadiums or soccer boots, but chess is very cheap, and you can start at the age of five,” he explained.

The initial results from the chess sessions are promising, with most participants scoring between four to five out of six in assessments, despite only eight having prior exposure to the game.

Coding and Athletics: Building Skills for the Future

In addition to chess, the programme will introduce participants to ScratchJr, a visual coding language aimed at teaching the basics of programming. The lessons will be facilitated by Mokakatla Masekela, the club’s chairperson. These educational activities will be complemented by weekend athletics, ensuring a well-rounded experience for the children.

Anelisa Mzimazi, director of the Run Alex Development Programme, expressed her gratitude to the running community for their support. “We are thrilled to be able to broaden the horizons and stretch the minds of kids in our community with this holiday programme,” she said.

A Community Effort

The Run Alex Holiday Programme is more than just a series of activities; it represents a community coming together to invest in its youth. With the support of local runners and organizations, this initiative is set to create lasting change in the lives of young people in Alexandra.

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