Chicago Community goes the distance for education at the Pratham Chicago 5K Walk

On the morning of Sunday, September 12, Pratham Chicago hosted its annual Chicago 5K Walk at Busse Woods. With over 150 registrations and a great turnout, the 5K Walk was the most successful one to date for the chapter and helped raise awareness and funds for Pratham’s education programs for underprivileged children in India. The walk was also Pratham Chicago’s first in-person event in over a year and was the perfect setting for a fun day out with family and friends while supporting an important cause. Participants were greeted with a hot cup of tea as they came in and registered. They learned about Pratham while getting some exercise and socializing in the fresh air. Once across the finish line, supporters enjoyed a hot South Indian breakfast of upma, vadas, and kesari.

The second wave of the COVID-19 pandemic has had devastating effects on families and communities in India. School closures due to lockdowns are resulting in significant learning loss among children who have been out of school for 20+ months. Participants came together at the walk to support the work that Pratham is doing to ensure that learning for children in India continues during the pandemic.

Srinivas Reddy, President of Pratham Chicago, said “This year’s Pratham 5K walk was our first in-person event in nearly two years, and was very successful. It was wonderful to meet so many current and new Pratham supporters in the Chicago area. It is truly inspiring to see our community here support education for children and youth in underserved communities in India.”

Chicago Walk Committee lead Anu Krishnan said the walk was “a great way to exercise with family and friends, and share a delicious Sunday brunch while supporting a worthy cause.”

Long-time supporter and former Chicago Chapter President, Joher Akolawala said, “It was great to join the Pratham Chicago 5K Walk, experience the great weather outdoors, and catch up with friends and board members. The participation of over 150+ individuals is a 8X step up from early years of this event, and it is heartening to see the growing support of Pratham’s mission – Every Child in School and Learning Well.”

Pratham Chicago plans to host the walk again in the summer of 2022.

Click here to view photos from the event.