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Eight thousand children and adults turned out for the Dubai Cares Walk for Education 鈥� an event that highlights the challenges faced by millions of students in getting to primary school.

The three kilometres 鈥� just under two miles 鈥� is the distance that children in developing countries walk on average each day from their home to the classroom.

is a philanthropic organisation working to provide children in developing countries with access to quality primary education. The sixth edition of the its Walk for Education was held on February 6 and was followed by post-walk festivities.

Tariq Al Gurg, Chief Executive Officer of Dubai Cares,聽said 鈥淔ollowing our Rebuild Palestine, Start with Education campaign in January, this is the second community initiative we have undertaken in two months. In both instances, we have been overwhelmed by the great support we received from the United Arab Emirates community.

鈥淥ur Walk for Education is a show of solidarity with those children who are fighting the odds to gain an education in order to make a difference in their future as well the future of their family, community and country. There is a strong understanding and appreciation for the transformative power of education amongst individuals, families and corporates here in the UAE as we have seen first-hand how societies can grow and flourish with the aid of a strong educational foundation.鈥�

Mr Al Gurg said the event brings together families and businesses 鈥� both local and multinational 鈥� and creates a fun atmosphere.

But he added: 鈥淎t the heart of the event, we are highlighting a very critical issue 鈥� every child鈥檚 right to education and equal opportunity. When children in developing countries struggle to access quality education, they are being denied the opportunity for personal and professional growth as well as the chance to be positive contributors to society.鈥�

For the third year running, the Walk was supported by Chevron Al Khalij as part of its drive to promote meaningful corporate citizenship.聽Chris Bradley, Chevron Country Chairman UAE, said: 鈥淐hevron was once again delighted to sponsor the Dubai Cares Walk for Education and聽raise even greater awareness for the walk鈥檚 objective to support education as a right for all. Chevron is pleased to give its support to Dubai Cares and the wonderful work they carry out.鈥�

Abdulrahman Al Serkal, one of those who took part in the walk, said:聽鈥淒ubai Cares Walk for Education was very engaging and it was nice to see everyone pitch in. It was a unified effort and very inspirational. We are made aware of the hardships endured by other societies through this symbolic walk and I will definitely be returning next year.鈥�