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Volume 72, Issue 50,
Monday, October 30, 2006
News Annual walk, performances help fight poverty worldwide by AMNA KHALIQUE
The Houston Partnership Walk, an event that educated and raised funds to aid global poverty, saw over 8,000 participants raise $830,000 Sunday on the UH campus. "People around the world want to eliminate poverty, and that is why this foundation is so important, because you have a network around the world," U.S. Representative Al Green said at the opening ceremony. The event is held annually and simultaneously in Atlanta, Chicago, Dallas and Los Angeles. The Partnership Walk, also a day of learning activities, began with a round of ‘jeopardy' in which questions were related to global poverty, health and education about different developing countries worldwide. Festivities also included cultural music, dance and speeches as well as performances by the UH Cheerleaders and the Cougar Dolls along with the Marching Band. The theme for the Partnership Walk 2006 was "Diversity is Strength" which was highlighted through stage performances. One of the features of the walk was the "Village in Action." Demonstrations and developmental education activities were planned and designed primarily by youth from local schools and universities. Through this process, youth in particular learn valuable lessons and gain a deeper understanding of global citizenship, a release from the Agha Kahn foundation said. "Your cause is extremely just, and we are awfully proud to host you at the University of Houston," UH System Chancellor and UH President Jay Gogue said at the opening ceremony. The Partnership Walk is an initiative of the Aga Khan Foundation U.S.A, which is organized by an extensive network of volunteers. Many of the participants have been a part of the Walk since it began in Houston. "I have been a part of this since the past 4 years and each year it has gotten bigger and better." Shireen Abdullah, a volunteer and business graduate student said. Other participants also expressed enthusiasm for the organization's mission. "I support the AKF Foundation and what they are doing for the third world countries," Fazal Qazi, a participant, said. The Foundation currently supports 140 programs in 16 countries. According to a release, the Foundation has introduced innovative measures such as micro-credit and community organizations that help encourage people to participate directly in their own development. More than sixty teams registered for the walk. All funds raised go directly towards the projects that are supported by the Foundation and none toward administrative costs. Since the Partnership Walk was initiated in Los Angeles in 1995, it has raised $22.9 million. This year marks AKF USA's twenty-fifth anniversary. The Houston event was hosted by KPRC-TV anchor Jerome Gray, KHOU-TV anchor/reporter Vicente Arenas and KTRK-TV reporter Miya Shay. Send comments to dcnews@mail.uh.edu |
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