Never too young to change the world

Tareeq with Tamara Vrooman, CEO of Vancity.

Tareeq Mangalji got involved with World Partnership Walk in the first grade, signing up to be part of a school team. Ever since then, he has been actively involved as a fundraiser, mentor, and ambassador.

“World Partnership Walk allows me to express values that my family and I hold dear: caring for others, seeking equity, dedicating time and thought to improving quality of life for all, and showing up no matter what the challenge,” he says.

In the 13 years he has been involved with the Walk, Tareeq has led school teams seven times. He has also acted as a mentor to other school team captains, and has even advocated for the Walk in front of the executive team at Vancity, a major credit union in British Columbia. Tamara Vrooman, CEO of Vancity, had never heard of World Partnership Walk, but was moved by Tareeq’s presentation. Years later, she remains an active supporter of Aga Khan Foundation Canada as a member of the Canadian board.

The Walk also gives Tareeq the opportunity to meet lots of different people. “I have made innumerable friends and developed deep relationships with others who share my concern and passion for making a difference,” he says.

A few years ago, Tareeq had the opportunity to go to East Africa with his parents, where he had the chance to visit some Walk-supported programs. Meeting student council members at a government school in Kwale, Kenya particularly stuck with him, he says. “They were so respectful of each other, completely engaged, and so comfortable sharing their opinions and challenging mine.”

Inspired, Tareeq organized a symposium on poverty at his school. “I was inspired by the level of interest and engagement from all who attended,” he says. Attendees got to learn from a broad range of speakers about the complexity of poverty, but also how they can make a difference.

As he prepares for university in the coming months, Tareeq is hopeful for the future and how youth like him can get involved. The conversations he had with the students in Kwale continue to challenge him every day. “There is so much that students can share with each other,” he says.