What if supporting children’s education was as simple as a morning walk, cycling with friends, thanking a teacher who changed your life, or sharing your own education story?

That’s exactly what Miles for Education is all about.

From August 15 to September 12, individuals, families, schools, churches, workplaces, and communities across Rwanda, Canada, and beyond will come together in one global campaign to champion an education that helps children to not only succeed academically, but to also grow into confident, resilient, and socially and emotionally healthy young people.

Because every child deserves more than good grades. They deserve to feel seen, supported, and equipped to thrive in school and in life.

And at Wellspring, we believe building that future takes all of us.

WHY MILES FOR EDUCATION?

For more than 20 years, Wellspring has partnered with schools across Rwanda, walking alongside educators, school leaders, families, and communities to strengthen children’s learning and wellbeing.

Along the way, we have learned an important lesson: helping children to thrive takes more than excellent teaching. It takes a community that believes that every child deserves to be supported socially, emotionally, and academically.

Children learn best and stay in school when they feel safe, connected, and emotionally supported. When schools intentionally create environments that nurture social-emotional wellbeing alongside academic learning, students are more likely to stay engaged, build healthy relationships, overcome challenges, and reach their full potential.

And that belief is what inspired Miles for Education.

More than a fundraising campaign, it is a growing global community of people who believe every child deserves an education that nurtures not only their mind but also their heart. Together, we are raising awareness, inspiring action, and investing in a future where every child has the opportunity to thrive.

ONE CAMPAIGN. COUNTLESS WAYS TO MAKE A DIFFERENCE.

This year, Miles for Education launches as a 4-week campaign that invites everyone to become a champion for children’s education through your morning walk, run club, or any activity you enjoy.

You can learn more on our Miles for Education website.

To participate, you can register, set your own distance goal, and complete it between August 15 and September 12. Every mile (or kilometre) you complete becomes an opportunity to raise awareness, spark conversations, inspire generosity, and support children’s education.

Last year, our community in Rwanda climbed 17.5 miles up Mount Jali, raising awareness and more than USD 6,000 to support Wellspring’s education programmes! This year, we’re building on that momentum by welcoming more people, more communities, and more ways to get involved.

And the best part of this year’s campaign? There isn’t just one way to participate.

Not everyone can run. Not everyone enjoys hiking. But everyone can champion children’s education.

Even if you can’t take on a physical challenge, how about:

• Sending a heartfelt message to a favourite teacher who made a difference in your life?
• Visiting your former school and thanking the people who made you the person you are today?
• Checking in on the parents and kids in your neighbourhood, and cheering them on in their education?

Every act of support matters. And because no two people make a difference in the same way, Miles for Education creates space for everyone to be part of a stronger, growing community that is rooting for children’s dreams.

SEPTEMBER 12: CLOSING CELEBRATIONS ACROSS TIME ZONES

After four weeks of moving, giving, and championing children’s education as one community, we will come together on September 12 for a day of activity and celebration.

This will begin in Rwanda with the Miles for Education Kigali Finale! Participants will complete a 10km walk or bike ride in Nyandungu Eco-Park before celebrating the collective impact we have created as a community. The Kigali Finale will be a family-friendly celebration filled with fun, music, food, and connection: Register for the Kigali Finale Here

Then, as the day comes to a close in Rwanda, we will pass the baton to our friends in Canada. Participants will wrap up their challenge activities that day and gather together, in-person and online, to continue the celebrations: Learn More Here

Though separated by distance and time zones, we will be united by one shared purpose: helping every child thrive!

WILL YOU JOIN US?

Every community is shaped by the children it raises. And every child is shaped by the people who choose to show up.

This August and September, choose your way to show up: Walk a mile, fundraise, thank a teacher, invite a colleague.

• Every donation helps strengthen education that supports children’s academic success and social-emotional wellbeing.
• Every mile completed raises awareness.

However you choose to participate, you will be helping create a future where every child has the opportunity to learn, belong, and thrive.

Together, let’s not just count our miles.
Let’s make our miles count.