Marathon legend, Eliud Kipchoge, on Thursday, September 9, launched the Eliud Kipchoge Foundation, which will champion for quality education and environmental conservation in the country.
Kipchoge expressed optimism during the launch, stating that needy students across the country will benefit from the foundation’s program.
“I am very grateful to launch my Eliud Kipchoge Foundation today. My mission is to give learners in the world access to knowledge and education,” Kipchoge stated.
The two-time Olympics Gold medalist added that his focus on education was motivated by his experience as an athlete.
“From my own experience, I saw that most athletes dropped out of school and tried to build a life without education. But with education, it can help you grow and it can help you grow your community alongside you,” he stated.
Under the education program, the foundation will pay school fees for bright and needy students and build libraries in schools across the country.
“My dream is for all schools and kindergartens in the world to have good libraries. From a very young age, learners need to get in contact with books,” Kipchoge stated.
During the launch, the marathoner revealed that the foundation will also advocate for environmental conservation, stating that there is a need to conserve the environment for future generations.
“I want those young ones to grow up into healthy adults in a green and breathing world where forests keep our people safe," Kipchoge stated.
Through his foundation, Kipchoge stated that he will advocate for re-afforestation, stating that he will work with local farmers in planting trees on their farms.
“As a farmer myself, I know about the importance of a good environment, of trees, of using the land in a sustainable way, so people can grow healthy food and plants,” he stated.
“You can always start helping, even by adopting trees. I began already with adopting a forest near our training camp to help save it.”
Kenyans have taken to social media to congratulate the gold medalist for his initiative.
