Liesbeeck Primary School principal Wahied Gasant and teacher Irafaan Abrahams will go head-to-head in a 21km run to raise funds for the Portland school.
Two Liesbeeck Primary School staff will go head-to-head in a 21km run to raise R30 000 for a water pump for their borehole.
They will start running from school at 7.30am on Saturday March 27, making their way along Merrydale Avenue, Eisleben Road and Silversands Avenue, said principal Wahied Gasant.
Teacher Irafaan Abrahams initiated the school’ s garden club but when they did not have the required funds, he came up with creative ways of raising money - and involving the community.
The money raised through the half marathon challenge will fund a water pump for their existing borehole, so that the garden club has access to water, said Mr Gasant.
And when the principal takes to the road on Saturday, he’ll be doing it to prove his mettle - and also to inspire the children to believe in themselves.
“When I am challenged, I cannot say no. I have started training and I am ready to take on Mr Abrahams in this challenge. Bring it on,” said Mr Gasant.
"Children generally struggle with self-belief. We need to show them that with faith and a willingness to put in the hard work, anything is possible,” he said, adding that the school really needed additional funds.
The last time Mr Gasant ran a race was 30 years ago.
Mr Abrahams, 50, from Bayview, is vice-chairman of Lace Up For Change, a not-for-profit company which helps destitute people and uses running to raise funds. He will also be running as part of the organisation’s 50 For 50 half marathon challenge.
When Mr Abrahams turned 50, he pledged to run 50 half marathons - one a week throughout 2021 - to raise funds to kit out 50 schools. Pupils of those schools will receive a pair of school shoes in 2022.
“As teachers we need to physically put ourselves in the shoes (of pupils). I know my principal will give me two days off after I (beat) him in the race. I am excited to do this for our people,” he said.
Mr Abrahams and Mr Gasant studied together.
“It is a blessing in disguise to be doing this with him. Teaching doesn’t only take place in the classroom, we can do something refreshing and still make a difference,” Mr Abrahams said.
Surrounding communities and former Liesbeeck Primary school pupils can support the run by either pledging an amount per kilometre completed before the run.
For more information contact Ms Rayana Emandien on 021 371 5190.