According to a recent UNICEF report, 11.9 children live in income poverty in South Africa, these same children walk long distances on gravel roads to go to school and can’t afford school shoes or are either too small or too big, with worn-out soles or broken buckles. Head of Steadville High, Mrs Shabalala, said “this is indeed a joyous end to 2019 for our learners. We are overwhelmed by this donation.”
Learners from Bhekinthuthuko Secondary School received a donation of new school shoes sponsored and co-ordinated by Sumitomo Rubber South Africa . Sumitomo Rubber South Africa (Sumitomo Dunlop) pledged R150,000 and appealed to the company’s suppliers to assist further. They raised R280,000 to equip underprivileged children in Ladysmith in 2020.
Sumitomo Dunlop partnered with Ntenga Footwear and Bhanas Wholesalers delivered a total of 1,670 brand-new school shoes to 819 female learners and 851 male learners from grades eight to eleven on Wednesday, 4 December. Sumitomo Dunlop has also collaborated with the two schools to provide tutoring to grade 11 and 12 learners in mathematics and science, stationery and other supplies, hosting career guidance days, bringing in teams of staff from across the country to share their education and career journeys and encourage our learners to stay in school and strive for success.
“Education is one of our key CSI pillars and we work steadfastly to improve the outcomes of the learners at these two high schools. Shoes are recognised as a symbol of pride in many communities and cultures. Children are often teased or miss school due to the lack of, or poor condition of their shoes, especially in the cold winter months,” said Riaz Haffejee, CEO Sumitomo Dunlop.
“Earlier this year Sumitomo Dunlop donated a fully equipped classroom to our school, providing our matric learners with an excellent environment in which to learn and prepare for their final examinations. Our learners and their families are going to be so incredibly grateful for these shoes,” said Bhekinthuthuko Secondary School headmaster, Mr Madonsela.
