Bristol Half MarathonBristol Half Marathon - Official Charities
Comrades of Children Overseas (COCO) is a registered children’s charity which was founded by former Olympic athlete, Steve Cram in 2000. COCO aims to improve the lives of children living in poverty in the developing world through the provision of health and education initiatives. Currently COCO are working in Tanzania, Kenya, South Africa, Uganda and Ghana.
COCO works with local communities at the grass roots level to ensure that our projects are needs centred, efficient and sustainable. We prefer to fund small projects that represent an investment in and a commitment to brighter futures for children, their families and their country whilst attempting to address global hindrances to development such as HIV/AIDS, malaria and gender inequality.
Education is a privilege enjoyed by many children in the UK but in countries like Tanzania, Kenya and Ghana poverty prevents children from attending school and accessing the education they so desperately need. In 2010 there are still over 23.6 million children (DFID) who are unable to attend school in Sub Saharan Africa and many others whose lives are blighted by the effects of HIV/AIDS and malaria. Education promotes better health, improved self-esteem and the development of skills that are essential for making a living in later life.
Isyka Alliah is 6 years old and lives in Tanzania. She lives with her mother and two sisters in 1 room which they rent. Isyaka attends a nursery school funded by COCO and walks over 30 minutes to get there each day. She will only be able to attend primary school if funding can be found to pay for her uniform, books and pencils. If one person can raise £100 in sponsorship by taking part in the Bristol Half Marathon it will mean that Isyaka can attend primary school in Tanzania for 3 years.
COCO have an official running team, TeamCOCO and we’d love you to run in support of us in the Bristol Half Marathon. Entries for the 2010 Bristol half marathon will open in Spring 2010. (when it opens, don’t forget to tick that you want to run for COCO!) or you can contact laura@coco.org.uk or call 0191 261 7427. To find out more information about COCO and our projects please visit www.coco.org.uk.
