BUSIA: School learners in Busia County are set to benefit from footwear donation, thanks to a partnership between the Because International Organization and Dhamira Moja Community-Based Organization (CBO).
According to Serah Hile, the programme seeks to benefit 40,000 learners across Busia County, aiming to ensure dignity and motivation to stay in school.
“Our focus is on education. We want to support learners so they can study comfortably and build a bright future for themselves,” Hile stated.
“Providing them with shoes will keep them healthy, ease the financial burden on families, and boost their self-confidence.”
Hile explained that the programme was launched following a survey that revealed high cases of jigger infestations and other foot-related diseases among children in the region, which were negatively affecting their education.
“We found that many children suffer from jiggers and related infections, which in turn impacts their concentration and attendance,” she added. “That’s why we saw the need to step in and provide footwear to protect them.”
The ‘Shoe That Grows’ Initiative
Sarah Martha, Executive Director of Dhamira Moja CBO, said the initiative targets learners from Early Childhood Development and Education (ECDE) up to Grade 9 across all sub-counties in Busia.
“The program will benefit over 40,000 learners with adjustable shoes known as ‘The Shoe That Grows’, which can expand up to five sizes,” Martha explained.
She further noted, “Many of our children lack proper footwear, exposing them to diseases such as jiggers.”
Beyond the health benefits, she emphasized the goal is to restore the dignity and self-esteem of children from low-income families.
“We want to put a smile on every child’s face and give them confidence to pursue their education. Our goal is to support learners not just with shoes but also with books and other essential supplies.”
Call for Broader Support
Hile called for stronger partnerships to address other challenges that contribute to school dropouts and early pregnancies, especially among girls.
“Many girls miss school because they lack sanitary towels, while boys often lack basic essentials like undergarments,” she said.
“We need more partners to ensure all learners’ basic needs are met so they can stay in school.”
Martha further urged the government and other stakeholders to consider the full range of learners’ needs beyond just school fees.
“Uniforms, books, and sanitary products are equally important. Many learners miss school because they lack these basic items.”
She also appealed to parents to protect their children during the holiday season from gender-based violence and exploitation.
“Children are most vulnerable when schools are closed. Parents must ensure their safety so that we can achieve 100% return to school when classes resume,” she stressed.
Impact
Daniel Ojiambo, Otimong Sub-location Assistant Chief, welcomed the initiative, noting that it will have a lasting impact on learners’ education.
“Many children in this area have been affected by jiggers, which disrupts their learning. With these shoes, they will be able to concentrate better in class,” he said, adding that the programme also eases the financial burden on struggling parents.
Sheilla Mutonyi, a pupil at Bugeng’i Comprehensive School, expressed gratitude on behalf of her peers. “Some of us used to feel embarrassed or sit alone because we didn’t have shoes. Now, with these shoes, we feel confident and motivated to attend school every day.”
