Access Bank Zambia Supports Shoes for Smiles-Walk This Way Campaign to Promote Learner Dignity and School Attendance

Access Bank Zambia has partnered with Village Steps Foundation, World Vision Zambia and Zamshu to support the Shoes for Smiles – Walk This Way Campaign, an initiative aimed at improving school attendance and learner dignity through the provision of school footwear to vulnerable children across Zambia.
 

The campaign is projected to benefit approximately 10,000 learners across 150 schools, the majority of which are government institutions located in rural and peri-urban communities. The initiative seeks to address one of the practical barriers affecting access to education, the lack of proper school shoes for children who often walk long distances to attend school.

 

The programme will be implemented across several programme areas, including Sioma District in Western Province, Lumezi District in Eastern Province, Chipili District in Luapula Province, Mungwi District in Northern Province, as well as selected communities in Lusaka and Ndola.

 

Speaking during the announcement, Access Bank Zambia Managing Director Dr. Iheanyi Nwogu reaffirmed the Bank’s commitment to education as a key pillar under its sustainability and corporate social responsibility agenda.

 

“At Access Bank Zambia, we believe education is one of the most powerful tools for transforming lives and creating opportunities for future generations. Through partnerships such as this, we can contribute towards creating a more supportive and dignified learning environment for vulnerable children,” Dr. Nwogu said.

 

The initiative comes at a significant time as Zambia continues to strengthen access to education through the free education policy, which guarantees free education from early childhood through secondary school in public institutions.

 

Additionally, Government’s school feeding programme continues to support learner retention and participation, particularly in vulnerable communities. The Shoes for Smiles – Walk This Way Campaign complements these national efforts by addressing practical challenges that still affect learners’ daily experiences in school.

 

The provision of school shoes is expected to help improve learner confidence, dignity, comfort and consistent school attendance, particularly for children who travel long distances on foot.

 

Access Bank Zambia further commended Village Steps Foundation, World Vision Zambia and Zamshu for driving an initiative that will create meaningful and lasting impact in communities across the country.

 

As a Bank committed to creating impact beyond banking, Access Bank Zambia continues to support initiatives that contribute towards sustainable community development, education and social empowerment.

 

World Vision Zambia National Director Marc Nosbash said lack of shoes remain a barrier to education for many children.

 

Village Steps Foundation, Pioneers of the Initiative, thanked Access Bank for supporting the initiative.

 

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