A 1,000-kilometre solidarity walk across Tunisia: A growing movement of SOS student ambassadors
It all started with an ambitious idea from Mohamed Dhia, a Faculty of Economics and Management student and the President of the SOS Student Ambassadors Club at the University of Sfax. Inspired to help children without parental care, he envisioned an extraordinary initiative: a 1,000-kilometre solidarity walk across Tunisia.
From Remada to Gammarth, between January 29 and February 11, 2025, a group of dedicated student ambassadors took on this challenge with an ambitious goal—securing 3,000 new child sponsorships.
SOS Student Ambassador Clubs worldwide are student-led groups that support SOS Children’s Villages by raising awareness, advocating for children’s rights, and fundraising for SOS programs. These clubs are based in high schools and universities, engaging students in activities that promote child welfare and social justice.
Raising awareness and hope
For 14 days, these young changemakers crossed 24 governorates, enduring cold nights, rainy days, and long, exhausting walks. Along the way, they engaged with citizens, businesses, and media, raising awareness about the struggles faced by children without parental care. Over 2,000 volunteers joined their cause, amplifying their message across social media.
Influential figures, including content creators, actors, journalists, and artists, helped spread their mission, drawing national and international attention to the cause.
Among the walkers were four young people from SOS Children’s Villages Tunisia, who had firsthand experience growing up without parental care. By sharing their stories, they inspired others and reinforced the urgency of the mission.
By the end of this emotional and inspiring journey, the students had successfully collected 850 pledges, allowing an additional 350 children to receive support from SOS Children’s Villages Tunisia.
Determined not to stop until they have reached their ambitious goal, Mohamed Dhia and his fellow ambassadors declared at the finish line in SOS Children’s Villages in Gammarth:
“Our commitment does not end here. We will continue our mission until we reach our goal of helping 3,000 children.”
A movement bigger than a walk
This Walk of Champions is more than an act of solidarity and perseverance, of information sharing or fundraising; it is a movement, a symbol of hope and an affirmation of our belief that every child deserves care and protection.
Today, there are 60 SOS Children’s Villages Student Ambassador Clubs across universities in Tunisia, with 5,000 active student volunteers dedicated to raising awareness and advocating for children’s rights. Thanks to a partnership with the Ministry of Higher Education and Scientific Research, the movement is expanding to high schools, ensuring that future generations embrace a culture of care and inclusion.