Imagine a life without shoes, especially in an area like Tharaka. Everyday children walk barefoot across rocks, thorns, and raw sewage to get to school. Some of the dangers of going barefoot are the risks of cuts, puncture wounds, and burns to their feet. These injuries can lead to serious infections, amputations and even death. A child’s bare foot is also particularly at risk of infection by hookworm.
To make matters worse, when children arrive at school barefoot they are frequently sent home and told not to return without shoes. Now let’s put things into perspective. The average Tharakan salary is $4.00 per day and a pair school shoes costs $25. A parent would have to work for seven days to afford one pair of shoes for one child. But let’s suppose there are eight children to care for, now which child do you send to school and which one stays home? This is the reality of the extremely poor in Tharaka.
A pair of shoes can mean the difference between a child going to school or being destined to a life of poverty due to the lack of a basic education. During the month of May join Each1Feed1 as we promote “One Day Without Shoes.” This nationwide campaign is to raise awareness and support for those who don’t have access to shoes. A gift of $25 will buy one pair of shoes for a child in need. Together we can make a difference in the life of a child!
Matthew 25:37-40, ‘Lord, when did we see you hungry and feed you, or thirsty and give you something to drink? When did we see you a stranger and invite you in, or needing clothes and clothe you? When did we see you sick or in prison and go to visit you?’ The King will reply, ‘Truly I tell you, whatever you did for one of the least of these brothers and sisters of mine, you did for me.’ Isn’t that amazing? When you provide shoes for the least of these it’s as though you are providing shoes for Jesus!
Sponsor our Excellent Academy 5K Race!
Can the next world-class marathon runner come from Tharaka? Yes, he can! You can help us by sponsoring our third annual Excellent Academy 5K Race. A gift of $2,000 will provide race T-shirts, medals, and finish line food for all our race participants and their families.
Your gifts are making a difference!
We are truly grateful for you,
Kyle and Victoria