10x10K Runs for Education - Supporting Education for Children in Jamaica Hi, my name is Norval, and I am seeking assistance from the Global Community to help fund the education of children in Jamaica. I am a Jamaican-born, Canadian Citizen who immigrated to Canada at the age of 12. I am currently employed in the Construction Management field, working as a Project Manager for a Municipality in Ontario, Canada. I also own a small Architectural Design firm, where I take on small residential design projects. I have 2 children, ages 9 and 14, both girls. Most of my formative years were spent in the Jamaican education system, and I can attest to the hardships that one has to endure trying to gain quality education in a developing country. The education system in Jamaica is extremely competitive and is often unaffordable to those who are most vulnerable. These are the children who get left behind before they even have a chance to succeed. I would like to help in providing some assistance to underprivileged children so they can gain a quality education and realize their full potential. I will work with local schools in Jamaica to help identify children who can benefit the most from this additional financial support. 100% of the funds raised will go directly to these children in pursuit of a better life. I will be directing the funding to children in the Elementary/Primary grade levels (ages 6-12) to afford the following items: • School admission fees (As high as $250 CAD) • Uniform purchase ($100+ CAD) • Books, bags, and other school supplies ($160-$200+ CAD) • Lunch programs ($10+ per week CAD) • Cost of transportation (varies) The average cost of a child’s school provisions in Jamaica is approximately $500 CAD at registration, and thousands more during the school term. By meeting the fundraising goal, we will be able to help dozens of children access quality education that will unlock their learning potential. Education in Jamaica (source: https://wenr.wes.org/2019/09/education-in-jamaica) Here are some of the challenges with the Jamaican education system: • Limited Government resources to invest in the education system • More expensive in comparison to other developing/developed nations, and is difficult to be carried by the average household • Low participation rates due to a lack of finances to cover the necessities • Enrollment rates drop significantly from primary (97%) to secondary school levels (60%) • Many children are required to enter the workforce to help support their families. • Oftentimes, the tough decision is made to send 1 of 3 children in the household to school One of the bright spots in Jamaica is the development of pre-elementary education, where children between the ages of 3-5 are introduced to basic education with great success and have an enrollment rate near 100%. In honour of this fundraiser, I am committing myself to completing a personal challenge. Firstly, I am NOT a runner in the traditional sense, but I have taken up the habit recently, and I’m willing to challenge myself in pursuit of greater things. I aim to complete 10K Runs for 10 straight days (10x10K Runs) in different locations to help bring awareness to this cause. This is new territory for me, and more than I’ve ever run in my entire life. The 10x10K Runs will occur from July 26 – Aug 4 in cities and towns located in Canada and Jamaica. I hope this personal challenge will show my commitment to this fundraising effort. Please join me in the 10x10K Runs (virtual or in person) if you are able. More details and updates to follow.
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