In spirit of the UAE’s initiative for 2019, the Year of Tolerance, Dubai Cares, an education focused philanthropic organisation, supported a solidarity walk for children who embark on perilous journeys to school every single day.

Her Excellency Hessa bint Essa Buhumaid, Minister of Community Development, UAE, led the walk which took place on on 15 February 2019 at Dubai Creek, marking the 10th anniversary of Dubai Cares ‘Walk for Education’ campaign. The Aga Khan Scouts and Guides Band (AKSG) demonstrated their support by playing for the participants. The band was warmly received by both organisers and participants alike.

This year’s walk saw approximately 15,000 individuals, each taking 4000 (3km) steps towards a cumulative total of 60,000,000 steps. Since it’s inauguration in 2009, the Walk for Education campaign has realised some 287 million collective steps demonstrating solidarity with children in developing countries who embark on an average of a 3km. long and treacherous journey to school each day. In the words of Dubai Cares, the aim of the walk is to “send a loud and clear message to the world about the importance of providing children and youth safe access to school”.

Zohaib Jalal, assistant captain of the AKSG band, commented, “It’s always a great opportunity for us, as youth, to be part of such significant events. The AKSG Band has given the youth of our Community the exposure and motivation to come forward and contribute to worthwhile causes for which we are very grateful.”

Dubai Cares has impacted the lives of over 18 million children in 57 countries in the field of education since being founded in 2007. For more information please visit www.dubaicares.ae