An Irish charity has donated 500 pairs of second-hand shoes to needy children at Paramount High School in Tafelsig.

The handover, on Monday, was attended by Basic Education Minister Siviwe Gwarube as well as representatives from the charity, Our Shoes, Meals on Wheels Community Service, and government officials.

Expressing his gratitude for the donation, school principal Keenan Herbert said the two-year-old school strove to excel in both academic and extracurricular activities.

“Many of our learners come from underprivileged households, where parents often face the difficult decision of whether to buy school shoes or sports shoes. This donation helps eliminate this dilemma, providing learners with the opportunity to fully participate in both their education and sports, without financial barriers,” he said.

Ms Gwarube said: “We face the reality that children do come from poor homes. Some may be talented but cannot play sports due to a lack of soccer boots or shoes. Irish children and donors have donated to South African children. There is definitely a need.”

Gregory Kannemeyer, the circuit manager for the provincial education department’s Metropole South district, said: “You may never fully know the impact and dignity you have given them.”

Our Shoes trustee Roland Rudd said they gave children school shoes, trainers or boots for sports. “The pre-loved shoes get washed and some donate brand new pairs of shoes.

“We donate to South Africa specifically. The founder and South African who’s from Ireland, Kevin Grant, saw the need for shoes for children in underprivileged areas. We actually went to school together.”

The shoes given to Paramount High were part of the 50 000 pairs of shoes that Our Shoes would donate across the country, he said.

Paramount High top achiever Rieyana Galant said: “As we’re in the beginning stages of our school's development, your support brings us immense encouragement and motivation. It reminds us that we’re part of a larger vision where regardless of our background, we have the opportunity to thrive and succeed.”