A young boy’s odd takkies stood out among his peers’ proper school shoes and struck a personal chord with Baboloki, who knew the struggle of being teased for having worn-out shoes. It was that very childhood memory that prompted an act of empathy that will now likely leave a lasting impact on the boy’s life.
Gaborone, Botswana (13 October 2025) – During his regular morning school drop-offs at his son’s school, one man noticed how a young boy’s pair of shoes differed from the rest of his peers.
After seeing the bubbly boy in white takkies instead of the normal school shoes, on several occasions, Baboloki Van Derkhudu couldn’t help but wonder how he was probably looked at differently from the other kids because of his “odd shoes” – a struggle Baboloki knew all too well.
“I saw myself in that boy, because back in my school days, I was also the kid with odd or worn-out shoes,” shares Baboloki from neighbouring country, Botswana.
In a Facebook post, he reflects on how, back in primary school, one of his classmates gave him his old school shoes after getting a new pair.
“They were Renegades, and back then, Renegade and Bronx were the thing. I had always wanted to own a pair, but my mom couldn’t afford them. When I got those old shoes, I was so happy. I wore them proudly, took good care of them, and they really boosted my confidence,” shares Baboloki, noting that even though they were tight and a size smaller, he still appreciated them.
Going back to the story about the boy at his son’s school, Baboloki says he felt compelled to do something special for the child whom he’d noticed was wearing a different pair of shoes last week – old, torn school shoes.
“I called him over and chatted with him. He told me his mom got the shoes from a friend – they were probably her friend’s son’s old shoes.”
And so Baboloki decided to do something special for the little boy. Something the child likely longed for but knew was out of reach because of the circumstances back at home.
“I decided to take him to the mall and bought him a brand-new pair of proper school shoes.”
Baboloki describes the boy’s reaction as one of pure joy that instantly brightened his face.
“I’m certain he’ll take good care of them – and just like those Renegades did for me in junior school, I know they’ll boost his confidence too.”
His post struck a chord with many South Africans who have praised his empathy and for being a blessing for the child in need.
Baboloki didn’t just pay forward the gesture that had been passed onto him years ago, but in doing so also helped a young boy feel seen and valued, restoring the confidence every schoolboy should have.
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