Shoe A Child Foundation, the non-govermental organisation, has distributed brand-new shoes to children aged 5 to 11 in Mushin, Lagos, in an initiative aimed at promoting health and equality.
The outreach, themed ‘Lace Up Towards A Brighter Future’ took place on Saturday at Real Link Model School, Mushin.
Abisola Aremu, the foundation’s project manager, explained that the initiative seeks to “reduce disease risks and bridge the gap between privileged and less privileged children”.
“The outreach aim to help reduce the prevalence of diseases contracted by constant ‘barefootedness’ or lack of proper shoes by providing new shoes to under-privileged children at no cost and also create equality between the rich and the poor by ensuring that each child is catered for,” she said.
Aremu also disclosed that the shoes were sourced through crowdfunding and donations from partners, both locally and internationally, whom foundation is referred to as Sole Mates
“For sourcing of shoes, we get partners both home and abroad to run show drives for us so we basically crowdfund. Majority of our shoes come from individuals abroad,” she said.
Also speaking, Ladami Ekundayo, the school’s director, praised the initiative as a “monumental achievement,” especially in a community often associated with hardship.
“It’s a monumental achievement for us, especially considering what Mushin is often known for including tyranny and various vices,” he said.
“Being able to partner with the Shoe A Child Foundation to put smiles on the faces of these children and boost their confidence is something we are truly proud of.
“I saw how excited some of the children were, especially those who can’t afford shoes or a new pair. I sincerely appreciate the organisation for this effort.”
Parents and children expressed deep gratitude, with one mother saying “Thank you for the shoes. May your organisation never be ruined”.
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Since its launch in 2016, Shoe A Child Foundation has distributed over 50,000 shoes to children in need.
The NGO also runs other programmes, including back-to-school drives, voluntourism, prison outreach, and a December secret santa initiative.
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