What we do

My Walk Made with Soul Shoes Our Production Process

This Netcare and Adcock Ingram Critical Care initiative turns single-use PVC drip bags, oxygen masks and associated tubing into brand new school shoes. The My Walk Made with Soul partnership is an example of embracing a circular economy. It shows how a green solution can fulfil a material need for a business while simultaneously benefitting society – in this case by supporting education, job creation and enterprise development.


Image

Recycled shoes

Turning Waste Into Hope: The Environmental Impact of My Walk Made with Soul Shoes. Every step a child takes in a My Walk Made with Soul school shoe is more than a stride toward education — it’s a step toward a cleaner, more sustainable planet.

LEARN MORE
Image

Research

To better understand the student experience, a dedicated study was conducted to gather direct feedback from learners who received My Walk Made with Soul school shoes. The aim was to evaluate both overall satisfaction and specific design features.

LEARN MORE
Image

Power of shoes

In South Africa, something as simple as a pair of school shoes can change the course of a child’s life. For millions of learners, the journey to school begins not in a car or on a bus.

LEARN MORE

Target beneficiaries

A Million Barefoot Journeys and One Small Step that Changes Everything. In South Africa, a child’s walk to school often begins long before the sun rises — not just in time, but in effort, resilience, and hope. For many, it begins barefoot -  these are the children we serve. TThey live in the quiet corners of deep rural areas, in informal settlements, and in townships where poverty has a firm grip on daily life. They attend schools classified as Quintile 1 and 2, the poorest of South Africa’s public schools, where fees are waived because families simply cannot afford them, and where children rely on the school not just for learning, but for their only daily meals.

LEARN MORE

Outcomes and success stories

Since its inception, My Walk Made with Soul has not only touched the lives of children across South Africa but has also gained national and international recognition for its innovation, sustainability, and social impact. Our initiative has been honoured across multiple platforms — a testament to the power of turning medical waste into meaningful change.
Awarded by: Nedbank Trialogue Business in Society Awards (2023)
Category: Green Economy (NPO)

We were honoured with the prestigious Green Economy Award for our innovative approach to sustainability. By embracing the principles of the circular economy, My Walk Made with Soul was recognised for meeting material needs in a way that also drives social progress — including education, job creation, and enterprise development.

Awarded by: The Enviropaedia
Category: Waste Management & Circular Economy

At the 2024 Eco-Logic Awards held at the Two Oceans Aquarium in Cape Town, My Walk Made with Soul won in the highly competitive Circular Economy category. These awards celebrate South Africa’s leading eco-friendly innovations, rewarding those who are actively contributing to a greener, more sustainable society. With a media reach of over 94 million, the Eco-Logic Awards are among the most influential environmental honours in the country.

Awarded by: New York Festivals Health Awards (2024)
Category: Health and Wellness – Innovation

Our project was named a finalist in the globally recognised New York Festivals Health Awards — in the “Health and Wellness – Innovation” category. This platform celebrates the world’s most impactful campaigns and initiatives that promote public health, well-being, and proactive care. Entered through our creative partners, FINE Advertising, My Walk Made with Soul was spotlighted on the world stage for transforming healthcare waste into empowerment for children.

Awarded by: South African Breweries (SAB)
Category: Beyond Sustainability Project

As part of the ESG Africa Conference, the Beyond Awards honour those who go further than just sustainable practices — they recognise projects that are transformative, scalable, and deeply integrated into environmental, social, and governance principles. My Walk Made with Soul was awarded top honours in the "Beyond Sustainability Project" category, celebrating our long-term vision and the ripple effect of our work across communities, education, and the environment.

These awards are more than trophies — they’re affirmations that sustainability and social impact can walk hand in hand. From Cape Town to New York, My Walk Made with Soul is proving that a small step, taken with care and purpose, can lead to global recognition — and more importantly, real, lasting change. We are deeply grateful for every partner, donor, and supporter who walks this journey with us.

accordion