More than 40,000 learners across Busia County are set to receive shoes through a partnership between Because International Organization and Dhamira Moja CBO.
Speaking during the distribution exercise at Bugeng’i Comprehensive School in Busia Sub-county on Wednesday, Serah Hile from Because International said the programme seeks to promote education by ensuring learners are comfortable, healthy, and motivated to stay in school.
“Our focus is on education. We want to support learners so they can study comfortably and build a bright future for themselves. Providing them with shoes will keep them healthy, ease the financial burden on families, and boost their self-confidence,” Hile said.
She added that the programme was launched following a survey that revealed high cases of jigger infestations and other foot-related diseases among children in the region, which were affecting their education.
“We found that many children suffer from jiggers and related infections, which in turn impacts their concentration and attendance. That’s why we saw the need to step in and provide footwear to protect them,” she added.
Hile called for stronger partnerships to address other challenges that contribute to school dropouts and early pregnancies, especially among girls.
“Many girls miss school because they lack sanitary towels, while boys often lack basic essentials like undergarments. We need more partners to ensure all learners’ basic needs are met so they can stay in school,” she said.
Dhamira Moja CBO Executive Director Sarah Martha said the initiative targets learners from ECDE to Grade 9 across all sub-counties in Busia.
“The program will benefit over 40,000 learners with adjustable shoes known as ‘The Shoe That Grows’, which can expand up to five sizes. Many of our children lack proper footwear, exposing them to diseases such as jiggers,” Martha explained.
She added that beyond health benefits, the initiative aims to restore the dignity and self-esteem of children from low-income families.
“We want to put a smile on every child’s face and give them confidence to pursue their education. Our goal is to support learners not just with shoes but also with books and other essential supplies,” she said.
Martha further urged the government and other stakeholders to consider the full range of learners’ needs beyond school fees.
“Uniforms, books, and sanitary products are equally important. Many learners miss school because they lack these basic items,” she noted.
She also appealed to parents to protect their children during the holiday season from gender-based violence and exploitation.
“Children are most vulnerable when schools are closed. Parents must ensure their safety so that we can achieve 100% return to school when classes resume,” she emphasised.
Otimong Sub-location Assistant Chief Daniel Ojiambo welcomed the initiative, adding that it will have a lasting impact on learners’ education.
“Many children in this area have been affected by jiggers, which disrupts their learning. With these shoes, they will be able to concentrate better in class,” he said, adding that the programme also eases the financial burden on struggling parents.
Sheilla Mutonyi, a pupil at Bugeng’i Comprehensive School, expressed gratitude on behalf of fellow learners.
“Some of us used to feel embarrassed or sit alone because we didn’t have shoes. Now, with these shoes, we feel confident and motivated to attend school every day,” she said.
By Salome Alwanda and Rodgers Omondi
