On Wednesday, learners of Morakoma primary school in Mamelodi received brand-new shoes donated by Nickelodeon and Bathu.

Last year, Nickelodeon and Bathu struck a partnership to give back to the community and millions of African children who go to school either without proper school shoes or barefoot, which exposes them to injury and infection.

Principal of Morakoma primary school, Nelly Manyashi said the school shoes will help learners to walk their journey and learn with dignity.

“This initiative has genuinely restored their dignity and hope and will boost learners’ confidence to come to school every day,” said Manyashi.

She said donations will encourage learners to always keep their shoes shining.

“The school incredibly appreciates Mmakatshaba Bopape and Lerai Rakoditsoe for choosing the school to receive the shoes.

A lot of our learners are vulnerable and rely on government social grants. While these grants help a lot, they do not pay for needs like school shoes,” said Manyashi.

She said the majority of the learners need school shoes and have been forced to either go barefoot or wear worn-out or small shoes.

Cedrick Diphoko, MD of Bathu, said: “As clichéd as it may sound, children are the future and we all need to come together to create a nurturing environment conducive to learning.”

He said a step towards that vision is to ensure that by the year 2031, South African learners can walk their education journey without stressing about school shoes.

“If local brands don’t play their part, how can we blame children for not being able to live their full potential,” said Diphoko.

Nickelodeon Africa takes pride in being the top children’s entertainment brand and growing a diversified, international company which always puts children first.

During the presentation of school shoes, three learners each also won a pair of limited-edition Bathu sneakers and got an opportunity to pick a school of their choice to donate school shoes too, alongside Culture Squad member and NickMusic host Lerai Rakoditsoe.

Dillon Khan, senior vice president of Nickelodeon Africa said: “We are delighted to be working with Bathu on this initiative,” said Khan adding that a journey of a thousand miles begins with a single step.

“Ultimately, with this relationship, we hope to make a difference in the lives of the children at Morakoma primary school and bring to life our ambition to see South African children be children again and reach their full potential.”

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