Every child deserves the dignity of a pair of shoes

1 June every year is National Barefoot Day, encouraging us to pause and appreciate something most of us take for granted: a pair of shoes. For some children, being barefoot is part of play and adventure. For many others across South Africa, it is part of their everyday existence, shaped by circumstance.

Thousands of South African children walk to school barefoot – often over long distances, on gravel roads, dusty paths, and cold ground – because they don’t have proper school shoes. During winter, that reality becomes even harder. It’s tough enough for a child to focus in class when they’re tired, hungry, or cold. Just imagine having to start a school day after walking kilometres on a freezing morning, with bare feet. Imagine sitting through lessons with numb feet while trying to learn and participate while still holding on to dreams of a better future.

A pair of school shoes may seem like a small thing, but to these children, it can mean self-esteem, confidence, comfort, and the freedom to simply enjoy being a child.

The reality many South African children face

For many families, school shoes remain financially out of reach. Yet, proper footwear plays an important role in a child’s health, well-being, and education. Without shoes, children are more vulnerable to injuries, harsh weather conditions, and infections. Walking long distances barefoot can also affect school attendance, participation, and everyday school activities.

A pair of shoes can help a child arrive at school warmer, safer, more confident, and engaged.

Why school shoes matter more than we may realise

Children who feel seen, supported, and cared for show up differently, with greater confidence, participation, and hope. When children have access to proper school shoes, they’re able to focus less on discomfort and more on learning, social interaction, and the opportunities ahead of them. Small acts of care can have a meaningful impact on a child’s sense of self-worth and belonging.

That is why community outreach initiatives like MyWalk matter.

How MyWalk is changing lives

MyWalk focuses on providing school shoes to children in underserved communities as part of Medihelp’s broader commitment to community well-being and dignity.

Through a partnership with Samaritan’s Feet South Africa, Medihelp has donated nearly 10 000 pairs of school shoes to children in communities where the need remains visible every day.

The initiative aims to make a practical difference in the lives of South African children by helping provide comfort, protection, and confidence where it is needed most.

More than a donation drive

Over time, MyWalk has become far more than a donation initiative. It serves as a reminder that healthcare and well-being extend beyond hospitals, consultations, and treatment plans.

True well-being is also about dignity, opportunity, education, and addressing the everyday challenges people face long before they step into a clinic or doctor’s office.

National Barefoot Day reminds us that meaningful care often starts with the basics. Sometimes, changing a child’s day begins with changing their walk to school. Often, the most meaningful acts are the simplest ones: a pair of shoes, a warmer winter morning, a little more comfort in the classroom, and a child who can focus more on their future than the cold ground beneath their feet.

Because every child deserves to walk with dignity.

Partner with us to create greater impact

Medihelp believes meaningful and lasting change happens through collaboration.

By partnering with organisations that share our commitment to dignity, education, and community well-being, we believe MyWalk can reach even more children across South Africa through future outreach programmes.

We invite corporate groups interested in collaborating with Medihelp on future MyWalk outreach initiatives to contact Lee Fourie at lfourie@medihelp.co.za for more information.