Empress Mentewab School
Footwear
Children who attend Empress Mentewab School often come barefoot.
Footwear is important because of the risk of picking up hookworms, which enter a child's bare feet, travel through the body and attach themselves to the wall of the gut, causing weakness and anaemia.
To protect the schoolchildren's feet, Kate gives them each a new pair of sandals. This is done once a year, and more often if funds permit.
Some shoes and sandals are sent from abroad, but Kate buys most of the footwear from shoe shops in Gondar market. This involves negotiating to get the best price for a bulk purchase.
Due to high inflation (40% in 2011, roughly 20% in 2012), the price of a pair of sandals is now more than double what it was in 2010. More funds are needed to enable Kate to provide shoes for barefoot pupils twice a year.
To make a donation towards footwear for schoolchildren, see GIVE.
arriving at school barefoot
Footwear is important because of the risk of picking up hookworms, which enter a child's bare feet, travel through the body and attach themselves to the wall of the gut, causing weakness and anaemia.
To protect the schoolchildren's feet, Kate gives them each a new pair of sandals. This is done once a year, and more often if funds permit.
new sandals
Some shoes and sandals are sent from abroad, but Kate buys most of the footwear from shoe shops in Gondar market. This involves negotiating to get the best price for a bulk purchase.
shoes in stock
the range of shoes available
"These will do nicely!"
Kate gives the Playgroup children their shoes
"That's much better!"
Due to high inflation (40% in 2011, roughly 20% in 2012), the price of a pair of sandals is now more than double what it was in 2010. More funds are needed to enable Kate to provide shoes for barefoot pupils twice a year.
To make a donation towards footwear for schoolchildren, see GIVE.