No child should walk barefoot
Vice President, Lucia Witbooi has called on Namibians from all sectors of society to unite in support of vulnerable children, stressing that no child should be denied dignity, confidence or access to education because they do not own a pair of shoes. Speaking at the second Project Never Walk Alone Fundraising Gala Dinner in Windhoek on Saturday evening, Witbooi said the event was more than a fundraiser, describing it as a national call for compassion, unity and shared responsibility. “This special event is convened with the purpose to mobilise financial resources, strengthen partnerships, and inspire national solidarity in support of vulnerable and barefoot children across our country,” she said.
“Tonight, it is about our national call to compassion, unity, and shared responsibility. Our common goal is to ensure that no Namibian child is denied dignity, confidence, or access to education simply because they do not own a pair of shoes.”
Witbooi praised Project Never Walk Alone for its efforts to restore hope and opportunity to children across Namibia, noting that the initiative aligns with the priorities of the Sixth National Development Plan (NDP6), particularly in the areas of Human Development and Community Resilience. Highlighting the importance of investing in children, she said the future of the nation depends on the support provided to its youngest citizens today. “Our children are the architects of our nation’s tomorrow. But they can only build that future if we lay a solid foundation for them today,” she said.
The gala dinner, attended by stakeholders from various sectors, was described as an example of nation-building in action and a reflection of the spirit of solidarity that continues to define Namibia. “I am deeply encouraged to learn that Project Never Walk Alone has already delivered more than 12,800 pairs of high-quality leather shoes across nine regions of our country. This remarkable achievement deserves recognition and the continued support of all Namibians,” Witbooi said.
Attention was also drawn to the organisation’s ambitious three-year vision of assisting more than 31,500 barefoot children at an estimated cost of N$12.9 million. According to her, the funds raised during the gala dinner will directly support the procurement and distribution of quality footwear to vulnerable children while expanding the project’s reach to communities in need. Witbooi further emphasised that the initiative goes beyond simply providing shoes. “As a nation, we must continue to build a Namibia where every child, regardless of social or economic background, has the opportunity to walk proudly, learn confidently, and dream freely,” Witbooi said.
“Let tonight not mark the end of your commitment, but the beginning of renewed and sustained action in support of vulnerable children across our country,” she said.
