More than 3,000 Dubai school students walk to spread happiness

Dubai - The aim of the walk was to express their contentment, happiness and gratitude toward their parents, family, school and the UAE Government for providing them with a wonderful environment.

There are million ways to express happiness but Our Own High School, Al Warqa believes that "happiness is real and multiplies only when shared". In order to show their gratitude to the UAE and in unison with the vision for the nation, on Tuesday over 3,000 students, students, staff, support staff and parents of Our Own High School, Al Warqa took part in a two kilometre long walkathon titled "walk for happiness' at Zabeel Park. The event was inaugurated by a prayer, Arabic dance and the release of balloons by a dignitary from the police department.

The aim of the walk was to express their contentment, happiness and gratitude toward their parents, family, school and the UAE Government for providing them with a wonderful environment.
Holding banners and placards, wearing smiley T shirts and head bands, the students from Grades 4 to 9 could be seen singing happy songs, and shouting out Happy slogans as they marched around the Zaabeel Park for about half an hour at 11:00am.
Teacher Hiba Abdullah said: "It has been awe-inspiring to witness the enthusiasm and sense of responsibility, students showcase while preparing placards, smileys, T-shirts, headbands, and posters to portray their happiness and gratitude. And it's here; well evident - We just walked miles to spread smiles."

The enthusiasm, involvement and energy of the participants was profound and created an aura of happiness, peace, fulfilment and the joy of sharing all around them. This was done in the form of displaying banners, posters and placards showcasing and conveying effective messages about the importance of 'Happiness'. The teachers danced to the tune of the happy songs sung by the students, communicating the love and need for happiness.
Aarti Kanal, supervisor and event organizer, said: "In a world where people find so many easy excuses to complain and grumble, we find more reasons to be happy and grateful. We hope to make it a larger and 'Happier' event next year."
Niranjan, Grade 8D -" I want say a big thank to the UAE government and Dubai Police for losing more than just their sleep to ensure that we rest in our homes peacefully and this happiness walk is to support the UAE's national agenda of happiness."
Azzan Syed, Grade 6L: "I am happy because of my school, family, friends, teachers and most of all for being part of this beautiful country that is a home away from home."
Dubai Police officials present at the walk said: "Congratulations to the Our Own High School for conducting the event and promoting 'Happiness' in Dubai. We are happy to witness the event and look forward for many more in the future."
Every month the school celebrates a positive theme and for November the theme was happiness. The school has a peace committee in the school that takes up such initiatives and involves students in constructive, positive and meaningful activities every week based on the theme of the month.
"It is mainly to inculcate meaningful values in our students so that they go on to become positive and power ambassadors of happiness and hope and spread light wherever they go. Happiness is everything from peace, gratitude, love and every positive emotion you feel. And that's what the students are doing today, expressing happiness and gratitude for what they have," Hiba Abdullah added.
saman@khaleejtimes.com
 

• Dubai