Hi all,This year I'm doing the VHI Women's Mini Marathon for Aidlink and I would really appreciate your support, no matter how big or small! If you could spare some euros to sponsor me, it can go a long way. Your donation will go towards Aidlink's projects that target children, families and communities across Kenya and Uganda.Today in Turkana, Northern Kenya where Aidlink works, over half a million people are facing acute hunger due to the drought. The effects of climate change are being felt by the most vulnerable communities, as the drought cycle now occurs every 2-3 years (previously 10-15 years), meaning that communities do not have time to recover fully before the next crisis hits.The impact of the drought is most heavely felt by children, particularly girls, who are forced to miss school in order to make long journeys to search for and collect water and as a result are denied their right to education.Girls as young as 11 will be married off by desperate parents looking for a “bride price” to replace the income they have lost because of drought. A typical “bride price” is 20 camels, 10 cows and 100 goats, and due to animals travelling across borders in search of water in times of drought, this is often promised on credit. These girls have no choice and are seen as the only hope for the helping the rest of their family to survive.Aidlink is working on the ground to respond to the drought and minimise the effects it has on individuals and society. By implementing an Emergency School Feeding Programme and providing students with one nutritious meal each day, Aidlink is saving lives and ensuring that children stay in school.It is because of projects like this, that consider the short term and long term needs of communities, that I have chosen to do the Mini Marathon for Aidlink.Thanks a million! Aisling Xx

Aidlink is an Irish charity working to educate, enable and empower individuals, families and communities in Kenya, Uganda and Ghana.

• €20
  NIKOLAOS MAKALEKAS

  I am proud of you

• €20
  David Hansbury

  Run monty run! ?

• €10
  Sorcha Montgomery

  :)

• €10
  Sorcha Montgomery

  Bonne chance!

• €20
  Katelyn Eklund

  See ya there! ?

• €10
  Kevin O'Brien

  Good luck Aisling!