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Families, children, corporate and government entities join the fun-filled event in support of education
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The symbolic three kilometer walk aims to highlight one of the challenges children face in acquiring quality primary education in developing countries
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Chevron Al Khalij supports the Walk for the third year running
The sixth edition of Dubai Cares Walk for Education, the symbolic three kilometers walk that aims to highlight one of the challenges children face in acquiring quality primary education in developing countries where they have to walk an average of three kilometers every day to go to school, took place on February 6, 2015 along Riyadh Road and at Dubai Creek Park. The walk was attended by 8,000 members of the UAE community who also enjoyed post-walk festivities inside the park catered for children and adults.
Commenting on the strong support of the UAE community, Tariq Al Gurg, Chief Executive Officer of Dubai Cares said: “Following our ‘Rebuild Palestine. Start with Education.’ campaign in January 2015, this is the second community initiative we have undertaken in two months. In both instances, we have been overwhelmed by the great support we received from the UAE community. Our Walk for Education is a show of solidarity with those children who are fighting the odds to gain an education in order to make a difference in their future as well the future of their family, community and country. There is a strong understanding and appreciation for the transformative power of education amongst individuals, families and corporates here in the UAE as we have seen first-hand how societies can grow and flourish with the aid of a strong educational foundation.”
Over the past six years, the family-friendly Dubai Cares Walk for Education has highlighted the impact the organization’s programs has had in the developing world whilst offering the local community a snapshot of the positive change their donations have made possible. The post-Walk celebrations and the entertainment line-up included fun activities such as face painting, games arcade, bouncing castle, photo booth, performances by Dubai Drums and others.
“Dubai Cares Walk for Education brings the UAE together for a powerful community event – we always have families, children, multinational and local corporates participating in our Walk, creating a truly unique and rich atmosphere. However, at the heart of the event, we are highlighting a very critical issue – every child’s right to education and equal opportunity. When children in developing countries struggle to access quality education, they are being denied the opportunity for personal and professional growth as well as the chance to be positive contributors to society. The cumulative impact of this is being felt globally, and we strive to address it by implementing sustainable and impactful programs that not only offer the current generation of children access to quality primary education, but also create strong models that can be implemented over the years to continually bolster the global educational agenda,” Al Gurg concluded.
For the third year running, the Walk was supported by Chevron Al Khalij as part of their drive to promote meaningful corporate citizenship. Chris Bradley, Chevron Country Chairman UAE said: “Chevron was once again delighted to sponsor the Dubai Cares Walk for Education and raise even greater awareness for the Walk’s objective to support education as a right for all. As well as joining with our families and friends to raise funds for excellent causes worldwide, Chevron colleagues have also very much enjoyed being involved in volunteering roles and helping with this wonderful event. Each year this event succeeds in capturing the spirit of participation, fun and fundraising. Chevron is pleased to give its support to Dubai Cares and the wonderful work they carry out.”
“Dubai Cares Walk for Education was very engaging and it was nice to see everyone pitch in. It was a unified effort and very inspirational. We are made aware of the hardships endured by other societies through this symbolic walk and I will definitely be returning next year,” said Abdulrahman Al Serkal, a participant at the Walk.
“I attended Dubai Cares Walk for Education with my company and I was pleasantly surprised to see so many people. It was very fun and exciting to be part of,” said Kate Lysenko, a participant.
The Dubai Cares Walk for Education 2015 was sponsored by Chevron Al Khalij (main sponsor), Arabian Radio Network (media sponsor), Etisalat (Official Telecommunications Partner) and supported by organizing partners; Dubai Corporation for Ambulance Services, Dubai Municipality, Dubai Police, Dubai Sports Council, RTA as well as in-kind contributors: Aga Khan Scout, Al Maya, Almarai, Children City, Dubai Drums, Frenzy, Gold’s Gym, Kit Kat, Klim Milk, Lens Media, Lipton Ice Tea, LSV, Masafi, Nescafe, Nesquick, Nestle, Ornamic C, Pocari Sweat, Quaker and Think Up GCC.
– Dubai Cares
