Medihelp Steps Up, Donating 3,400 Pairs of School Shoes to Hopeful Learners

Photo Credit: Medihelp - Supplied

From medical waste to school shoes, Medihelp donated 3,400 pairs of school shoes that not only transform young lives but they save the planet, too.

South Africa (06 March 2025) – At the start of each year, parents stretch themselves beyond measure to make sure their children have what they need to start the school year; however, with rising costs, this is a major struggle. In an effort to uplift children in need, the Medihelp Medical Scheme supported the MyWalk initiative and sponsored the purchase of 3,400 pairs of shoes in 2024.

The team share a beautiful insight into the journey of the school shoe, saying “No shoe journeys quite as far as the humble school shoe: From looking sharp and shiny on the first day of school through long strolls to class, frantic running during break times, and kicks and jumps during an impromptu soccer match or two, to its final walk home, worn and tired-looking. A pair of school shoes can make or break a school day, and, unfortunately, an estimated one million South African learners make do without proper school shoes.”

Determined to make a difference and honour the life of a school learner with new shoes, the team dedicated their corporate social investment initiatives to the MyWalk initiative and proudly sponsored 3,400 pairs of shoes.

The first batch of shoes was donated to the Khomani San community in Andriesvale, Northern Cape. A total of 100 pairs were donated to the scholars living within this small Kalahari town. Carina Groothof, marketing practitioner at Medihelp, travelled to present the school shoes to the learners. She shared that the energy and excitement expressed by the children was just beautiful!

“We danced in the sand, took pictures of the kids in the shoes, and just had an altogether great time. It was a beautiful day and experience for me personally.

“This community is so isolated that it would be easy to pass by without knowing they live in the area. The kids truly appreciated the shoes and the visit. It seemed like their excitement stemmed from seeing friendly faces who stopped by to come say hello.” – Carina Groothof

Where many of the children were once barefoot, they now had shiny new shoes, and the bullying that once affected their lives was a thing of the past.

“These kids go to school with peers whose families are more privileged and can afford shoes. It was remarkable to witness the impact that one pair of shoes can make, both physically and emotionally.”

After a successful handover, the team were in no doubt that the rest of the shoes would continue to make a substantial impact on the lives of children in need.

In South Africa, millions of children walk to school each day, and many go over terrains that are challenging, often scorching hot in the summers and freezing cold or wet in the winters. Having access to quality footwear is an ideal, although not always achievable, situation.

Medihelp’s support of MyWalk highlights the importance of fulfilling learners’ most basic needs with practical and innovative solutions. By supporting this initiative, they aim to play a part in ensuring that learners can attend school with dignity and comfort, taking a step toward a brighter future for South Africa’s youth.

These are not your average school shoes!

MyWalk is a non-profit initiative presented by Netcare and Adcock Ingram Critical Care. The shoes in question are not made from leather… but are, in fact, the product of recycled medical waste. This makes them all the more special in our book!

The school shoes are made from single-use PVC drip bags, oxygen masks, and associated tubing. These non-hazardous and uncontaminated materials are placed into dedicated MyWalk bins at participating Netcare Hospitals, collected, washed and granulated to then be transformed into high-quality shoes at the MyWalk recycling plant.

The process not only gives back to education but also to the environment, removing unwanted waste materials used to support and save lives, from landfills.

Imagine just how much waste was used to give 3,400 children a better start to school. Medihelp’s team are extremely proud to have contributed to these young lives in such a meaningful way, and we love that!