In a powerful show of partnership and purpose, Africell-Sierra Leone has teamed up once again with Street Child to launch the 12th edition of the Street Child Marathon, an annual event that merges athletics with advocacy, set to take place Sunday, May 4, 2025, in the vibrant city of Makeni.
The official launch ceremony was on Friday, April 4, 2025, at Africell’s headquarters on Pivot Street, Wilberforce, bringing together stakeholders committed to driving change through sport, education, and innovation.
This year’s marathon promises inclusive participation with four race categories: 5K, 10K, 21km (half marathon), and the full 42km marathon. The event remains a rallying point for Sierra Leoneans and international supporters alike, offering a platform where fitness, solidarity, and social impact converge.
Nancy Toure, Africell’s Events and Sponsorship Manager, emphasized that Africell’s involvement extends beyond corporate sponsorship. “We are not just supporting a race; we are supporting a generation. We are using this platform to build stronger communities, improve health, and most importantly, expand access to education,” she affirmed.
Street Child’s Country Director, Kelfa Kargbo, gave a moving account of the organization’s evolution since its humble beginnings in Makeni back in 2008. From a modest team of four, Street Child has grown into a global charity with a footprint in 22 countries and nearly 300 staff.
He disclosed Street Child’s ambitious to support 45,000 children and 4,000 families over the next four years. “In 2025 alone, we are constructing 22 Junior Secondary Schools while maintaining our annual target of 50 new primary schools. Our commitment to education is unwavering,” he stated.
He also announced a new initiative, funded by German partners, aimed at assisting families in slum communities with dignified relocation. All funds will be distributed via Afrimoney to ensure transparent, fast, and secure transactions.
Afrimoney’s Marketing Director, John Konteh, described the collaboration as a strategic partnership driven by shared values.
“This year, we are proud to introduce a digital registration and payment system to make participation more accessible,” he said. Participants can now register by dialing *162*4# and entering the Street Child code 76081.
For Sierra Leonean nationals, registration fees are as follows: Full Marathon – NLe 75; Half Marathon – NLe 60; 10K – NLe 50; 5K – NLe 40. For non-Sierra Leoneans: Full Marathon – NLe 1200; Half Marathon – NLe 900; 10K – NLe 700; 5K – NLe 600.
In addition to supporting vulnerable children and families, the Street Child project will launch a new empowerment loan scheme for its staff. The initiative aims to strengthen personal development and extend social impact beyond the organization.
Bobson Turay, Street Child’s Communications Manager, extended gratitude to all sponsors, old and new.
“Your dedication fuels this marathon. From logistics to refreshments, your support brings life to this movement. Makeni remains the symbolic home of the Street Child Marathon, being the birthplace of the initiative,’’ he said, adding that 2025 comes with a new milestone, a second marathon scheduled for October in Bo City, signalling a bold expansion of the organization’s outreach.
As race day draws near, the collaborative efforts of Africell, Street Child, Afrimoney, and their partners stand as a testament to what’s possible when communities come together.
This marathon is not just about miles covered, it’s about lives changed.
Credit:Mohamed Osman Bangura(Political)
