Soweto learners receive new school shoes in Lefika Hearts outreach

In the heart of Soweto, compassion once again took centre stage as Lefika Hearts NPC continued its mission to restore dignity and bring hope to underprivileged learners through its flagship programme, Walk with Pride School Shoes Initiative Drive.

The organisation reached yet another milestone, donating over 75 brand-new pairs of school shoes and socks to children at Isaacson Primary School in Rockville on November 4.

CEO and Co-Founder of Lefika Hearts NPC, Maria Magasoane, expressed how deeply fulfilling this experience was for her and the team.

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“The most important thing about this drive is to serve the kids to show them love, speak life over them, and remind them that they matter.

“When we take the time to wash their feet and help them put on new socks and shoes, we’re restoring confidence and dignity. Just seeing their facial expressions, that pure joy warms my heart to the core,” she said.

She said that for many of these learners, a simple pair of shoes means far more than just footwear; it symbolises care, love and a renewed sense of self-worth.

As volunteers gently washed and wiped each child’s feet before fitting them with new socks and shoes, the atmosphere was filled with emotion, laughter and gratitude.

This impactful initiative forms part of Lefika Hearts’ broader commitment to community development, compassion, and empowerment.

The organisation believes that restoring a child’s dignity begins with small acts of kindness that create lasting impact.

“Each drive represents more than a donation; it’s a statement of hope that every child deserves to “walk with pride” no matter their background.

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Partnerships with organisations such as Samaritan’s Feet South Africa and Sexy Socks have been instrumental in ensuring the initiative’s success.

Through the collaborations, Lefika Hearts has been able to provide complete sets of shoes and socks, ensuring that every child not only walks comfortably but also feels valued.

The school’s head of department, Nthabeleng Moutloali, was moved by the generosity and heart behind the project.

“We are thankful to Lefika Hearts for choosing our school. Many of our learners come from disadvantaged backgrounds and attend classes in worn-out shoes or sneakers.

“This initiative has given them confidence and pride; you can see it in their smiles. Lefika Hearts’ dedication inspires us, and we pray that the organisation continues to grow and touch more schools,” she said.

Since launching the Walk with Pride School Shoes Initiative in July 2025, where Lefika Hearts donated 40 pairs of shoes during its first drive, the organisation has shown consistent growth and impact.

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This second drive marks another step toward their long-term vision of reaching over 1 000 learners across Gauteng by the end of 2026.

Lefika Hearts NPC continues to live by its core values: compassion, dignity, empowerment, and service.

Through their community projects, the team remains committed to changing lives one heart at a time, proving that small acts of kindness can ripple through entire communities.