FIFTY-SEVEN students at Sandhurst Early Childhood Development Centre in St Andrew recently received new shoes from Hummingbird Charities under its Sole2Sole programme.

The school, located at 79 Barbican Road, serves students from the communities of Sandy Park, Grants Pen, and Barbican.

Expressing gratitude for the presentation of properly fitted shoes to her students, Principal Merlene Reid said, “Many of our children come to school in slippers or worn out shoes. Providing new shoes will make them more comfortable and enthusiastic about attending school. It’s an initiative that meets a real need and will positively impact their daily lives.”

Patron of Hummingbird Charities Dr Christopher Tufton, who was at the presentation with the Hummingbird team, fitting shoes and talking with the children, said, “I run by here regularly and noticed the school. After investigating its needs we confirmed the necessity for support, which led to our presence here today.”

He emphasised the importance of proper footwear in education, saying, “Shoes are essential for learning, movement, and building self-confidence. On any given day at least 20 per cent of children in schools across Jamaica have ill-fitted, worn out, or no shoes. Sole2Sole’s mandate is to fix this. Together with our partners and donors we want to create happy feet among our youngsters and encourage them to play, stay, and be the best they can be.”

He also expressed gratitude for the support of Toyota and Payless shoe stores for the delivery.

Roger Anderson, chairman of Hummingbird Charities, added, “Sole2Sole aims to empower children, boost their self-esteem, and create equal opportunities by addressing the immediate challenges of ill-fitting or worn out shoes. Our objective is to utilise targeted partnerships that will equip individuals with the tools they need to build a brighter future for themselves and their community.”