Why “Run For Zimbawe?”

In 2009 we toured Ireland, and initiated “Run For Zimbabwe” as a project that combines the joy of riding with a good cause. We took the pain and reached our physical limits for the reason of creating awareness for the people in Zimbabwe.

Assuming that only half of the people we met during the tour asked us about a reason or cause for our journey, talked to us about our issues, visited run4zimbabwe.com or simply told their friends about our little project, we felt that have contributed to making people aware of the circumstances currently prevailing in Zimbabwe.

The feedback was tremendous, as we followed the clicks on our website on a daily basis. In addition to that, 1.100,00 € could be raised for the “Albert Street Refugee School” Project (see Elias Fund – Albert Street Refugee School Project). The money was thankfully received and sensibly used to assure basic living standards for children in need.

In 2010 our challenge is to cross Sweden from Kappelskär (East Coast) to Varberg (West Coast), a distance of approximately 700 km, in order to bring the spirit of “Run For Zimbabwe” to this Scandinavian country. Follow us and be part of the project.

Facts at a glance

About 11.5 million people live in Zimbabwe. The average population growth rate is -0.787% and life expectancy being as high as 40 years. 25% of the adults are believed to have HIV/AIDS, being around 1.8 million people living with HIV/AIDS. In 2003 170,000 deaths due to AIDS have been approximated.

Economic development is declining. The government struggles with a huge fiscal deficit and hyperinflation rose from 32% in 1998 to 11.2 million percent in 2008. Due to this economic instability Zimbabwe’s GDP is shrinking and reached -6.2% in 2008. Unemployment is as high as 80% (2005 estimate) of the working population.

A major reason for these disordered circumstances is to be found in Zimbabwe’s political situation. President Mugabe has been the country’s only ruler since its independence in 1980 (since 1987 as president).

Since then, he has been ruling with great violence against political opposition. Political oppression has ever since been an accepted means to political ends. In 2007, 569,685 were registered internally displaced persons mainly due to Mugabe-led political violence, human right violation, land reform and economic collapse.

Mugabe’s chaotic land reforms starting in 2000 caused an exodus to white farmers, crippled economy and resulted in a widespread shortage of basic commodities. Malnutrition again is a problem in Zimbabwe, a country that used to be the “bread basket” of southern Africa. Approximately 7 million people rely on nutrition aid from foreign countries.

Do something about it!

We have to take action in order to change the way things are in Zimbabwe. We are optimists knowing that only action results in change. Our longboarding project might be small, but it’s action. We want to contribute to making this change happen!

There are numerous projects around the world, all taking action. You can find them in our “Zimbabwe Links” and “Partners” widgets at the right top of this page. You can also check our participate section and contribute to our project, or simply start your own action — there are countless ways!