As my work with the college has finished for the summer, I am doing a six week placement with Stride Athletics in Yirgalem. The club has 80 students (41 males and 39 females), from the ages of 10 up to 25. I am teaching them communicative English in two groups.
The club was set up in 2004 by an Irish coach named Mickey; he continues to visit three times a year. Elected members of a committee, run the club on a day-to-day basis. The club prioritises children from deprived backgrounds and it supports both their sport and education.
All club members train four times a week from 6am to 8am. After each training session they are given a free breakfast. For many of them this is their only proper meal of the day. In addition to their running, they are also offered English lessons twice a week throughout the year. During the summer they have the opportunity to take part in an intensive programme run by a native speaker. The members are very supportive and help by keeping the club house clean and maintaining the track.
Once a year all the members take part in the Great Ethiopian Run in Addis Ababa. This is a great experience for them; they travel by bus and stay in a hotel for two nights. The club has some excellent runners and many have been awarded with cups and medals. Ten children have progressed from Stride Athletics to a national club.
The committee supports children from disadvantaged families in many ways. For example, they will buy exercise books and pens for very poor children. Some club members are given a salary for coaching or cooking breakfast. One member is provided with accommodation. All members are given a new sports kit each year. It is a very successful charity with very motivated and enthusiastic students.
My Adventures In Ethiopia 