Those who can select a reality for themselves and those who have little choice. For the second group, the joy of receiving a new pair of shoe—usually their only pair—feels just like when a new Game of Thrones episode hits the screens. Your heart beats, followed by the magic of the episode and then there’s the wait for the next one. Except for these kids, there’s no next episode. Many children in developing countries do not have the luxury of getting a new pair of shoes when the current ones become small. As their tender toes eventually find a way to breathe, things usually boil down to one choice. Be bare feet again, or decide which scrap material would hurt their toes less. Is that a tear in your eye? Please don’t cry. Because help has come.
The Shoe That Grows
Quick facts:
Invented by Kenton Lee of Because International Inspired by the struggles of a little Kenyan girl, whose shoes were too small for her feet Comes in 2 sizes: Small & Large Can be expanded up to 5 sizes Can fit a child for at least last 5 years
They say creativity is combination. And creativity plus compassion is practical compassion. Although you might think Kenton fixed the problem, what he did was giving you and me the opportunity to be part of the solution. By reading this post till here you did the first step. By visiting their page, you would have done the second.
The Shoe That Grows was partially developed in the U.S and is made of very simple materials: Compressed leather, rubber, snaps and a touch of kindness. It is also easily transportable and resistant to wear. Safe to say, poverty just got a little more hacked.
Featured photo credit: The Shoe That Grows / Because International via vimeo.com
