by Bernadette Tan
Even though primary education in the Philippines is free, students are required to provide their own shoes, books and uniforms in order to attend school. Without these commodities, children will not be admitted. Families living in extreme poverty cannot afford these things and so their children do not go.
As the teachers and children from the Kennedy School in Hong Kong wrapped up their year, they spent time reflecting on education in developing countries. Kennedy School Primary Year Program Coordinator, Jacqueline Harmer, decided to show the kids how easy it is to make an impact on another child’s life. She organized a shoe drive where the children could drop off their gently used school shoes. The shoes were then counted and sent to ICM to distribute out to their six bases across the Philippines.
In total, Kennedy School collected about 967 pairs of shoes! Thank you Jacqueline Harmer, the Kennedy School students, the Kennedy School teachers, and the Kennedy School parents for your overwhelming generosity.
About the Author
Bernadette Tan
Deputy Director of Communications
Bernadette is a communications graduate who has spent the past 20 years serving in various international non-profits. She is a passionate storyteller and an eternal optimist.
Bernadette loves spending time in disadvantaged communities, listening to families, and giving them a voice through her writing.
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