Zenith Bank Ghana has distributed specialised protective footwear to 1,000 underprivileged children in localities where the Bank operates. The initiative, dubbed the “Happy Soles Project”, is part of the activities undertaken to celebrate the Bank’s 19th anniversary.
It focused on providing prophylactic shoes (specially designed, long-lasting shoes infused with antibacterial agents to promote hygiene, healing and comfort) to underprivileged children in schools and orphanages in the communities where the Bank operates. The locally manufactured shoes are made with biodegradable ethylene-vinyl acetate (EVA) foam to reduce waste and environmental impact and addresses the negative impact of poverty and preventable diseases among underserved populations.
Beneficiaries of the initiative included Tsokome M/A Basic School in Kokrobite Accra, Mama Happy Orphanage and School in Tema New Town, Ashaiman Government School No. 1, Aboabo Kese D. A. Basic/JHS in Kumasi, Sacred Heart Academy in Bolgatanga, Whindo M/A Primary and Junior High School in Takoradi, Tamale Children’s Home and Nkrankrom L/A Basic School in Techiman.
Other institutions that received the Bank’s support were the Koforidua School for the Deaf and Individuals with Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities, Gaddiel Acquaah Methodist ‘A’ Basic School in Tarkwa, Archbishop Amissah Memorial Basic School in Cape Coast, Wawasua L/A School in Sunyani, Tortibo D/A Basic School in Akosombo and Adaklu Seva D/A Basic School in Ho.
Speaking at the presentation ceremony in Accra, Raymond Azungah, Group Head - Marketing at Zenith Bank stated that the Happy Soles Project was the Bank’s means of addressing a crucial need of underprivileged children by providing them with proper footwear for their educational pursuits. “At Zenith Bank, we believe that businesses thrive when they support the communities where they operate.
The Happy Soles Project underscores Zenith Bank’s commitment to investing in the best people and environment and fostering a more equitable society where every child has the opportunity to thrive”.
In sub-Saharan Africa, where Neglected Tropical Diseases (NTDs) and soil-transmitted parasites pose a major health threat to children and where over 200 million Africans, including many school-age children, are at risk of contracting soil-transmitted infections, preventive measures such as Zenith Bank's Happy Soles Project not only improve children’s health but also enhance school attendance and educational outcomes.
The footwear’s antibacterial properties and biodegradable EVA foam aligns with environmental sustainability standards and withstands various climatic conditions, representing the Bank's integrated approach to Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR). The Happy Soles Project forms part of the Bank's broader CSR strategy, which focuses on education, health, ICT, human capital development and youth empowerment.
Latest Stories
-
Trump signs executive order extending tariff deadline to August 1
30 minutes -
Midweek misery to Friday freedom: A personal journey through Ghana’s new holiday reform
35 minutes -
We’re streamlining the galamsey fight, too many are running helter skelter – Mahama
37 minutes -
Mahama attributes cedi stability to reforms in gold trading sector
47 minutes -
Police arrest key suspect in motorbike theft ring in Accra
55 minutes -
Journalists urged to drive urban health awareness through data-driven, science-based storytelling
2 hours -
KNUST Optometry 8th White Coat Ceremony tackles refractive error setbacks to improve access
2 hours -
I’m devastated – Akufo-Addo mourns Akwatia MP Ernest Kumi
2 hours -
IMF Executive Board approves $370m disbursement for Ghana
2 hours -
Castel Group acquires GGBL
2 hours -
Mr. President, your Six-Pillar 24H+ Economic Policy is shaky
2 hours -
T-bills auction: Undersubscription to continue in coming weeks; government misses June 2025 target by 19%
3 hours -
FUND24, the weakest pillar of Ghana’s 24H+ economy: APL cautions President Mahama
3 hours -
Ghana’s tourism picks up in 2024, but cost still a big issue
3 hours -
EKAJ Educational Fund partners UCC to train local artisans to improve standards
3 hours