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HomeFeaturedInternshipsMassive Watch Party in Eldoret as Eliud Kipchoge Reigns in Berlin

Massive Watch Party in Eldoret as Eliud Kipchoge Reigns in Berlin

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International Girl Child Day, African Girl and Education

Girl Day is celebrated every year on October 11 as an opportunity to raise awareness about the unique challenges faced by girls around the world, especially in Africa, and the importance of providing them with quality education. In this article, we explore the Day's importance in the context of education in Africa, the challenges faced by girls, and initiatives aimed at improving their access to education. Education is a human right and the basis of personal and social development. However, African girls often face many barriers that prevent them from accessing education. These issues may be cultural, economic or political, but they all contribute to gender inequality in education. Girls' Day provides an opportunity to address these issues and work for gender equality in education.One of the most important problems faced by girls in Africa is early marriage and pregnancy. Cultural norms in many African societies dictate that girls should marry at a young age, often forcing them to drop out of school. Additionally, the lack of comprehensive sex education can lead to unintended pregnancies, further hindering their educational progress. Initiatives that raise awareness about the importance of delaying marriage and pregnancy until after completing their education are crucial.Another major obstacle is poverty. Many families in Africa struggle to meet basic needs, and education can be costly due to expenses like uniforms, books, and transportation. Girls are often the first to be withdrawn from school when a family faces financial constraints. To address this issue, scholarships, school donation programs, and affordable school supplies can help reduce the financial burden on families and support girls' education.Additionally, especially in rural areas, the distance to school will prevent girls from going to school. Unsafe travel and long distances can put them at risk. Building more schools and providing transportation closer to communities could help solve this problem. In many African countries, boys are expected to be encouraged in education and girls are expected to work within the family. It is important to change these attitudes and promote the value of girls' education. Social awareness programs and inclusive education programs that challenge stereotypes can play a key role.Child labor is another problem affecting girls. Many girls have to work to support their families, leaving little time for education. Government policies and international organizations can work to eliminate child labor and ensure girls have the opportunity to go to school.Unfortunately, conflicts and conflict in many parts of Africa have disrupted education and made it difficult for girls to access education. Efforts to build peace and improve education in post-conflict regions are critical to providing girls with a stable and safe learning environment.One of the best ways to improve educational opportunities for girls in Africa is to support and train female teachers. Many female teachers can act as role models and make it easier for girls to stay in school by creating an inclusive environment.Investing in girls' education in Africa has many long-term benefits. It can break the cycle of poverty, improve women's health, and promote gender equality. Girls who receive an education are more likely to make informed decisions about their health, family, and career. They are also more likely to become financially independent and contribute to their communities and economies. Several organizations, both local and international, are actively working to improve the education of girls in Africa. Plan International, UNICEF, and the Malala Fund are just a few examples. They provide resources, advocacy, and support to ensure that girls have equal access to quality education.In conclusion, Girl Child Day serves as a reminder of the challenges faced by girls in Africa when it comes to education. The challenges they face are many and include cultural barriers, financial constraints, and gender stereotypes. But through a combination of advocacy, policy change, and organizational efforts, progress can be made to ensure that girls receive a quality education just like boys. Investing in girls' education is not only a human rights issue but also a key driver of economic growth in Africa. This is something worth celebrating and encouraging on Girls' Day and every day.

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Eliud Kipchoge once again lit the streets of Berlin, Germany, with another reign in the men’s 42KM marathon. Kipchoge, considered the king of marathons, was in action in Berlin for the sixth time, an event he had already won four times before stepping out again yesterday.

No Human Is Limited

Eliud Kipchoge

Before that, Kipchoge had snubbed many similar events in other cities to prepare for Berlin, a city he calls his “special place.” In Berlin, he had two significant targets; he wanted to win the marathon for a fifth time and smash his 02:01:09 world record set in Berlin last year.

Sunday was indeed a special day for Kipchoge, considering his previous success in Berlin. Clocking a sensational 2:01:09 in 2022 to break his world record by 30 seconds was commendable. It explains why Kipchoge holds Berlin close to his heart.

However, the preparations for Sunday didn’t only happen in Berlin. Back home, a lot happened in Eldoret, the City of Champions. Being Kipchoge’s hometown, the residents were gearing up for the event just like their star, Eliud, and the organisers in Germany.

At the Eldoret-Iten and Uganda road junction in Eldoret CBD is an iconic screen erected by the side of the road. The massive screen used to run advertisements and generate the county revenues had a different purpose, just like it does every time marathons happen.

The junction within the CBD was a beehive of activity on Sunday morning. A sound system was installed, and seats were arranged in readiness for the arrival of dignitaries and members of the public. By 10 AM, everyone was seated, waiting for the event’s start.

Among the dignitaries present were the county leadership led by H.E Jonathan Bii Chelilim, the Governor of Uasin Gishu County. Also seated beside Governor Jonathan Bii was the Federal Republic of Germany Ambassador to Kenya, Sebastian Groth.

At 10:15 AM, all eyes were on the screen to witness history unfold. Kenya’s Nation Media Group provided the event’s live stream from the streets of Berlin, Germany. This became a lifesaver for residents who were in town and couldn’t watch it from home.

The marathon kicked off on time, with Eliud Kipchoge taking an early lead as expected. His closest challenger dropped out at 32 KM, leaving Kipchoge to race against time. Besides, the pacesetters also pulled out after Eliud told them they could leave him alone.

Kipchoge ran the remaining 12 KM, although at a much lower pace. The chasing pack led by Vincent Kipkemboi maintained its pace but couldn’t catch up with Kipchoge. Ultimately, Eliud cut the tape at 2 hrs 02 min 42 sec, sending the crowd in Berlin into celebration.

Eliud Kipchoge Running in Berlin, Germany.

Back home, the hundreds gathered at the Eldoret watch party broke into song and dance. The crowd celebrated their hero who has been christened “Greatest of All Time” (GOAT) in marathons. You’d tell that Kipchoge’s latest victory inspired those in the crowd.

However, the win in the men’s race wasn’t replicated in the women’s. Ethiopia’s Tigst Assefa smashed the world record set by Brigid Kosgei in Chicago in 2019. Assefa showed great strength throughout the race as she kept her competitors chasing.


In the women’s race, Kenya’s Sheila Chepkirui clocked 2:17:29 and came in second. Fans in Berlin and those in the Eldoret Town watch party cheered her and other Kenyan ladies in the race. Thanks to Eliud’s triumph in the men’s race, a podium finish was enough.

In his remarks after the race, Uasin Gishu Governor Jonathan Bii congratulated Kipchoge and his fellow athletes. He said the win again showed North Rift is the source of excellent sports personnel. Governor Bii further reiterated his commitment to support sports.

Ambassador Sebastian Groth also congratulated the athletes who took part in the event. He hinted that the event came at a time when Kenya and Germany were celebrating 60 years of friendship. Groth also stated that he looks forward to the next phase of this friendship.

Isuzu East Africa, one of Eliud Kipchoge’s main partners, was elated by his victory. Other partners who came to the watch party included NCBA Bank, Safaricom, Anti-doping Agency of Kenya (ADAK), and EKA hotel. Every attendee indeed made the watch party worthwhile.

Eliud Kipchoge and Isuzu East Africa Managing Director Rita Kavashe launch the Kipchoge Limited Edition Isuzu D-Max on May 25, 2023 at General Motors in Nairobi.PHOTO|SILA KIPLAGAT

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