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20 stories of impact

Since 2003, the Roche Children’s Walk has grown into our biggest employee engagement and philanthropic initiative which has made a big impact on employees, partners, and children around the world.

A group of adults stands smiling at the front of a classroom with children seated at desks. A chalkboard with writing is visible, emitting a warm, educational atmosphere.
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“Supporting kids in need is the purest contribution to humanity.”

As the Head of Corporate Donations and Philanthropy at Roche, Peggy Grueninger oversees the annual Children’s Walk activities. She wants this year’s to be the biggest one yet.

[Potrait] Heidi
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The Re&Act board member’s view

“I am privileged to see the impact we are able to provide for all these children.”

Anna and friends talking to the children in their classroom.
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My experience was truly life-changing

In her visit to Ethiopia, Anna saw first-hand the damage of conflict and poverty – but also witnessed resilience and hope, which she found truly inspiring.

The children and their teacher smile warmly to the camera.
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A pivotal, life-changing moment – that has benefitted hundreds of Ethiopian children.

When Zahai saw the news about the drought and famine in Ethiopia in 1984, she immediately knew she must return and do something to help. The results have been extraordinary.

A man takes a selfie in front of a school. Behind him, children in uniforms hold colorful backpacks, with a bright sky above, creating a joyful atmosphere.
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Helping dreams become reality

Marc gave up his career in banking to follow his and his co-founder’s dream of starting a children’s charity in Asia – the results have been extraordinary.

[Potrait] Yem Khlok
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“Education can make a positive change for a better society”

Born in the shadow of war, Yem Khlok channelled the experiences of his own childhood to help other marginalised children.

Two girls in school uniforms sitting at desks, focused on their work in a classroom setting.
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Overcoming stigma around menstrual health and hygiene

When Bridget experienced her first menstruation at school, it was an upsetting and confusing experience. A UNICEF programme in Malawi aims to ensure adolescent girls are fully prepared.

A woman in a red shirt and pink headwrap smiles while holding up an object in a classroom. Four children in green uniforms watch her attentively.
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Improving menstrual health and hygiene awareness

As part of a UNICEF initiative, Catherine goes door to door in her local villages, providing education to ensure menstruating girls are not kept at home from school.

A woman in a blue UNICEF shirt kneels, smiling and interacting with young children seated on wooden chairs in a classroom. The walls display alphabet charts, creating a warm, educational atmosphere.
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Together for education

UNICEF is renowned for providing humanitarian and developmental assistance to children worldwide. Its partnership with Re&Act has focused on one of the most precious resources for children – education.

Lucia with the children playing together.
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A recipe for change

There are many ways to fundraise for the Children’s Walk. Luci’s preferred method is making chicken and beef curry – and it is very effective!

Three people smiling together: a woman in a cap and vest, a young girl in a bright green dress, and another woman in a black shirt and jeans. They stand in a rustic setting made of wood and corrugated metal.
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A life-changing visit to Ethiopia

“Nothing could prepare me for what I was going to experience.”

A diverse group of people stands outside a brick building, holding and exchanging colorful bowls. The scene is collaborative and focused, conveying community effort.
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Back to where it all began - Malawi

“I am so proud of what Re&Act has enabled us all to achieve together. I even have grandchildren named after me!”

[Potrait] Ellason and his friend
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Carrying on the great work

Ellason was orphaned as a child growing up in rural Malawi, with little food and no chance of secondary education. But the opportunity to attend a centre funded by Re&Act changed everything.

A group of seven men, wearing leis, smile and pose around wooden poles on a muddy ground outside a building. Trees and people are visible in the background.
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“I’ve been involved from the very beginning – now, I’ve seen the impact for myself.”

Jonathan has been actively involved in the Children’s Walk since its inception in 2003. But it wasn’t until a visit to Cambodia many years later that he truly appreciated the scale of the impact.

A masked man in a light jacket shakes hands with another man in a white shirt while holding a certificate. A woman in traditional Ethiopian attire stands between them against a colorful flag backdrop. White and orange balloons add a festive touch.
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“Selam is my home and my family, even when I’m not living in the children's village anymore.”

Mekdes and her sister were orphaned as children in Ethiopia. But Selam Children’s Village helped her to find shelter, education and hope for the future.

Tolasa Mengistu and his friend smile warmly to the camera.
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How I found a home, my brothers, and pursued my dreams

Tolossa grew up in the Selam Children’s Village – which gave him the tools, hope and belief he needed to thrive.

[Potrait] Ly Leangheng
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How a scholarship changed everything

Leangheng promised her grandmother she would finish high school. Through no fault of her own, that pledge looked to be in jeopardy – until a scholarship made it possible to keep her promise.

[Potrait]
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A new future

Determined to continue his high school education, Chheuy Rachang found one last opportunity to fulfil his dream – a scholarship from Child’s Dream.

[Potrait] Martha Khonje
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“Education expands your horizons.”

Growing up in a rural village with many obstacles in the way of an education, Martha (right) now works at the Roger Federation Foundation helping to remove those obstacles for others.

A smiling man in a white shirt shakes hands with another person in a blue jacket, holding a paper. They stand in a welcoming, sunlit room with brick walls.
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A life-changing journey

Reto Buholzer’s first ever trip outside of Europe became a highly influential one in his life – a visit to orphan centres in Malawi to see the impact of funds donated through the Children’s Walk.

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