For many children in South Africa, the walk to school is more than just part of their daily routine. It is a journey that demands resilience and determination. A recent Stats SA survey shows that of the 15.4 million school-going children in the country, almost ten million walk to school every day, often covering long distances over uneven and challenging terrain.
Having the right footwear turns this journey from a struggle into a steppingstone. Proper school shoes protect young learners from injury and discomfort, help them arrive at school ready to learn and give them a sense of dignity and belonging.
At Mayfield Primary School in Daveyton, Benoni, situated near a wetland, this need is clear. During the rainy season many learners arrive with water-damaged or worn-out shoes that leave their feet cold and sore.
“Many of our children walk long distances to get here, often across muddy and uneven ground,” says Principal Lewatle Maroga. “Durable school shoes not only protect their feet but also boost their confidence and allow them to fully immerse themselves in school life.”
This is where MyWalk comes in. The non-profit organisation transforms uncontaminated medical waste such as PVC drip bags and oxygen masks into durable, waterproof and fully recyclable school shoes. Since its inception in 2019, MyWalk has placed more than 300,000 pairs of shoes into the hands of learners who need them most.
To support this mission, Epson South Africa partnered with MyWalk for Epson’s global Volunteer Day, a corporate initiative that encourages employees worldwide to dedicate time and effort to giving back to their communities. At Mayfield Primary, Epson staff presented 122 pairs of school shoes, working alongside teachers to measure and fit shoes, engage with learners and lend a hand in classrooms.
“It’s important for us to give back to the communities where we live and work,” says Gareth Jay, Regional Sales Director for Epson Africa. “Through partnerships like this we are committed to nurturing future talent and ensuring children receive a quality education regardless of their background. Each pair of recycled shoes represents a step toward a more equal and sustainable future.”
“Sustainability should serve both people and the planet. Our partnership with MyWalk shows how this balance can be achieved. It also aligns with the UN’s Sustainable Development Goal 4: Quality Education by helping learners focus on their studies while reducing environmental waste,” Gareth adds.
The donation forms part of Epson’s broader education and sustainability work, aimed at supporting learners, reducing waste and creating lasting positive change in communities.
“Receiving durable, waterproof school shoes is truly life changing for our learners,” adds Principal Maroga. “It means they can focus on their studies, not on their cold, wet feet or worn-out shoes.”
At Mayfield Primary that difference is already visible. Children who once entered the classroom with damaged shoes now arrive with footwear designed to endure. For them, the change is more than comfort. It is the reassurance that they belong in school and can take part fully in every aspect of learning.
Organisations like MyWalk, supported by partners such as Epson, show how care for people and care for the environment can work hand in hand. Each recycled pair of school shoes proves that when communities, companies and non-profits collaborate, they can turn waste into opportunity and small steps into lasting change.