Hertta-Maria AmutenjaÂ
Project Never Walk Alone (PNWA) says it is satisfied with the impact of its efforts to provide footwear to vulnerable children across Namibia, citing improved school attendance, academic performance, and confidence levels among beneficiaries.
The project, launched by Tim Ekandjo in August 2021, aims to restore the dignity of barefooted Namibian children by providing them with access to new pairs of shoes.
Since its inception, the initiative has distributed over 12,200 pairs of shoes across eight regions, having travelled more than 9,500 kilometres nationwide.
According to the project, a recently concluded impact survey conducted in eight regions has revealed three key outcomes.
Firstly, learners now attend school more regularly, with the lack of shoes no longer serving as a barrier.
Secondly, the children’s self-confidence has increased, improving their classroom participation and social interaction.
Thirdly, teachers have noted enhanced academic performance, with both educators and parents observing a renewed sense of equality among learners.
In 2023, PNWA spent N$ 890,000 in the Zambezi region, distributing over 1,700 pairs of shoes and socks and introducing for the first time about 70 branded tracksuits.
A handover ceremony was held at Katima Mulilo Combined School and Caprivi Senior Secondary School.
Children also received lunch during the event.
The handover was made possible through contributions from Arrechanab Community Trust and Unity Trust (N$650,000 collectively), the Momentum Metropolitan Empowerment Trust (N$ 140,000), and Breakwater Marine Industries (N$100,000).
The project indicated that its next focus is the //Kharas and Oshana regions, where it plans to distribute 2,500 pairs of shoes per region.
To this end, PNWA has launched a fundraising campaign seeking N$1.9 million.
Two corporate entities, RFA and SPKA Group, have each pledged N$100,000.
PNWA said it maintains transparency and accountability by announcing all sponsor names and amounts on its website and social media platforms.
Sponsors are invited to handover events and receive detailed reports on how their contributions were spent.
An auditing and accounting firm has also been secured to prepare annual financial statements on a pro bono basis.
The initiative sources 80% of its shoe materials locally and partners with Shilongo Leather Works for manufacturing, supporting the Namibian economy.
According to PNWA’s database, over 70,000 children in rural Namibia are still in need of shoes. The project says it remains committed to reaching all of them.
