Sebei Region, Uganda – Compassion International, in partnership with local churches in the Sebei region, has committed to scaling up its Run for Education program, which supports talented young long-distance runners by providing access to quality education.
The program identifies children with athletic potential through organized marathons and then offers them opportunities to attend schools that nurture both their academic and athletic abilities.
According to Dr. Nicholas Kalyebera, Senior Manager of Partnerships at Compassion International, the initiative has already benefited more than 180 students over the past two years.
Speaking at the 3rd edition of the Run for Education marathon held in Bukwo earlier today, Dr. Kalyebera emphasized the importance of using sports as a vehicle for youth development.
“We saw an opportunity to partner with churches to use sport as a pathway to support child and youth development in a region that already understands and values running. In just two years, we have identified and supported over 180 talented young people, helping them access good schools that develop both their education and athletic abilities,” Dr. Kalyebera explained.
Bishop Martin Chelangat, regional leader of the Pentecostal Assemblies of God and Chairperson of this year’s marathon organizing committee, said the initiative is transforming lives across the community.
“We’ve worked with Compassion International since 2006, and they’ve done a lot in this region—supporting education, clean water systems, children’s rights, and now even maternal health through a new survival program for pregnant mothers,” said Bishop Chelangat.
As part of the broader child and youth development initiative, Compassion International partners with five major churches in the Sebei sub-region. These churches help identify vulnerable children as young as five or six years old. Compassion then supports them for up to 17 years, ensuring holistic development through education, life skills training, and vocational support—including the provision of necessary tools and equipment after school.
Philip Musa, Project Director of the Tombokori project in Kapchorwa District, highlighted the importance of the Run for Education initiative:
“This is a powerful opportunity to nurture the talents of vulnerable children and youth. The marathon helps us raise resources from well-wishers and the business community to support the church’s mission. Ultimately, we aim to groom Uganda’s next running champions—like Joshua Cheptegei and Moses Kipsiro. We invite more partners to join us in nurturing the next generation of stars from the Sebei region.”
One of the program’s beneficiaries, Chemtai Tabitha, expressed her gratitude:
“I have been able to stay in school because of this program. It has given me a chance at a brighter future. Many of us are grateful to the churches and Compassion International for turning our lives around.”
The five churches collaborating with Compassion International on these initiatives in the Sebei sub-region are:
- Church of Uganda
- Deliverance Church
- Evangelical Bodies of Christ
- Perfection Church and Ministry
- Pentecostal Assemblies of God
