Over 5,500 UAE residents from different age groups including children recently participated in the Walk for Education 2013, a fun-filled event bringing together the UAE community in support of child education in developing countries.

The 3 km Walk along Jumeirah Beach Road was organised in support of millions of children around the world who do not go to school, a statement from the organisers, Dubai Cares, said. The 3 kms symbolically represents the average distance millions of children around the world have to walk to go to school on a daily basis.  

Dubai Cares is a philanthropic organisation launched in September 2007 by Sheikh Mohammed Bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai.

The Walk aims to raise awareness of issues that prevent children in developing countries from gaining access to quality primary education and highlights the importance of primary education in breaking the cycle of poverty.

Tariq Al Gurg, chief executive of Dubai Cares, said: “This is our fourth annual Walk for Education, which is specifically geared towards involving the UAE community to raise awareness and promote volunteerism, as well as to provide an opportunity to experience first-hand the hardships that children in developing countries endure on a daily basis. The number of participants we get year after year is truly encouraging and motivates us to work harder to make a greater impact.”

“I would like to extend my sincere gratitude to sponsors, volunteers, donors and participants for their continuous support. I would also like to specifically thank Chevron Al Khalij, the main sponsor of the Walk for Education 2013. Chevron’s invaluable contribution sets an example of how the private sector can play an active role in addressing pivotal issues such as child education.”

Ahmed Bin Sulayem, executive chairman, Dubai Multi Commodities Centre (DMCC) who attended the Walk along with DMCC staff said: “DMCC and its employees are extremely pleased to have participated in Dubai Cares’ Walk for Education 2013. The importance of access to education for children is often overlooked in impoverished societies and DMCC commend the work Dubai Cares has done by raising awareness of this issue whilst making a real difference. We thank Dubai Cares for giving us the opportunity to promote this cause and look forward to taking part in future initiatives to support the next generation on a local and global scale.”

The Walk started at 9am followed by post-walk celebrations at Jumeirah Beach Park which included entertainment activities for all participants including performances by DJ Bliss, Dubai Drums and Frenzy. Adding to the fun-filled atmosphere was a photo booth for participants to take memorable photos as well as an ice cream truck.

The Dubai Cares’ Walk for Education 2013 was sponsored by Chevron Al Khalij (main sponsor), Arabian Radio Network (media sponsor), and supported by organising partners Dubai Municipality, RTA, Dubai Police, Dubai Corporation for Ambulance Services, Dubai Sports Council, ARN as well as in-kind contributors Almarai, Almaya Supermarkets, Masafi, DJ Bliss, Think up, Dubai Drums, Frenzy, Nestle Kitkat, PepsiCo, Prisme International and Valtrans. – TradeArabia News Service