The junior boys from Mashaka School in Sweetwaters have placed first in the Midland's cross-country league. The entire school excitedly received the trophy. They were proud to see their name along side schools like Martizburg College and Alex High. This trophy is not only something the students are excited about, but also their parents. One parent explained, "No one in my family has ever won a medal before—but now our son has, and we are so proud!" The girls also did well. Noluthando from Mashaka came first in several races—and she's only eleven!
These runners are part of iThemba Projects after school running club, a group sponsored in part by the JAG foundation. Thanks to assistance from coaches at Midlands schools, the club was able to enter competitions this term. The running club has around 40 students who train after school, often running barefoot along the steep, rocky Sweetwaters roads. Thulani, their coach, sees running club as a chance to form relationships with kids and teach them self-discipline and self-esteem.
iThemba Projects work with the children of Sweetwaters, one of the aspects of the work is a Running Club which they run at Mashaka School in Sweetwaters. Children from Mashaka took part in the recent Midlands Cross Country Series and the results above have been massively rewarding all around.
