Dubai: Jumeirah Beach Road was awash with a sea of colours on Friday morning as 8,000 people, including children, participated in Dubai Cares’ Walk for Education.
The annual event attracted people from all sections of the society including corporates, schools, government authorities as well as the common folk.
The 3km walk is part of Dubai Cares’ year round awareness and fund raising activities for its education projects in developing countries around the world.
“We chose the 3km walk because it is the average distance every primary school student walks to reach school every day in the developing country. Our idea is to create awareness as well as raise funds for these children to access better education,” said Amal Al Redha, Fundraising Manager at Dubai Cares.
Dubai Cares is the UAE-based philanthropic organisation working to tackle poverty through education in developing countries.
“Walk for Education is an annual event which symbolises the solidarity of the UAE community with children in developing countries who walk every day to attend school. This is our way to engage the local community and we are overwhelmed by the support we have received all sectors of the UAE community, including the public and private sectors, academic community and media,” added Al Redha.
She added that the participation exceeded the organiser’s expectation. “We were targeting 7,000 people to attend the event but we managed to register 8,000, which is way beyond last year’s participation of 5,500 people.”
The walk, which started from Gate 4 of Jumeirah Beach Park, headed north for 1.5km and returned to the gate with participants enjoying the fanfare, music and fun.
“I do walk everyday, but today I feel pride in every step I take because it is for a cause. This walk is raising awareness and funds while at the same time people are enjoying with their friends, family and children,” said Obrien Fernandes, an accountant from India.
It was certainly an atmosphere of carnival, with a band of music leading the walk, which was followed by foot-tapping numbers played by DJ Kris Fade of Virgin Radio.
Registration fees for the walk was Dh30 per head, which allowed people access to Jumeirah Beach Park with free rides for children.
“This is a fantastic event for a great cause. My children are enjoying and it’s a good way for them to learn about charity,” said Steve Moreland, a consultant, who participated in the walk with his wife and three children.
Families and children were a major component of attendants at the walk as people believed it’s a good way to spend a Friday morning.
“It’s healthy, it’s noble and it’s fun. We understand what people go through to get decent education and good life. Education is a right of every child around the world and I wish the same for every child that I wish for my children that’s why I am here today,” said Dr Rania Al Najar.
Dubai Cares is currently working to empower around 8 million children through education in 31 countries.
