By Alvin Lansana Kargbo
In a vibrant show of solidarity and community commitment, Africell Sierra Leone has once again joined hands with Street Child of Sierra Leone to launch the 12th edition of the annual Street Child Marathon. The event was officially unveiled during a press conference held on Friday, April 4, 2025, at Africell’s headquarters on Pivot Street, Wilberforce.
Scheduled for Sunday, May 4, 2025, in Makeni, the marathon continues to uphold its tradition of inclusivity and athleticism with four categories: a 5K, 10K, a 21-kilometer half marathon, and a 42-kilometer full marathon. This year’s edition not only celebrates endurance and sportsmanship but also strengthens the core mission of Street Child—providing educational opportunities for vulnerable children.
Nancy Toure, Events and Sponsorship Manager at Africell, underscored the importance of the long-standing partnership with Street Child, likening it to a family that continually supports one another.
“Our support goes beyond sponsorship. It’s about building communities and empowering the next generation through education and health,” she said. She encouraged the public to actively participate in the marathon, emphasizing the positive impact it has on both physical health and community cohesion.
Kelfa Kargbo, Country Director of Sick Pikin Sierra Leone—a key partner in the event—shared the inspiring evolution of the organization. From its humble beginnings in Makeni in 2008 with just four staff, Sick Pikin has grown to nearly 300 employees, expanding its work across 22 countries.
With an ambitious goal to support 45,000 children and 4,000 families over four years, he highlighted the organization’s commitment to improving educational access for underprivileged communities. Their current focus includes building 22 junior secondary schools this year, complementing their longstanding goal of constructing 50 primary schools annually.
He also announced a new initiative funded by German partners to support families in slum communities. The project will provides financial assistance for better relocation, and will be facilitated through Africell’s Afrimoney platform, ensuring safer and more efficient transactions.
Moreover, Sick Pikin plans to launch an empowerment loan scheme for Street Child staff, enabling them to pursue larger projects and extend support to individuals beyond the organization.
John Konteh, Marketing Director of Afrimoney, described the deepening partnership between Afrimoney and Street Child as a “strategic collaboration built on mutual growth and shared vision.”
He elaborated on the introduction of a digital registration and payment system via Afrimoney, aimed at eliminating the inefficiencies of traditional cash handling. By dialing *162*4# and entering the Street Child code 76081, participants can now register for the marathon easily and securely.
Registration fees are as follows:
For Sierra Leoneans:
– Full Marathon: NLe 75
– Half Marathon: NLe 60
– 10K: NLe 50
– 5K: NLe 40
For Non-Sierra Leoneans:
– Full Marathon: NLe 1200
– Half Marathon: NLe 900
– 10K: NLe 700
– 5K: NLe 600
Bobson Turay, Communications Manager at Sick Pikin, thanked the broad range of sponsors for their continued support. These include Africell Sierra Leone, Maranpa Mines, Elephant Bet, GT Bank, Grafton Spring Water, The Place – Tokeh, Capitol Food, Coffee Courier, Sierra Leone Commercial Bank, Access Bank, Premium Design, Afrigas, Visit Makeni, Impact Foundation, and crucial logistical partners like the Sierra Leone Red Cross and security forces.
“The commitment of our sponsors, both returning and new, has been critical to the growth and success of this marathon. Their contributions—from publicity to logistics and refreshments—keep the spirit of this event alive,” Bobson said.
The Street Child team reaffirmed that Makeni remains the “spiritual home” of the marathon, being the birthplace of their initiative both in Sierra Leone and internationally. However, this year marks a significant expansion as the organization plans to hold a second marathon in Bo in October 2025, signaling a new chapter in their outreach and impact.
As anticipation builds for this year’s marathon, the collaborative efforts between Africell, Afrimoney, Street Child, and a host of sponsors continue to shape a transformative journey—one step, one child, one race at a time.
