By Elizabeth Osayande

In a heartwarming initiative, the “Shoe A Child” Foundation brought joy and smiles to the children of Real Link Model International School in Mushin, Lagos, by donating over a hundred pairs of shoes. This charitable visit, held on a memorable day for the students, was spearheaded by the project manager, Miss Abisola Aremu, and her dedicated team, who worked closely with the school’s staff to ensure each child received the correct shoe size.

Founded in 2016, the Shoe A Child Foundation has made a significant impact across Nigeria, supplying more than fifty thousand pairs of shoes to children in need. Their efforts rely heavily on the generosity of private individuals, organisations, and effective crowdfunding, with much of the support stemming from international donors. “We believe that every child deserves to feel complete when heading to school,” Miss Aremu stated. “Shoes are an essential part of that equation. Our vision is not just about providing footwear, but creating opportunity and confidence.”

In addition to its footwear programme, the foundation aims to support children’s mental health by organising educational sessions in collaboration with mental health organisations. They also engage in various charitable activities, including outreach programmes, orphanage visits, and advocacy against child labour.

Miss Aremu explained their strategy for reaching those in need: “We focus on low-income private schools and rural communities. We partner with organisations that have similar goals to identify the right institutions and ensure we register each child to get accurate shoe sizes before the events.”

Despite the challenges of securing funding and increasing visibility, Miss Aremu expressed gratitude for the vital contributions of their “Sole Mates”—the donors and volunteers who facilitate these meaningful endeavours. “Their support has been invaluable, and it’s thanks to them that we can continue this important work.”

Looking ahead, Miss Aremu envisions a future filled with hope. “In five years, we aspire to gain more recognition and support from local and international organisations, enabling us to make a greater impact on children’s lives not just in Nigeria, but throughout Africa,” she declared.

The director of Real Link Model International School, Mr. Ladami Ekundayo, echoed this sentiment, praising the partnership with the foundation. “It is a monumental feat for us here in Mushin to collaborate with Shoe A Child. We are giving these children the confidence to step into their futures, and that is something truly commendable. Our heartfelt thanks go out to the Shoe A Child Foundation.”

Beneficiary Tofunmi Olukotun expressed her excitement about receiving her new shoes, stating, “I feel so happy and grateful for the pairs of shoes I received today. It means a lot to me.”