Malika and Rabia Ladha are students at Jasper Place High School, Freelance for Edmonton Journal
The rain and unpredictable clouds did not prevent 2,000 Edmontonians from lacing up their shoes and being “part of the solution to global poverty. ”
Tens of thousands of Canadians gathered in nine cities last Sunday to participate in the World Partnership Walk, the country’s largest event dedicated to creating awareness and raising funds for global poverty.
The walk is an initiative of the Aga Khan Foundation, a non-profit international agency. Every cent raised goes directly toward implementing long-term solutions in health care, education, rural development and community organizations.
The main goal is to help communities help themselves by overcoming barriers to social and economic development and, thus, foster independence.
The Alberta legislature grounds were bustling with activity at dawn. Hundreds of volunteers arrived in the early morning to prepare for the event.
A short but energizing warm-up routine followed greetings from guests, including MP Rahim Jaffer and Krishan Joshee, chair of the Wild Rose Foundation. From the start to finish lines of the three- and seven-kilometre routes, youth, parents and senior citizens walked with a sense of pride and accomplishment. Meanwhile, volunteers prepared a delicious barbecue.
Some activities took place in the Global Village, an area designed to give everyone an opportunity to gain insight into the life-changing initiatives of the Aga Khan Foundation and explore some areas of African and Asian culture.
All Global Village participants were invited to make their mark on the Strength of Diversity canvas. Handprints of different sizes and a variety of paint colours quickly filled up the space surrounding a painting of the Earth.
The Strength of Diversity masterpiece was a vivid representation of the idea that we are all connected as one human family and thus it is our civic responsibility to help those who are less fortunate.
Participant Rishma Kassam commented, “This phenomenal event serves as a strong reminder of how lucky we are in Canada. As we go about our day-to-day lives, we may forget what adversities others are forced to deal with. It is amazing to see the positive impact that the Aga Khan Foundation has had in various parts of the world.”
From coast to coast, thousands are united in a common endeavour to bring hope to some of the poorest and most remote regions of the world. Participation in the walk demonstrates Canadian values of extending compassion and unity beyond our borders.
Edmonton raised more than half a million dollars this year, and to date, more than $40 million has been collected through the walk to fight global poverty.
Next year will mark the 25th anniversary of the World Partnership Walk. People of all ages are welcome to become ambassadors or form school or corporate teams.
In addition, an exciting high school challenge for the City of Champions is already in the making.
Please visit http://www.worldpartnershipwalk.com for more information.
Malika & Rabia Ladha are students at Jasper Place High School
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