Some have no school uniforms or food, and subsequently drop out of school.

Maoto Mpepe Hiking club is one of the non-profit organisations which have taken steps towards addressing societal challenges that may negatively impact on learners who come from poor households.

Spokesperson Rene Seipati Khumalo told OFM News a charity walk will be held on Saturday morning (from 06:00), with hikers embarking from the Bloemfontein Showgrounds.

According to her, there are three categories in which people can partake. These include a 5km, 10km and 15km walk.

Khumalo says the initiative is aimed at assisting learners from poor backgrounds in Bloemfontein and teaching them about hiking.

"The aim of this charity shoe walk is for us to provide shoes for the less fortunate or children from disadvantaged backgrounds. We saw a gap and wanted to step in and close that gap," she said.

Khumalo further explains that they will also teach people about hiking as a sport.

"A lot of people are not exposed to this type of sport. We are here to break that stigma and say hiking is for everyone. It’s also the beginning of the year - people wanting to go to the gym for health reasons or to lose weight. We are saying hiking can do that. You can enjoy walking, losing weight and being healthy at the same time," Khumalo adds.

Khumalo called on those who wish to participate in their initiative to bring along school shoes which will be donated to two schools identified in Bloemfontein. She further requested those who wish to support the initiative with funds, to visit their website for more details.

Meanwhile the organisation will host Moshoeshoe Walk from 9 to 11 March in Lesotho, where international and local participants will walk from Menkhoaneng to Thaba Bosiu. The event has been held annually in Lesotho since 2007.

OFM News