Plan Ethiopia Country Director David Throp and runner Haile Gebresilassie (far right) handing out medals to the winners

28 November 2011: For the third year running, Plan opened the Great Ethiopian Children’s race in Addis Ababa.

The event on Saturday saw more than 4,000 children run 1.4 km through the Ethiopian capital to raise awareness of Learn Without Fear - Plan’s global campaign to end violence in schools. 

World class runners Haile Gebresilassie, Sally Gunnell and John Tracey joined Plan Ethiopia Country Director David Throp to kick start the event.

Winning words

Misikir, aged 10, who won a medal in the under 11 years of age boys’ race, said:  “I am taught about morality and gender issues at school and that helped me to be positive to other people and protect myself from any harm.”

Genet Demissie, 49, who is Misikir’s mother, believes that children’s participation in sports events helps them to socialise with others and build their confidence.

“A series of open discussions need to be held between parents and children so as to help children protect themselves from violence inside and outside of schools,” she said.

Bethlehem, 10, who finished the under 11 years of age girls’ competition in sixth place, said: “I was prepared for the race and because of that, the race has not been challenging for me.”

Celebrations

Music and circus shows were part of the event and special prizes were handed out by David Throp and Haile Gebresilassie to the best runners.

In his closing speech, Haile Gebresilassie said: “I am thankful to parents of the children runners because I have witnessed today that they have shown us very confident and competent children.”

View pictures from the event via Plan Ethiopia's Facebook page

Find out about Plan’s global Learn Without Fear campaign

Learn more about Plan’s work in Ethiopia