Redhill School’s matric Class of 2019 donated their school shoes on their final day to its partner school Lulama Primary School in Klipspruit, Soweto.
The shoes were handed over to the school’s principal Sithembile Khumalo on 21 January and distributed among the excited learners.
According to the teacher running the initiative, Dhevan Marimandi, there are a number of children in the country that grow up being barefooted. “Some children walk many kilometres barefoot to school. These children are at risk. Wearing shoes protects their feet from cuts and sores caused by gravel roads. Not only are these injuries painful, they are also a health risk when wounds become infected,” he said.
Marimandi added that having school shoes is not only an important part of a learner’s school uniform but it also elevates their level of confidence. “Many children cannot attend school because shoes are a required part of their school uniform. If they do not receive an education, they do not have an opportunity to realise their potential.”
Lucas Khumalo, principal of Lulama Primary School, added that the donation had made a large impact on the lives of the learners as well as their parents. “Our kids were on top of the moon to be greeted with what they needed most, which is shoes. Their parents were still thinking how they would make ends meet in order to bring the dignity of their kids back to them because with bare feet to school, there is no dignity,” he said.
Khumalo added that all of the shoes Redhill donated were equally distributed to those in need. “The staff and SGB would like to express their sincere token of appreciation for this donation.”
Marimandi concluded, “The donation of the shoes by the Redhill matric class is an opportunity for others’ to realise their dreams, just as they have.”
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