Shiela Katz runs a poverty alleviation project in the Northern Cape known as ‘Back to School.’
As a professional nurse and TB / HIV programme coordinator, Shiela witnessed children going to school barefoot. Sheila explains her reasons for starting the project: “I realised that there are still children, especially in rural and farm areas, that go to school without school shoes. This made me realise that many children in hard to reach areas are more disadvantaged than those in urban areas, as they do not have access to social services.”
Back to School aims to assist these children by collecting school shoes, food parcels and address issues such as poor nutation and health. Ultimately, it aims to restore the dignity and self-esteem of the children.
This year, Shiela aims to collect at least 300 pairs of school shoes and food packs for 1 000 children. There are many benefits to wearing school shoes – not only does it prevent a wide range of foot diseases and injuries, it also improves self-esteem and encourages participation in school activities.
Shiela is motivated by the difference that she is making: “I am a firm believer that if you invest in a child, you can change the world one step at a time. Providing a child with shoes is like providing a child with a passport to walk into a bright future. The gratitude and pride on a child face when receiving new school shoes motivates me to reach out to more children.”
This is Shiela’s story of help. To read more stories like these, visit www.youcanhelp.co.za
If you would like to help:
'Back to School' to restore dignity and self-esteem of children
Shiela Katz runs a poverty alleviation project in the Northern Cape known as ‘Back to School.’
As a professional nurse and TB / HIV programme coordinator, Shiela witnessed children going to school barefoot. Sheila explains her reasons for starting the project: “I realised that there are still children, especially in rural and farm areas, that go to school without school shoes. This made me realise that many children in hard to reach areas are more disadvantaged than those in urban areas, as they do not have access to social services.”
Back to School aims to assist these children by collecting school shoes, food parcels and address issues such as poor nutation and health. Ultimately, it aims to restore the dignity and self-esteem of the children.
This year, Shiela aims to collect at least 300 pairs of school shoes and food packs for 1 000 children. There are many benefits to wearing school shoes – not only does it prevent a wide range of foot diseases and injuries, it also improves self-esteem and encourages participation in school activities.
Shiela is motivated by the difference that she is making: “I am a firm believer that if you invest in a child, you can change the world one step at a time. Providing a child with shoes is like providing a child with a passport to walk into a bright future. The gratitude and pride on a child face when receiving new school shoes motivates me to reach out to more children.”
This is Shiela’s story of help. To read more stories like these, visit www.youcanhelp.co.za
If you would like to help:
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