More than 1 600 learners in the Outjo Circuit, at Kamanjab and Khorixas, have become the latest recipients of school shoes donated by the 'Never Walk Alone' project.

Going to school without shoes exposes learners to sharp objects, harmful bacteria, and hot soil, but they feel embarrassed among their peers.

Project Never Work Alone is a non-profit initiative that raises funds on an annual basis to give needy children pairs of shoes.

Project Never Walk Alone representative Shandre Faris said the aim behind giving them shoes is to try and motivate them, not just to give them shoes and let them go but to motivate them and leave them with a message that they are stepping into the new future.

For the Outjo District, the project handed over a pair of socks and shoes each to more than 500 learners.

"Since January I was just wearing plakkies and tying them with wires when they break because my parents also don't have money to buy me new shoes, I want to say thank you Project Never Walk Alone for giving us new school shoes," said a beneficiary from Project Never Walk Alone, Sinyu Ngishitelwa.

Standard Bank is one of the institutions that funded the project.

Standard Bank- Outjo Branch Manager, Emeritha Iita said this project is close to his heart as it allows them to plough back into the community by breaking the cycle of poverty, and inequality and contributing to saving vulnerable children and families.

Outjo Circuit Education Inspector Nuuyoma Amutenya received the donation.

"Namibia this country needs people like you people who can see what needs to be done and do it without being told or ask you recognized the need and you addressed that need right away without being requested to do so it is on that basis that we are very pleased and we need more people like you," said Outjo circuit Education Inspection, Nuuyoma Amutenya.

In total 1 629 learners from 20 schools in Kunene Region that is the Outjo circuit, Kamanjab and Khorixas benefited from the project "Never Walk Alone".