Diepsloot learners receive new school shoes through community partnership
A partnership between Starfish Greathearts Foundation and Design Quarter retailers has helped 67 young learners step into the new school year with dignity and renewed confidence.
At Starfish Greathearts Foundation, they believe that something as simple as a pair of school shoes can restore dignity, build confidence, and keep a child focused on learning.
On February 6, they partnered with Design Quarter, and its supportive retailers, and 67 learners in Grade R and Grade 1 from an under-resourced school in Diepsloot received brand-new school shoes, ensuring they can walk into the classroom with pride and comfort this school year.
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Mpiliso Skosana, partnerships and engagement officer for the foundation, explained that the initiative was made possible through the collective efforts of Design Quarter’s partners and stores, including Sandy Turner, EMK Links Gallery, Salsa, WellTech, and Summit OOH, who raised over R11 000 to fund the purchase of the shoes.
“The shoes were sourced from Inkanyiso School Shoes, a proudly South African social enterprise that manufactures quality, locally made footwear for learners in under-resourced communities. This approach ensured that the campaign not only supported vulnerable children but also strengthened local enterprise.
“For many families, school shoes are a significant expense. Without them, children often attend school in worn-out or ill-fitting footwear, which can affect their confidence and concentration. Through this partnership, Starfish Greathearts Foundation ensured that the shoes were distributed directly to learners who needed them most. The handover was filled with smiles, excitement, and a renewed sense of belonging.”
She also added that the initiative highlights how small interventions can create meaningful change in a child’s life.
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“Access to a proper school uniform, including shoes, plays a vital role in a learner’s sense of dignity and readiness to learn. Partnerships like this allow us to remove barriers that many children face, and give them an equal opportunity to focus on their education.”
Starfish Greathearts Foundation supports over 19 000 children across five provinces through education, health, nutrition, and social services programmes. While this initiative focused on footwear, its impact reaches far beyond, representing care, community, and opportunity.
Skosana highlighted the power of collaboration between corporate partners, local businesses, and non-profit organisations in creating tangible change.
“Starfish Greathearts Foundation urges corporates, schools, retailers, and individuals to partner in ensuring that no child is held back by preventable barriers to education. Those interested in supporting the initiative can visit starfish-greathearts.org or contact info@starfish.org.za.”
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