Mbabane – A total of 100 needy learners from three primary schools in Edwaleni are set to return to class with new school shoes following a E20 000 donation by Canal View Restaurant.
The donation was made in partnership with Emphini Royal Kraal Prince Bhekokwakhe Dlamini and will benefit learners from Emphini Primary School, Emtfonjeni Primary School and Damaseko Primary School.
Representatives of the three schools received the shoes during a handover ceremony, with the footwear expected to be distributed to learners identified as being in need when schools reopen.
Canal View Restaurant co-owner Siyamthanda Ngidi said the donation was part of the business’s commitment to making a difference in the communities around it.
“This is the second shoe drive that we have done, and it cost us E20 000. Giving back to the community is part of our mission,” Ngidi said.
She said the initiative was also motivated by the challenges faced by children who walk to school without proper footwear.
“We believe that walking to school barefoot can demotivate children. We want to contribute towards boosting their confidence and helping them concentrate on their education,” she said.
Prince Bhekokwakhe said the initiative was born out of concern after witnessing children walking barefoot to school, particularly during the cold winter season.
“Winter is a tough season for homes in rural areas and needy homes. I felt hurt when I saw children walking barefoot to school, and that is when I tried reaching out to the owner of Canal View Restaurant,” he said.
He said Ngidi understood the situation because he had also experienced growing up without shoes.
“He told me that he also grew up walking barefoot, so he was moved by the situation. He then asked what we could do about it, and I said if we could get at least five pairs of school shoes, or any number he could afford, it would help,” Prince Bhekokwakhe said.
What started as a request for a small number of shoes eventually grew into a donation of 100 pairs for the three schools.
Prince Bhekokwakhe said Ngidi had previously supported a similar initiative through a foundation in South Africa and was now extending the gesture to needy learners in Eswatini.
Since schools are currently closed, he said they would visit the schools once they reopen to ensure that the shoes are distributed to the intended beneficiaries.
The Prince said he was pleased that the learners would be able to return to school with shoes similar to those worn by their peers.
“I am happy that they will now have school shoes like other children. We congratulate those who will receive them and wish them a brighter future,” he said.
The donation is expected to ease the burden on struggling families while giving the learners greater comfort, confidence and dignity as they return to their classrooms.
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