Plight of children in danger inspires runners

MARATHON EFFORT: Rotorua Intermediate pupils Samantha Riini (left), Boyd Stapleton, Tenika Dudson and Kataraina Ormsby run to raise awareness of the issue of child abuse. PHOTO/STEPHEN PARKER 171014SP5

Rotorua Intermediate School pupils joined hundreds of Kiwi kids to be the first to run in the Save the Children global relay.

The "Race for Survival", held yesterday around the country, aimed to highlight the dangerous living situations of some children in New Zealand, and the world.

Rotorua Intermediate sports co-ordinator Kim Graham said the relay was a chance for childrens' voices from the toughest places in the world to be heard, - loud and clear.

"There have been a lot of amazing discussions in the classroom about child abuse, especially what happens in our own backyard, and the pupils are developing social consciences."

About 50 Rotorua Intermediate Year 8 pupils from two classes took part in the relay, together running the equivalent of a marathon (42km) per class with each pupil running 3km.

Ms Graham said the relay was a way of raising awareness for a prominent issue affecting thousands of children every year.

"We want our pupils to feel confident to stand up and speak out about the wrong-doings in society."

Rotorua Intermediate Year 8 pupil Grace Kiff, 12, said: "We are proud to be able to raise awareness for child abuse and show people that we are not okay with it happening in our country.

"We are taking a stand against child abuse in New Zealand and are getting the message out there."

Save the Children New Zealand advocacy manager Mercy Jumo said more Kiwi children were taking part this year than ever before.

"In the lead-up to the race, students have been learning about what it's like to live in places where so many children fight to stay alive on a daily basis.

"They have also been discussing issues that affect local children such as healthy eating, poverty and child abuse."

By the end of the next year, Save the Children wants to see all governments working to reducing child deaths, making sure every child has a chance at life, no matter where they live.