A Day of Sole-Searching: One Day Without Shoes at Singapore Chinese Girls' School

What does it mean to walk in the shoes of the less fortunate?

On 24 May 2024, World Vision Singapore hosted the One Day Without Shoes workshop for primary and secondary students in Singapore Chinese Girls’ School (SCGS).

The session opened with an introduction to international humanitarian work and the state of poverty today. Students also got to glimpse what poverty looks like by hearing real stories of children living in vulnerable contexts. Subsequently, we discussed what childhoods without shoes look like for impoverished communities, spotlighting how lack of footwear can not only lead to diseases, but also impede a child's confidence growing up.

A striking point of discussion was on the interconnectedness of social issues, as seen in how the lack of shoes inhibit children from accessing healthcare, food and education. One of the participants, Ruth reflected, "I realised that I have taken the privilege of having shoes for granted."

Thereafter, students got to make their own shoes with cardboard and tape! There was certainly a wide range of shoe designs as students attempted to craft creative yet functional shoes to walk in. Students also decorated their DIY shoes with their favourite brands and characters!

After the shoe-making session, students set off on their walk around campus in their DIY shoes. Along the way, students experienced walking without proper shoes on various terrain, and cultivated empathy for vulnerable children who cannot afford footwear. Participants later remarked that during this process, they felt "uncomfortable" and were scared of their shoes falling apart.

After the session, students returned for soul-searching – or rather, "sole-searching" -- where they reflected on their experiences and takeaways. They were introduced to multidimensional poverty, which considers non-income metrics when evaluating poverty, and were led to reflect on the interconnectedness of social issues.

As we wrapped up the eventful morning, students were invited to reflect in groups and share their takeaways with the class. A couple of students shared about not taking what they have for granted and expressed gratitude for what they have, which extends beyond shoes to include food, water and shelter. A group also shared their ideas for alleviating poverty, while other students expressed an eagerness to learn how they can help vulnerable communities. Their sharings truly warmed our hearts!

From walking in the shoes of the less fortunate to "sole-searching", SCGS' One Day Without Shoes 2024 offered youths an opportunity to cultivate empathy and enhance their global awareness. This will be a truly memorable experience for them as they grow into changemakers inspired to make a difference!