179 school shoes donated to Soweto school

The Winny Radebe Foundation rolled up their sleeves and added another successful give away to its name as it donated 179 brand new school shoes to learners at two schools in Soweto on Thursday, July 27.

The Non-profit organisation based in Lufhereng, in collaboration with the Southern African Germany Chamber of Industry and Commerce successfully donated the shoes in a bid to bringing dignity to learners from underprivileged homes.

The initiative kicked off at Lufhereng Primary School where 121 shoes were donated and a further 58 pairs at the Protea Glen Secondary School.

The donation, according to the NPO, is a part of the foundation’s outreach work, having adopted the two schools as part of identified institutions.

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Founder, Winnie Radebe said the success of the handover echoed its stance to give back and improve the well-being of vulnerable communities.

“This is not a new initiative to us as a foundation. Our aim was that the learners each get a full new uniform but I am happy with the outcome of today’s events. We come across devastating circumstances facing some of these learners. We want to reduce that and make them feel equal to their peers. This sometimes results in school drop outs because they lack the basic necessities, which is sometimes perpetuated by bullying and stigmatisation,” commented Radebe.

Radebe said the aim is to give more than 500 pairs to each of the schools, adding that the vision was taking the project to other provinces in order to reach even those in rural areas.

Harmony Gold Mining Company also came on board donating reusable sanitary towels to learners at both schools.

The foundation added that it was focused to raising awareness about women’s health by ensuring that girls have normalcy without discomfort and embarrassment.

“We have a number of girls who don’t go to school due to menstruation, so those pads will help them.

“Some of such learners are forced to use cloths or even unhygienic materials to get through their monthly period. We are saddened that this is still the reality of dozens of learners,” she continued.

Xolisile Dladla, Coordinator at Southern African Germany Chamber of Industry and Commerce applauded the foundation for the amazing work that it does in helping communities.

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“We found a supplier which was very much convenient and quite affordable because these shoes are made from recyclable materials and they only cost R35 for one pair and so we thought we could assist 179 learners.

“But really our presence today is about restoring integrity and bringing dignity to learners. It’s not only about the shoes, but walking with pride and paving the way for their future,” Dladla added.

HOD at High School in Protea Glen, Gugulethu Vilakazi expressed gratitude to the organisations indicating that one of the challenges at the school was sanitary towels.

“We appreciate the massive contribution to the school. The reusable pads will go a long way for the learners. We even use the school’s money to ensure that we always have a supply because it is something the learners are always in need of every day.”