Niël Terblanché
Project Never Walk Alone (PNWA) spent nearly N$900 000 over the past weekend to provide shoes and tracksuits to children in the Zambezi region.
This latest effort saw the distribution of more than 1 700 pairs of shoes to children.
At a ceremony held on Friday, Ann Singer, speaking on behalf of PNWA, announced that the project has donated over 10 500 pairs of shoes to young people in need since its inception.
“This weekend’s handover has increased the number of beneficiaries to 12 200,” she said while focusing attention on the project’s extensive reach and dedication.
PNWA, headed by Tim Ekandjo, has visited eight regions, travelling over 9 500 kilometres across Namibia.
The journey started in the Hardap region and included stops in Omaheke, Erongo, Kavango East, Khomas, Kavango West, and Kunene regions.
The organisation aims to reach every barefooted Namibian child, providing them with the opportunity to walk into a brighter future.
The recent handover, which took place at Katima Mulilo Combined School and Caprivi Senior Secondary School, also included the provision of socks and a lunch meal for the children.
According to Singer, PNWA distributed, for the first time, approximately 70 branded tracksuits to keep children warm during winter.
The weekend’s event was made possible through the generous contributions of Arrechanab Community Trust and Unity Trust, who collectively donated N$650 000.
Singer said that additional support came from The Momentum Metropolitan Empowerment Trust, which contributed N$140 000, and Breakwater Marine Industries, which added N$100 000.
“These donations covered the total cost of N$890 000 for the handover,” she said.
The Zambezi Regional Governor, Lawrence Sampofu, various education sector stakeholders, parents, and members of the local community all attended the ceremony to witness the initiative’s positive impact.
Project Never Walk Alone was founded by Ekandjo in August 2021 with a mission to provide every Namibian child with a new pair of shoes.
The project focuses on restoring dignity and instilling confidence in children who walk barefoot to school, reducing the visible signs of poverty and improving their overall well-being.
The initiative also supports the local economy by sourcing 80% of the shoe materials from within Namibia and partnering with Shilongo Leather Works for production.
PNWA relies entirely on donations and has garnered support from non-governmental organisations, corporations, and individuals.
Notable sponsors include the Bank of Namibia, Momentum Metropolitan Empowerment Fund, and the Jerry Muadinohamba Foundation.
The project aims to continue its efforts until every Namibian child has a pair of shoes, reflecting its commitment to making a lasting impact on the lives of the nation’s youth.
