Pratham Walk Brings Together Chicago Community

On August 19, Pratham Chicago hosted a 5K walk at Harms Woods in the Forest Preserve District of Cook County. The event, designed to raise awareness of Pratham’s work, drew 110 participants of all ages, roughly half of whom were new to the organization.

Once across the finish line, supporters mingled while enjoying dosas, idlis and vadas on the beautiful summer morning.

Chapter president Joher Akolawala was thrilled with the turnout: “It’s great to get people out and about, drive awareness for Pratham and enjoy a warm breakfast at the end of a brisk walk!”

Local teen Varsha Krishnan echoed the sentiment: “Good exercise and good food for a great cause. It’s my first time volunteering, and it’s wonderful to see all the people that came for this event.”

Vikas Reddy, who spent two weeks at Pratham’s Arora Centre for Education in Aurangabad last August, shared details of his experience with the other attendees: “As a Pratham Youth Leader, I got to see all the field work they’re doing over there and saw firsthand the change and effect it has on these kids. It was clear to me that Pratham wasn’t just donating money to the issue, but was actively working to find new, innovative ways to implement their goals.”

Due to the success of the outing, the chapter plans to make it an annual event to continue to engage the community.