International (MNN) – In a world reeling from the COVID-19 pandemic, marginalized children still need education, care, and support. Open Schools Worldwide, a ministry of TeachBeyond, looks to help fill this need through a global fundraiser, Kilometers for Kids, on June 27 and 28.



Understanding the Mission

TeachBeyond supports and provides Christian education all over the world. Open Schools Worldwide joined TeachBeyond just last year. Open Schools Worldwide Director of Development Phil Peters explains how the years-old ministry fits its parent organization’s mission.

“Open Schools is an educational intervention that provides literacy, numeracy, and basic life skills to marginalized children. It’s critical that the volunteers we train are believers, and it’s through the relationship the tutors have with the children that they share God’s love,” he says.

“They have the opportunity to help these children, who are often forgotten, begin to realize that there’s a God who cares about them [and] has a purpose for them.”

little African girl, unsplash
Peters says one way Open Schools Worldwide typically raises funds for these services is through an in-person fundraiser run. However, the pandemic made them think outside the box. Instead of holding a local event, they decided to expand the event to one most people worldwide could join.

“Over the past years, [we’ve held] a donor run based out of Germany. However, because of the COVID-19 situation this year, we weren’t able to do that,” he explains. “We came up with the idea of having a run that people could take part in anywhere they are, so all around the world, we’re anticipating people in many countries will be participating.”

How You Can Participate

Participants pledge an amount they will donate per kilometer they run, walk, or bike. Peters also encourages participants to ask others to sponsor them per kilometer, multiplying how much each person will raise.

“We designed [the run] for our specific circumstances worldwide, so the hope is for people to be able to take wherever they are June 27 and 28,” he explains. “Many of us have been confined to our homes, yet in most of the places, you are permitted to go outside. By [participating] you’re raising money for a massive need right now, plus you’re doing something good for yourself. Anyone can do this anywhere. You don’t need equipment. You don’t need a specific location.”

running, unsplash

Peters explains that because of how Open Schools Worldwide operates, the money raised from this event will be able to impact many children.