Never walk alone

Three-year plan kicks off
The aim is to provide 31 500 Namibian children with school shoes, improving attendance, confidence, and learning opportunities.
Emerita Shikesho
  • 1 Day Ago

Project Never Walk Alone launched a nationwide rollout last week, which will provide thousands of Namibian children with school shoes over the next three years, focusing on regions most affected by barefoot learning.

Since its inception, Project Never Walk Alone has already supplied shoes to 12 750 children in Zambezi, Kunene, Kavango East and West, Khomas, Omaheke, Erongo, Hardap and Ohangwena. Building on this work, the organisation plans to assist 31 500 children nationwide between 2026 and 2028.

In 2026, 10 000 pairs of shoes will be distributed to learners in the Oshana, //Kharas, Otjozondjupa and Omusati regions, which have previously not benefited from the project. The project will expand in 2027 to support 11 500 children in Ohangwena, Kavango East, Kavango East and West, and Kunene. which currently has more than 14 000 barefoot learners. Each of these regions will receive 4 000 pairs of shoes, while the remaining regions will each receive 2 500.

In 2028, a further 10 000 children in Ohangwena, Khomas, Kavango East and Hardap will be targeted.

The three-year programme has a total budget of N$12.92 million, with allocations of N$3.92 million in 2026, N$4.6 million in 2027, and N$4.4 million in 2028.

The organisation noted in a media statement that inadequate footwear continues to affect school attendance, participation, and learners’ overall confidence.

Rebekka Gabriel, a parent, expressed her appreciation for the initiative, saying that it is not only about improving children’s health and safety but also about restoring dignity and touching lives. “Given the many challenges our children face today, it is refreshing to witness such acts of kindness,” Gabriel said. “Thank you for being the change you want to see. Thank you for walking the talk. I encourage other parents and businesses to support this worthy cause.”

Several school principals also shared their views. Diina Nakasole, acting principal of Erongosig Primary School, said receiving shoes would greatly boost children’s confidence, adding that many learners feel shy or excluded when attending school barefoot, especially when others have proper shoes. “With shoes, our children will feel equal to their peers, more confident to participate in class, and proud to walk to school,” Nakasole said.

Daniel Likuwa, principal of Noordgrens Secondary School, echoed these sentiments, stating that receiving shoes would enhance learners’ confidence and improve their learning experience. He said that learners eligible for the shoes will be identified through the school’s life skills teacher, who maintains records of needy learners, supported by background checks for verification.