Pathways Celebrates 30 Years with a 30km Fundraiser

Photo Credit: Supplied

Through a 30-kilometre run for 30 years of service, Pathways is turning every step into a voice, celebrating a milestone anniversary by raising funds to give non-verbal learners the gift of communication.

Durban, South Africa (24 August 2025) – This year, Pathways celebrates a remarkable milestone – 30 years of empowering children and adults with cognitive and physical disabilities.

As a non-profit organisation deeply rooted in compassion and care, Pathways has been a safe space for learning, growth, and belonging. As it marks three decades of service, it is inviting the community to help give something truly life-changing to its learners: a voice.

“75% of the children and 63% of the adults at Pathways are non-verbal. This means that every day, the majority of our learners face enormous challenges simply trying to express their needs, thoughts, and emotions. Imagine having ideas, opinions, or even just a joke to share, but no way to communicate them.

“It’s heartbreaking, and it’s a reality we are committed to changing,” shares Pathways’ Nadia Jackman.

To honour the organisation’s 30th anniversary, they are launching a fundraiser called “Accessing Their Voices” – an initiative aimed at raising funds to bring assistive communication technology into our classrooms.

“This technology will empower our learners to communicate with their families, teachers, and the world around them, helping them to be seen, heard, and understood.”

To raise awareness, two Pathways staff members, Nadia and Tamarin, will be running 30kilometres, one km for each year Pathways has been making a difference.

“We invite you to join us in this meaningful cause. Your support, whether through a donation, sponsorship, or simply spreading the word, will help us break the silence and open a world of opportunity for those who need it most,” Nadia shares.

The fundraiser consists of two challenges:

September Strava Distance Challenge

This challenge will take place throughout September. Runners and walkers are invited to complete a total of 30 km during the month, which breaks down to about 1km per day. Meanwhile, cyclists are challenged to cover 300 km throughout September, averaging 10km per day.

This challenge will cost a R100 entry fee, and participants can keep track of their mileage on the platform as well as see who is leading on the challenge for both the runners/walkers and the cyclists.

You can enter here.

30km run in collaboration with Beloved Long Run

This run will start at Pathways in Westville. The route has been plotted; it will be an out-and-back route, which will allow for those participating who don’t want to do the full 30km to turn around at any point and head back to Pathways; therefore, if you only want to do part of the 30km loop, you are most welcome to.

The cost for this run will be R50, which is payable on the Beloved Long Runs website, through Zapper or by cash on the day.

You can enter here.