The Women Touching Lives organisation has launched an innovative school shoe project aimed at helping pupils “get back on their feet”.
THE WOMEN Touching Lives organisation has launched an innovative school shoe project aimed at helping pupils “get back on their feet”.
The initiative was sparked by a recent visit to Greenpoint Primary School, where many pupils were found wearing broken shoes.
Vernice Shaw, a representative from the organisation, explained that the school shoe exchange project began after they observed the dire need for proper footwear among the pupils.
“We noticed that many of the pupils were wearing broken shoes and we decided to take their sizes and names. Many children walk far distances to and from school and come from impoverished households,” Shaw pointed out.
In response, members of the organisation sponsored new shoes, socks, a tin of polish and a brush to ensure the shoes remain in good condition.
“We also received donations from friends and managed to hand over 10 pairs of shoes last week,” said Shaw.
“The need is great and we would like to expand the project to reach more schools in Kimberley. However, our aim is to first donate at least 100 pairs of shoes to pupils at Greenpoint Primary School. Our next handover will take place on the August 26.
“It is heartbreaking not to be able to help everyone and we challenge more people to join our project, so that we can make a bigger impact,” she added.
Shaw said the initiative also includes reconditioning and repairing worn-out shoes, which will be donated to a clothing bin at Aldersgate Methodist Church.
“We bought quality shoes that will last a long time so that children can take pride in their appearance and do not have to walk around with shoes that have gaping holes.”
Shaw added that they planned to provide care packs and school shoes to a single father who is caring for his four young children who attend Greenpoint Primary School.
