The sound in the corridors of Grosvenor Primary School is punctuated by regular thumping sounds of happy, well-shod feet, thanks to a donation of brand new school shoes.
Learners from Grade R to 7 received shoes thanks to Youth 4 Life, Samaritan’s Feet South Africa and Masizole Mnqasela, Western Cape Provincial Parliamentary Speaker.
According to Mnqasela, the project was launched a few months ago with the support of Samaritan’s Feet SA.
He believes many learners in the province will benefit from the donations.
“We are not only going to give shoes to the learners,” he said, “but we are also going to strengthen our relationship with schools and other community organisations, to reach out to them.
“I hope this project will bring some stability to our communities after Covid-19 sowed fear in households and paralysed our economy for the past eight months.”
In his speech to learners he urged them to dream big, so they can take their communities to greater heights one day.
Local councillor Barbara Rass said she hoped the project would be an ongoing event. “I hope other organisations will follow Samaritan’s Feet SA’s example so they can make a difference in the lives of learners and our communities,” she said.
Learners Lea Weavers (Grade R), Tyreece Booysen (Grade 2), Elgin Booysen (Grade 1), Jo-Anne Slender (Grade R), and Marche Julius were very excited to receive their shoes, vital tools for a prospective teacher, traffic officer, firefighter, soldier and doctor.
Afterwards, returning to class, there was almost a buzz as some bragged about their new shoes.
