Shoes for Smiles Brings Hope to Learners in Fibawe
Over 300 Learners Receive School Shoes Through Partnership with Access Bank Zambia!
A simple pair of shoes can change a child’s journey to school. For many learners in rural communities, it represents dignity, protection, confidence, and hope for a brighter future.
On 23rd May 2026, VillageSteps Foundation, through the Shoes for Smiles – Walk This Way Campaign, donated over 300 pairs of school shoes to learners at Grace Ministries Primary School in Fibawe, Kafulafuta District. The donation was made possible through the generous support of Access Bank Zambia and our valued partners committed to improving educational outcomes for vulnerable children.
The event brought together community leaders, educators, development partners, and parents in a celebration of hope and opportunity. For many of the beneficiaries, receiving a new pair of school shoes was more than a gift—it was a reminder that they are valued, supported, and encouraged to pursue their dreams through education.
Grace Ministries Primary School has become a beacon of hope in the Fibawe community, providing educational opportunities to hundreds of children who previously had limited access to quality learning facilities. Today, the school continues to produce learners who have progressed to institutions of higher learning, demonstrating the transformative power of education.
The donation aligns closely with Zambia’s Free Education Policy by addressing practical barriers that affect school attendance and learner participation. While education is now more accessible, many children still struggle with basic necessities that impact their ability to learn effectively. Through the Shoes for Smiles campaign, VillageSteps Foundation is helping bridge that gap.
This initiative forms part of a larger vision to reach over 10,000 vulnerable children across Zambia in partnership with World Vision Zambia. Together, we are working to ensure that children not only have access to classrooms but also the dignity and confidence needed to succeed within them.
We extend our sincere gratitude to Access Bank Zambia for believing in this vision and investing in the future of Zambia’s children. We also appreciate World Vision Zambia for its continued partnership and community reach, as well as Zamshu, whose innovative model contributes 20% from every purchase toward supporting vulnerable children.
At VillageSteps Foundation, we believe that every child deserves the confidence to walk into school with dignity, hope, and the opportunity to learn. Through partnerships like these, we are creating lasting impact—one child, one school, and one community at a time.
As we continue our journey, we invite more organizations, institutions, and individuals to join us in putting smiles on children’s faces and helping build brighter futures for communities across Zambia.
Together, we are not just giving shoes—we are helping children walk confidently toward their dreams.
See more images from the event below.
