The Friends of Ronzls Foundation successfully kicked off the 2024 Edition of the Soles for Little Souls School Sandals Distribution Project. This first week of the project, held from Monday, 23 September to Friday, 27 September 2024. Our aim is to provide free, new school sandals to children from underprivileged backgrounds, ensuring they attend school comfortably and confidently.

The project focuses on supporting learners whose sandals are worn out, those wearing inappropriate footwear, or those attending school barefoot because their parents are unable to afford new ones. The 2024 edition targets the distribution of over 3,200 pairs of sandals across government primary schools in Sagamu by the end of the project.

Achievements During the First Week

In the first week alone, 1,039 pairs of new sandals were distributed free of charge to students in 13 government primary schools. Here is the list of the beneficiary schools:

1. St. Paul Primary School I, Ijoku – 50 pairs
2. St. Paul Primary School, Ofin-Alagbo – 130 pairs
3. LG Primary School I, Sabo, Agura – 87 pairs
4. St. Paul Primary School, Aiyepe, Sagamu – 73
5. LG Primary School I, Temidire, Sagamu –
6. St. Paul Primary School II, Ijoku – 59 pairs
7. UAMC School, Eleja – 84 pairs
8. LG Primary School II, Sabo, Agura – 53 pairs
9. African Church School, Apelogun – 55 pairs
10. LG Primary School II, Temidire, Sagamu –
11. African Church Primary School, Ijoku – 100 pairs
12. LG Primary School III, Sabo, Agura – 60 pairs
13. St. Columcilles Catholic School, Offin – 83 pairs

Challenges Faced During the Distribution

The distribution process required meticulous effort from our team. We visited each school in person, fitting the sandals on each pupil to ensure they received the correct size. This hands-on approach made the process somewhat stressful, but it was necessary to meet the individual needs of every child.

Many of the children showed up with badly damaged sandals, while others wore slippers—casual footwear inappropriate for school. Witnessing their excitement as they received brand-new sandals reminded us why we do what we do: beyond just footwear, we strive to restore dignity, hope, and joy to these young learners.

Spreading Love and Hope

The smiles and gratitude on the faces of the children were priceless. For many of these pupils, receiving a new pair of sandals was more than just a gift—it was a reminder that they are valued and supported.

Stay tuned for further updates as we continue touching lives one pair of sandals at a time!