Since the founding of the Shoe Aid Project in 2010, an annual event has been organised in Berlin under the name Barefoot for Africa to raise awareness about the need for shoes in other countries around the world. Most people in western countries have the privilege of owning one or more pairs of shoes, whereas in many areas of the world people still walk around barefoot or wear the wrong shoes for their daily activities. For this reason, the Shoe Aid Project created the Barefoot for Africa event, which takes place every summer in Berlin.
Visitors come together barefoot (not compulsory!) on a sunny day to enjoy good food, musical vibes, artistic performances and children’s games. Families take this as a chance to bring unwanted shoes from home, which are donated in boxes at the entrance to the event.
“We are proud after all these years to be able to combine cultural exchange and exciting events with our intentions of raising awareness and fundraising” says Shoe Aid Project founder Gerald Bobga Fonkenmun.
We are thankful to all sponsors, partners, artists and volunteers who have been supporting us constantly to make this event so unique. Special thanks goes to YAAM Berlin, Barefoot Wine, Jameson Whisky, KauKau Cafe-Restaurant, Mizuno, and more! In the future years, we plan to visit other cities in Germany where the same activities will be taking place.
