Children with special needs included to join global fund raising initiative against hunger

They will participate in Walk the World, the annual worldwide initiative of the United Nations World Food Programme, raising funds to help end child hunger.

Every year, hundreds of thousands of people in every time zone take to the streets to call for an end to the needless suffering of hungry children. Through this global day of action, Walk the World will raise awareness about the 300 million hungry children in this world, urging policy-makers and governments - whether in rich or poor countries - to focus more funds and resources on feeding children.

The initiative which includes children with special needs taking part in the walk comes from ABLE UAE, an NGO, under the patronage of Her Royal Highness Princess Haya Bint Al Hussain, wife of H.H Sheikh Mohammed Bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice-President and Prime Minister of UAE, Ruler of Dubai who is also the World Food Programme's goodwill ambassador. The mission of ABLE UAE is to stimulate the intellectual development of children with physical, cognitive, emotional and learning disabilities through inclusive education and assistive technology.

"Walk the World is an excellent opportunity for our children to experience the joy of giving and helping others," said Shirin Huda, CEO of ABLE UAE. "At ABLE we believe that the Inclusion and Integration of children with special needs into society should not be limited to education. Participation in social events along with other children and members of the community gives an enormous boost to the children's self confidence," she explained.

"I echo Shirin's sentiments, and I believe that when children feel empowered to help other children, it instils a feeling of dignity, equality, tolerance and solidarity," Hanne Al Gurg Vice Chairperson ABLE UAE added.

ABLE UAE and the United Nations World Food Programme operate out of Dubai Aid and Humanitarian City, an international hub, established by the Government of Dubai with the aim of facilitating the operations of humanitarian organizations, NGOs and suppliers to the humanitarian sector.