Bata Shoe Kenya and World Vision Kenya Partner to Support Vulnerable Students in Salgaain

In a heartwarming collaboration aimed at improving education and child well-being, Bata Shoe Kenya PLC has donated 355 pairs of school shoes to students at Chepseon and Belbur Primary Schools in Salgaa, Nakuru County. This initiative, carried out through World Vision Kenya’s Gifts-in-Kind (GIK) program, is a crucial step in ensuring that vulnerable children can attend school with dignity and comfort.

For many students in Salgaa, attending school is a daily challenge. Chepseon Primary School, founded in 2013, was established to protect children from the dangers of the Nakuru-Eldoret Highway. Today, it serves 747 students (389 boys and 358 girls), many of whom come from struggling families facing issues like food insecurity, lack of parental care, and homelessness. Similarly, Belbur Primary School, the only primary learning institution within a two-kilometer radius, supports 1,027 learners (534 boys, 493 girls) in the densely populated Salgaa community.

A simple pair of shoes can make a world of difference for these children. Many students walk long distances to school, often barefoot, exposing them to injuries and infections. By providing sturdy and comfortable footwear, Bata is not only protecting their feet but also boosting their self-esteem, school attendance, and overall well-being.

This initiative aligns with the broader mission of World Vision Kenya’s Inuka Angaza Fund, which seeks to mobilize local resources to support children and their communities. Through partnerships like this, vulnerable children receive not just material support but also hope for a brighter future.

Bata Shoe Kenya, through its Bata Children’s Program (BCP), has a longstanding commitment to empowering children by supporting education, health, and community development. Since its launch in 2011, the program has positively impacted over 400,000 children worldwide. In 2024 alone, Bata Kenya donated over 3,000 pairs of shoes, sanitary towels, and educational materials to schools across the country, reaching more than 5,000 children.

"At Bata, we believe every step a child takes should be safe and supported. We are proud to partner with World Vision Kenya to ensure children in Salgaa can pursue their education with confidence and dignity," said Benson Okumu, Managing Director at Bata Shoe Kenya PLC.

John Ngoru, Regional Human Resource Director for Africa and the Middle East at Bata, echoed this sentiment:
 "Education is a fundamental right, and every child deserves the opportunity to learn and thrive. Through our partnership with World Vision Kenya, we aim to provide children with essential resources, starting with proper footwear, to support their success."

This partnership underscores the power of collaboration in transforming lives. With organizations like Bata Kenya and World Vision Kenya working together, children in underserved communities can access education and the basic necessities they need to thrive.

Every step taken in these new shoes is a step toward a brighter future—one where every child has the opportunity to learn, grow, and succeed.

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