Dubai Cares, the UAE-based philanthropic organization working to improve access to quality primary education for children in developing countries, today announced that its Walk for Education 2013 will be held on February 8, 2013. In its fourth year, the annual event invites the UAE community to walk 3 km along Jumeirah Beach Road in support of the millions of children around the world who do not go to school.The Walk aims to raise awareness of issues that prevent children in developing countries from having access to quality primary education and highlight the importance of primary education in breaking the cycle of poverty. Currently, 61 million children around the world do not go to school.
On average, children in developing countries walk 3 km every day in order to go to school. The Dubai Cares Walk for Education, which is specifically geared towards involving the UAE community to raise awareness and promote volunteerism, is a symbolic march that provides an opportunity to experience first-hand the hardships that children in developing countries endure on a daily basis.
Speaking on the occasion, Tariq Al Gurg, Chief Executive Officer of Dubai Cares, said: “Education is a critical factor in every child’s development. Yet, millions of children around the world, particularly in developing countries, do not have access to quality primary education. The Walk for Education is one of our engagement activities to involve the UAE community in supporting our cause and raise awareness of the challenges faced by children in developing countries. Adults and children, all of us can make a difference by walking the distance.”
Christopher Bradley, Chevron Al Khalij’s Country Chairman & General Manager - Middle East Joint Ventures & Aviation Business said: “Chevron Al Khalij is committed to partnering in initiatives that bring about a tangible change in the lives of people and promote overall community welfare. At the heart of our growth approach is the strong belief that businesses succeed when all of our stakeholders, most importantly, local communities, prosper.”
“We are honored to partner with Dubai’s flagship philanthropic initiative, Dubai Cares, an organization that makes a difference in the lives of millions of children around the world through the power of education. This noble initiative by His Highness Sheikh Mohammed Bin Rashid Al Maktoum will help address a key global challenge – the need to promote children’s education, which in turn helps drive the progress of underprivileged communities all over the world,” added Bradley.
The Walk will start at 9am followed by post-walk celebrations at Jumeirah Beach Park which will include entertainment activities for all participants including performances by DJ Bliss, Dubai Drums and Frenzy. There will also be a photobooth for participants to take memorable photos and an ice cream machine to add to the fun-filled atmosphere.
UAE residents can register for the Walk for Education 2013 onsite at Jumeirah Beach Park on February 8 between 8am and 9am. Organizations can also participate as a group by emailing Dubai Cares on [email protected] indicating the organization’s name and the number of participants. Participation fee is AED 30 per person and free for children below the age of five.
When Dubai Cares was established in 2007, its initial goal was to provide 1 million children in developing countries with access to quality primary education. Owing to the tremendous support of the UAE community, the organization is currently reaching more than 7 million children in 28 developing countries. As part of its mandate, Dubai Cares works in countries with chronic deficiencies in primary education where it implements integrated development programs that target the underlying causes preventing children from accessing quality primary education.