STEPPING UP

A cold and rainy day innie Kaap turned into one of warmth and hope for the learners of Simondium Primary. 

In partnership with Toughees, the Daily Voice donated 67 pairs of school shoes to the deserving learners. A gesture that brought joy, comfort, and dignity to children who need it most.

Simondium Primary, located on the R45 between Paarl and Franschhoek, is a no-fee rural school in the Cape Winelands District with over 770 learners from Pre-R to Grade 7. 

Many of the children live on surrounding farms and face long, difficult journeys to school every day, often walking kilometres in muddy, waterlogged conditions just to reach their transport. 

Ongoing roadworks in the area have forced some learners to take unsafe alternative routes, further adding to their daily challenges.

The school was selected after the Daily Voice asked readers to nominate a deserving school via a Facebook post.  

School principal Liza Matthee said “For many of our learners, a new pair of school shoes is simply not within reach. 

“Some must walk in broken shoes or wear a sibling’s bigger-sized pair. Others stay home, not because they don’t want to learn, but because they don’t have decent shoes to wear.”

We deeply appreciate every reader who took the time to share their voice, your support means the world to us. 

When you speak, we listen, and every nomination, comment, and entry is genuinely valued.