HAPPY FEET SHOE PROGRAM
Lack of shoes is a major problem in Africa. Children often get parasites and diseases when they do not wear shoes. Those who have shoes quickly outgrow them or the shoes fall apart. For the past 5 years we have distributed over 750 pair of “Shoes That Grow” - shoes that adjust by moving the straps in three areas: the toe, heel and sides and last a child 5 years. Usually, when we gave a child a pair of shoes, they danced around in them saying “miguu yenye furaha” which translates to “happy feet.”
With each visit, we learn what is and isn’t working well . While some continue to wear the Shoes that Grow, most revert back to plastic/rubber shoes such as Crocs, slides and flip flops. There are several reasons why including the fact that they can be easily cleaned of mud and can be easily exchanged between children. We want all children to have “happy feet.”
So, we will be collecting new and gently used Croc style shoes, mules, slides and flip flops for the children. Scott’s Legacy kicked off the shoe program on May 7th at Boy’s Latin School of Maryland. A very attentive group of over 300 upper school students heard about the needs of children in Tanzania and are eager to help by donating and collecting shoes. This effort is being led by Boy’s Latin Mathematics teacher, John Sergeant, who will be traveling to Tanzania in 2027 with his wife Cate and children as part of the Scott’s Legacy team.
Notre Dame Preparatory in Towson, Maryland is collecting shoes on May 21-22 led by Director of Social Service, Steven Pomplon and Associate Director of Alumnae Relations, Roz Healy. If you have a group or school that might want to collect shoes please reach out to us at scottslegacy0924@gmail.com.
SHOES THAT GROW CAMPAIGNS 2018-2023
In 2018, Scott's Legacy raised the funds to purchase 200 pair of Shoes That Grow to distribute to vulnerable children during our visit to Africa. The campaign was a great success, and the children were very grateful to receive new shoes they could wear for several years, even as their feet grew. In 2019, we raised the funds to purchase another 200 pair of Shoes that Grow. During 2022-2023, we raised the funds to purchase 349 additional pair of shoes which was distributed in Tanzania and Zambia in May/June 2023.
Saint Paul’s Lutheran School in Kingsville, Maryland, raised $1,438 during Lutheran Schools Week to cover the cost of 40 pair of shoes and much-needed school supplies for the children of NASA Nursery School in Africa. They also sent hand-written notes that were given to each child receiving shoes.
It is with Saint Paul’s help - and the support of our donors - that we can continue our crucial mission of assisting orphans and other children living in extreme poverty. We also distributed shoes to students of Flamboyant Special School and its surrounding villages in Mazabuka, Zambia. The need is great.
