Primary education is the foundation of learning and development and is essential for the growth and progress of any society. Unfortunately, primary education remains a significant challenge in many African countries, with millions of children out of school and many more unable to complete basic education. The lack of primary education in Africa is a major barrier to the growth and development of the continent. It has far-reaching consequences for children, their families, and society.

One of the biggest challenges facing African primary education is the cost for children to attend. The annual cost of sending a child to school, including tuition, books, uniforms, and supplies, has exceeded six months’ average income in some countries and three months in others. That’s an impossibility for three-quarters of African families.

Schools in Africa are a no-nonsense environment. They demand discipline, pride, and self-respect from students. Uniform requirements are a part of creating a high standard. But uniforms cost money. Parents must buy their children the required shirts, pants, belts, socks, and shoes.

Here’s an example of how close to the edge families live in Africa while fighting to get their kids into school. Our story comes out of our mission in Uganda. A family came to us because their local school turned away their daughter. Why? Has she been a problem student? Fights? Bad grades? Not at all. She didn’t have a pair of the required shoes. That’s why. The family had pulled everything else together, struggling to keep themselves afloat while fulfilling the obligations to let their child attend school. But the shoes were too much.

Many families in Africa struggle to provide necessities such as food, shelter, and healthcare, let alone pay for their children’s education. As a result many children are forced to drop out of school or never even enroll. This reality perpetuates the cycle of poverty as without an education these children are unlikely to lift themselves out of grinding poverty.

Can you imagine a family unable to send their child to school over a pair of shoes? It’s a head-shaker. How could that happen? Can’t they use a credit card? Cut back on the streaming channels? ofcourse in Africa , Its a hustle and many children trek for miles just to access school each day on foot barely without shoes . Support our one child one pair shoe project today . Thats the easiest one can help with 10 Euros or dollars .