More than 150 pupils at Mitando Comprehensive School in Kore Sub-location, Muhoroni Sub-County, Kisumu County, have received new Bata shoes and pairs of socks as part of an initiative to ensure learners have the necessities to focus on their education.
The initiative, supported by the First Baptist Church in partnership with the Soles by Grace Organisation, focused on children from low-income backgrounds, many of whom struggle to attend school due to a lack of basic items, such as footwear.
Speaking during the shoe distribution exercise, Pastor Alex Matubache of Fountain of Peace Baptist Church in Chemelil emphasised that the initiative reflects the church’s unwavering commitment to promoting equal opportunities for all, particularly underprivileged pupils.
“As a church, we see ourselves as vital stakeholders in the community. Beyond preaching, we actively work to uplift the poor and help ease their struggles,” Pastor Matubache stated.
In a bid to promote dignity, boost school attendance, and empower vulnerable children, the programme has distributed over 4,000 new pairs of school shoes and socks in various schools in the region.
“This way, we intend to address a major challenge faced by many learners in this area, who often visit school latrines barefoot and risk contracting diseases,” he said.
According to Benson Okumu, an official from the Soles by Grace organisation, there is a pressing need to support impoverished young learners who face significant challenges that pose major barriers to their education.
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Okumu noted that providing school shoes not only eases the financial burden on rural families but also enhances the students’ dignity and confidence, enabling them to focus on their studies without distractions.
“The level of poverty in the remote areas is so severe that it calls for a collective effort from various stakeholders to provide the necessary support, ensuring many deserving children receive assistance,” Okumu stressed.
Mitando Comprehensive School Deputy Head Teacher Geoffrey Odhiambo acknowledged the vital role of the partners, noting that their generous donations will go a long way towards improving the children’s academic performance.
Odhiambo noted that with the donation of shoes and socks, parents should encourage their children to put on proper school uniforms daily.
“We urge parents to help improve pupils’ school dress discipline. Please don’t keep the shoes at home for special occasions, only for children to return to school barefoot,” he said.
The initiative, he added, will play a significant role in combating jigger infestations, which have severely affected many learners at the school due to their habit of walking barefoot.
By Fredrick Odeiro
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