Convent of the Sacred Heart (CSH) will sponsor 5K “Run for Uganda Girls” on Saturday, March 31 to raise funds for its sister school in Uganda, a primary school that educates girls in a country where only 40 percent of women attend school.

This new, student-run community service project was initiated by sophomore Molly Phelan and senior Kerianne Doran involves the entire community. Registration begins at 9:30 a.m. on the school campus, 1177 King Street, Greenwich. The 5K race starts at 10 a.m., followed at 10:15 a.m. by a 1K Fun Run/Walk. The event is open to the public.

The Sacred Heart Primary School in Kyamusansala Hill, in southwest Uganda was founded in 2003 by the Society of the Sacred Heart, which also founded Convent of the Sacred, Greenwich in 1848. The Uganda school has made significant progress in educating young women and graduated its first class in 2009. It is supported by donors, including students at Convent of the Sacred Heart, who have raised thousands of dollars over the years at various fundraisers, such as the Lower School’s annual “Jump Rope for Uganda/Kenya."

“We hope this becomes an annual event,” said Mrs. Lori Wilson, director of the Upper School’s community service program. “For us, it demonstrates two important collaborations.” First, the collaboration between an underclassman, Molly, who proposed the idea to an upperclassman, Kerrianne, who refined it and agreed to coordinate the event with her. Then, there is CSH’s collaboration with its sister school in Africa.

Molly became interested in fighting hunger and wanted to do something. “We take food and clean water for granted here, but in other parts of the world it is a big thing,” she said.

Molly met with the Upper School’s community service club, who encouraged her.

“I recognize that there are things you want to change, and by working together we can make that change,” said Kerrianne.

Together, they are raising awareness and promoting the event at school assemblies and in parent newsletters. They plan to sell T-shirts to raise additional funds.

Registration is $20 for an individual 5K race before March 10, and $25 on March 31. Registration for the Fun Run is $15 before March 10, and $25 on race day. Cash and checks (made payable to Convent of the Sacred Heart) will be accepted. Food and drink will be available. For more information, contact Lori Wilson at wilsonl@cshgreenwich.org.