Dubai Cares, a major UAE-based philanthropic organisation working to improve access to quality primary education for children in developing countries, has announced that its Walk for Education 2013 will be held on February 8.

In its fourth year, the annual event invites the UAE community to walk three kilometres 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.

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.”

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 photo booth for participants to take memorable photos and an ice cream machine to add to the fun-filled atmosphere.

Registrations for the Walk for Education 2013 may be made on site at Jumeirah Beach Park on February 8 between 8am and 9am, a statement said. – TradeArabia News Service