Al Baraka Bank Steps Up Support for Learners in Need with Annual School Shoe Drive

01 April 2025

For many disadvantaged learners in South Africa, a pair of school shoes is not just part of their uniform—it is a necessity that impacts their dignity, confidence, and ability to focus on education.

Recognizing this, Al Baraka Bank has once again launched its annual national school shoe drive, reaffirming its commitment to supporting education and empowering young learners.

“There is no doubt that the absence of proper school shoes can be a barrier to learning,” said Cheryl Ramkumar, Al Baraka Bank’s Sustainability and Social Responsibility Officer. “Too many children still walk long distances to school without supportive or comfortable footwear, facing physical discomfort. Our goal is to ease this burden, one pair of shoes at a time, ensuring that learners can attend school with dignity and comfort.”

This year, Al Baraka Bank committed to R50 000, distributing more than 400 pairs of school shoes. The Bank partnered with Gift of the Givers and Fusion Inyameko to facilitate the distribution across three provinces:

•Durban & Johannesburg – In collaboration with Gift of the Givers, school shoes were distributed at Trenance Park Secondary School in Verulam and Orlando West Secondary School in Soweto, Johannesburg.

•Cape Town – The distribution was managed by Fusion Inyameko at Sonder Road Primary School in Manenberg.

Ms. Ramkumar emphasized that this initiative is about more than just shoes, it is about supporting education and fostering a sense of pride and self-worth among young learners.

“Our school shoe drive is just one of the many ways Al Baraka Bank is working to uplift communities and invest in the future of our children. We believe that every child deserves access to quality education in an environment where they feel safe and comfortable. Through this initiative, we hope to remove one more obstacle on their path to success.”

As Al Baraka Bank continues its corporate social responsibility efforts, the school shoe drive remains a symbol of hope and opportunity, a small but powerful step toward a brighter future for South Africa’s youth.