Samaritan's Feet
In March I had the pleasure to meet the South African team of Samaritan’s Feet and I was truly inspired by their approach. Hermien explained to me that although their aim is to get shoes onto every child’s feet in South Africa, the aim is to inspire and to add value. It’s not just a handout, every child will first get their feet washed. During this ritual there is time for the person washing the child’s feet to engage. To see where this young child may need advice, guidance or support. The idea is to firstly show the child it’s value. Most of these kids have not experienced anything like this, where they are valued, singled out, special and this one act has the power to change the child’s view of him or herself.
Secondly the new shoes is a symbol of starting a new journey, the ability and the power to move in the direction that you want to go. Also this act of service is not done by someone that this child does not know or will not see again. The aim is to find someone in his or her community like a teacher that will remind the child of the experience and the commitment.
Samaritan's Feet was founded in 2003 by Manny Ohonme and his wife, Tracie. They begun this organisation with the mission to serve and inspire, to encourage hope in the children of the community by providing them with shoes as the foundation to the rest of their lives.
Samaritan's Feet has provided shoes for over 8.6 million induvials in over 108 countries.
This South African based team consists of 4 inspiring women, Hermien Louw, Madri Schuch, Mariette Hopley and Ivy Witbooi.
Hermien Louw, CEO and Chairman of the Board of SA and an audiologist. Since 2018 Hermien has focused on Social Impact Projects at the Carel du Toit Centre for deaf children along with the SFSA.
Madri Schuch, is responsible for the school distributions and Good Samaritan's training. She has managed the #JourneyOfHope in the year of 2021 and Youth4Life has been a part of the SFSA for the passed 4 years.
Mariette Hopley is our fundraiser. Mariette is an experienced business woman with a very successful career who wants to give back to the children of SA.
Ivy Witbooi, the administrator and managing logistics person with packing of shoes for the community distributions. Ivy also assists in different NGO distributions.
If this inspires you, please visit their website and see how you can get involved.