Meet Our Founders
Eniola Odukale
Founder Speech:
In 2018, Nigeria had the highest number of people living in Poverty, an estimated 80 million People. This implies 2 out of every 5 persons is living on an income of less that NGN 730 (i.e $2 dollars) a day. The average leather school shoe costs N6,500, likely to be the most expensive school item a child will own, which also represents a significant portion of a poor person’s income after household expenses. The result, many children commute to school in bathroom slippers barely decent enough to give a sense of purpose to the academic pursuit. We seek impact upon these children and these families, by providing a channel to meet their basic footwear need.
With shoes on their feet, these children can imagine a life that is different from what they have been into. With your help, a child’s life can be changed.
Oluwanifemi Olivia Odukale
Co-Founder Speech:
A wise man once said that life is a journey, and one must have the right shoes to walk through it. Former Nigerian president – Goodluck Jonathan once revealed that in his early school days, he had no shoes. Regardless of that fact, he never despaired and still attained great heights of success in life. However, one will wonder how much more and earlier he will have achieved this success if he had the right shoes at that early stage in his life.
This is why at Happy Feet for Kidz, we believe that if you give a child the right shoes, they can conquer the world as good shoes grants children the courage to walk through life’s challenges as conquerors. We help to tackle one of the most visible signs of poverty by giving kids in need good shoes which enables them attend school with dignity and great comfort – this is our Vision.
Ethan Oluwatimilehin Martins
Co-Founder Speech:
When we founded Happy Feet for Kidz, we envisioned a world where every child has the opportunity to walk confidently towards their dreams, regardless of their circumstances. We recognized that something as simple as a pair of shoes could make a profound difference in a child’s life, not only in terms of physical comfort but also in boosting their self-esteem and empowering them to pursue their education with pride.
We started small, reaching out to local schools and community centers to identify children in need of shoes. As our organization grew, so did our impact. We expanded our reach beyond our local community, partnering with schools, orphanages, and nonprofits across Nigeria to reach more children in need. Through fundraising events, donation drives, and collaborations with corporate partners, we have been able to scale our efforts and touch the lives of thousands of children, one pair of shoes at a time.
Ella Omotara Martins
Co-Founder Speech:
Our journey began with a simple idea and a shared passion for making a positive impact in our community. With the support of our dedicated volunteers and generous donors, we were able to provide our first batch of shoes to deserving children, witnessing firsthand the joy and gratitude on their faces. But our journey has not been without its challenges. We have faced obstacles along the way, from logistical hurdles to financial constraints. Yet, through perseverance, dedication, and the unwavering support of our community, we have overcome every obstacle and continued to press forward in our mission.
As we reflect on our achievements, we remember the words of Nelson Mandela, one of the most revered public figures in the world who said, “Education is the most powerful weapon which you can use to change the world.” Together, let us continue to be agents of change, empowering my generation and beyond to walk confidently towards a brighter future.
