Empowering Ga-Rankuwa Learners with School Shoes

Ga-Rankuwa, Pretoria – In a Uplifting community effort, more than 200 pairs of school shoes have been collected to support underprivileged learners in Ga-Rankuwa, north of Pretoria. This initiative, spearheaded by Victor Phiri, a dedicated cyclist and the founder of Ga-Rankuwa Cycling Against Substance Abuse, aims to provide much-needed footwear to children in primary and secondary schools by the end of the fourth school term.

A Mission Rooted in Compassion

The project, which has been gaining momentum throughout the year, was inspired by Phiri’s friend, Herold Maloka, who runs a similar initiative called the 1 Million School Shoes Donations. Deeply moved by the needs of his community, Phiri took up the challenge to make a tangible difference in the lives of local learners.

Phiri stated that the 270 pairs of shoes donated so far are a powerful testament to the community’s generosity and the project’s success. “Last year, we were able to distribute over 500 pairs of shoes, thanks to the vital support from community leaders and teachers who help identify those in genuine need,” Phiri explained.

The Ga-Rankuwa cycling club

Over 200 Pairs of School Shoes Donated to Ga-Rankuwa Learners

Impact on Learners’ Lives

Onthatile Kgongwana and Kelebogile Bokaba with some of the donated school shoes

For many children, receiving a pair of proper school shoes is more than just a practical gift. It boosts their self-confidence, alleviating the embarrassment of attending school with inadequate footwear. Phiri emphasized that this gesture also significantly reduces the financial burden on parents, especially during tough economic times, and positively impacts the children’s academic performance.

Despite facing challenges such as the slow pace of new donations from businesses—an understandable situation given the current economic climate—Phiri remains optimistic about the project’s future. “While existing partnerships with previous donors continue to provide crucial support, we are actively working to engage new businesses to keep the momentum going,” he said.

Looking Ahead: Expanding the Initiative

Looking to the future, Phiri expressed a strong desire to expand the project in 2024 and beyond. “We aim to address additional needs, such as providing sanitary towels for girls in schools. The number of beneficiaries is increasing each year, and further contributions will help maintain and expand the project’s reach,” he noted.

Phiri called on the broader community to get involved and support this worthwhile cause. “Community involvement is crucial. We encourage everyone to contribute, whether through donations or by helping us identify learners in need.

Together, we can make a lasting difference in the lives of these children,” he concluded.

Source: Pretoria News