Behind every scar, there’s a story. When a child is exposed to violence – physical or psychological – the trauma may fade over time, but it leaves a mark that never quite goes away.
The violence inflicted on vulnerable children can take many forms, including exploitation and child labour. Conflicts, natural disasters and the aftershocks of COVID-19 have further increased the risks of violence against children.
Here is a sobering glimpse of how violence impacts the rights and futures of children:
Between 2005 and 2020, the United Nations verified over 266,000 grave violations against children in conflicts worldwide, including killing, maiming, abduction and more1.
Nearly 300 million children aged 2-4 regularly suffer physical punishment and/or psychological violence from parents and caregivers2.
One in 5 women and 1 in 13 men report having been sexually abused as a child (ages 0-17 years)2.
Our hearts ache for children whose lives have already been marked by violence. But we want to make sure that no child has to get hurt to begin with. And when You and I move as one, we can make our mark on the world!
The #RunForChildren is World Vision Malaysia’s annual 42-minute run!
Why 42 minutes? That’s the number of rights in the United Nations Convention on the Rights of the Child. These rights lay out what a child needs to survive, grow, participate and reach their full potential. They apply equally to every child, regardless of ethnicity, gender or religion. Learn more here.
Proceeds from the Run will be channeled to child protection work in Malaysia and overseas to:
Support children’s safety
Call out violence when it occurs
Work with survivors to heal and recover
In 2023, we’re doing a hybrid run, where you can hit the streets alongside other changemakers in person OR run at a time and place of your choosing on Run Day, 7 May!
New in your Runner’s Kit this year is a specially-designed plaster! Put it on a visible part of your body and use it to raise awareness on how violence against children leaves a lasting scar.
Sign up as an individual or register with your friends and family! Participants under 18 need their parents'/guardians' permission.
At #RunForChildren, you’ll be running for a child – the one on your runner’s bib!
Your Runner’s Kit can be mailed to you or collected at:
Date: 28 to 30 April 2023 (Friday to Sunday)
Time: 10am to 4pm
Venue: 106, Block A, Kelana Centre Point, Jalan SS7/19, Kelana Jaya, 47301 Petaling Jaya, Selangor, Malaysia.
Please indicate your preferences on the registration form; we’ll send you more information via email.
On 7 May 2023, put on your official Run t-shirt and gear, then run, jog or walk for 42 minutes! With the hybrid run format, you’ll have two options for Run Day:
a. Join us in person at Dataran DBKL at 7am and hit the streets alongside other like-minded changemakers. You can also look forward to our booths and activities.
b. Complete your run at a time and place of your choosing! If you can’t run on 7 May, you can pick a different day.
Stick on a plaster and send a message!
There’s a new advocacy tool in your 2023 Runner’s Kit! A specially-designed plaster symbolises how violence against children leaves lasting scars. Stick it on a visible part of your body as you run and send a message about protecting children from harm.
Upload a photo of yourself with your runner’s bib with the hashtag #RunForChildren and tag us at @worldvisionmsia on Instagram or @World Vision Malaysia on Facebook.
Through World Vision's Child Sponsorship Programme you can continue protecting children like the one on your runner’s bib and give them everything they need to go further in life.
Sponsor a child here on our website or email us at [email protected]
Here, we recognise those who made their mark for child rights in the 2022 #RunForChildren. Will you see yourself on the 2023 Wall of Runners? Join us and find out!
Sources:
1 25 Years of Children and Armed Conflict: Taking Action to Protect Children in War, June 2022
2 World Health Organization, 2022
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In 2022, 84.8% of donations collected were used for programmes that benefit children, families and communities in need.
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