Samaritan’s Feet’s “Giving Hope to Learners” project is a beautiful example of how kindness can create ripple effects of positive change. It’s not just about providing shoes; it is about walking alongside young people, offering them hope and a sense of belonging.
Graaff-Reinett, South Africa (18 February 2025) – Samaritan’s Feet SA, known for its dedication to providing footwear to those in need, has launched its “Giving Hope to Learners” project, a mission to instil hope and opportunity in young South African students.
The project was rolled out at Spandau Secondary School on Tuesday, 12 February, marking the beginning of a transformative initiative.
Led by Project Manager Jeanne-Marie Minnie, alongside respected community leaders, Samaritan’s Feet distributed nearly a thousand pairs of new school shoes to eager learners.
Learners were also taught leadership skills and were excited about all the encouragement they received.
As part of the project, the organisation is establishing distribution hotspots in different parts of South Africa as part of Samaritan Feet’s efforts to put shoes on children’s feet while fostering connections in communities.
Samaritan’s Feet volunteers hold training sessions on leadership development and sustainability change development with key community members as part of the first phase of the project before moving on to one-on-one conversations with learners and distributing school shoes.
These outreaches also involve week-long interactive sessions where volunteers and relevant stakeholders of the public and private sector work with the children ensuring they are seen, valued and supported.
“Every pair of shoes that are given to the children has to happen through a one-on-one conversation.
“This fosters a moment for vulnerability and connection,” explains Jeanne-Marie Minnie, Project Manager.
Jeanne further shared in a Graaff-Reinet Advertiser video, that she hopes that the shoes will leave a lasting impression of those connections.
“Every day when the children put them on, we hope they would remember those kind strangers from across the country who came to listen to them and and inspire them,” says Jeanne.
The project’s ultimate goal is to inspire the community to empower young people and ensure no child is without essential footwear. Through meaningful human connection and hope, more children go to school, complete their studies, and flourish.
Sources: Graaff-Reinet Advertiser
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