Lions donate hundreds of school shoes to Zenzeleni Primary learners
One hundred and fifty learners at Zenzeleni Primary School will no longer have to walk into class with worn‑out shoes. Each child received a brand‑new pair, thanks to Lions International’s donation drive.
Lions International has brought relief to the children of Zenzeleni Primary School, donating 150 pairs of school shoes to learners.
First vice district governor Mark Van Heerden said more donations are set for coming weeks. “All of our clubs within our district look after different service pillars, but each club decides how best to serve its community. This is one of the ways.”
He added that the organisation has access to shoes at affordable rates, enabling clubs to arrange programmes around this need. “It is so rewarding to be able to give without expectations. The look on the children’s faces, as well as the elderlies faces when we do projects like this, is so rewarding.”
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Van Heerden described Lions Clubs International as the world’s largest service organisation, explaining that its members assist those in need. While individual Lions clubs have the freedom to select their own community projects, as Van Heerden pointed out, the organisation centres its worldwide efforts on five key global causes, including addressing various aspects of vision impairment, promoting early detection and support for people affected by diabetes, combating hunger and malnutrition on a global scale, advancing environmental protection and sustainability, and providing aid to children and families impacted by cancer.
He further noted that the Lions Club extends their support to both young people and seniors, though the present initiative was particularly directed toward benefiting children and youth.
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He said the work has been personally fulfilling. “That is why I became a Lion. It is rewarding to give without expectations. The joy we see when we serve is what keeps us going.”
The school welcomed the donation, noting that it comes at a critical time when many parents are unemployed, or children are raised by single parents or grandparents. Teachers said the shoes will not only ease the burden on families; they’ll help learners walk to school with pride and confidence.
@caxtonjoburgnorth Watch: First Vice District Governor Lion Mark van Heerden says Lions has donated 150 pair of school shoes to learners at Zenzeleni Primary School, and will be bringing more within the next week. #alex #zenzeleni ♬ original sound – Caxton Joburg North
ActionSA proportional representation councillor Ramatamo Sehoai said such initiatives are vital in Alexandra. “We hope this kind of programme can spread to more schools. In Alexandra, unemployment is high, and most of us come from poor backgrounds. Initiatives like this are always welcomed.”
The Lions’ initiative reflected the organisation’s broader commitment to service, uplifting people, and restoring dignity.
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