15/09/2026
JOURNEYS TO SCHOOL.
Simon's story: 👟
Simon’s new shoes are more than just footwear; they are a vehicle for his education. They represent dignity, safety, and the promise of a brighter future.
But Simon’s story is just one among thousands across rural Africa.
For many children in rural schools, the journey to class is a daily obstacle, meet 12-year-old Simon in p.3, walking the murram to class.
Every morning, Simon wakes up before the birds, ready to make the 1KM trek to school. But just like his peers, Simon had no shoes. He walked barefoot.
Simon’s school journey was not just about distance; it was about pain. The road to Temele primary school is unpaved, rugged with murram. He complained about pain in his heels and feet whenever he went back from school.
"I used to arrive at school having swollen feet and thorns in my feet," Simon recalls. "Sometimes I would be late because I had to walk slowly to avoid the sharp stones. I would sit in class, but my mind would be on the pain in my feet rather than the lesson on the blackboard."
Simon's story is a reflection of broader challenges facing rural education. In many underserved communities, the simple lack of basic necessities—like a pair of shoes—acts as a massive barrier to learning.
Education is the key to breaking the cycle of poverty, but for children like Simon, simply getting to the classroom doors requires overcoming physical hardships that most of us take for granted.
On Monday - through our community initiative (GVI) dedicated to removing barriers to education, we visited Temele Primary School.
We gifted Simon and all the best performing pupils with a brand-new pair of black shoes.
By providing simple, tangible support, we can help more pupils like Simon walk their path to success with their heads held high and their feet firmly rooted to education.
Thank you Kim Shirley and Emily Strong for supporting Temele primary school, Akeriau sub-county Amuria District.
Let girls be girls!
Local action lasting impact. 🫶
Akeriau Uganda 🇺🇬
