Our incredible INUG drivers—Joab, Daniel, and Jamil—showed true resilience as they navigated through roads that had been completely transformed by the previous night’s heavy rains. What were once roads now resembled rivers, but their determination ensured we reached our morning destination: **Sole Hope**, an organization near Jinja with a powerful mission—to bring freedom from foot diseases to every person in East Africa.
One of Sole Hope’s most impactful programs involves school and community clinics, and we had the chance to experience their work firsthand. We traveled to a local school, where we were split into three groups to participate in a service opportunity.
Our first task was to wash the feet of the children, preparing them for treatment. This simple yet deeply meaningful act allowed us to interact with the students and show them care and dignity.
With the help of trained nurses, we learned to identify jiggers (parasitic fleas that burrow into the skin, causing a painful condition called tungiasis). By spotting dark areas on the hands and feet, the outer layer of tough skin was gently removed using a razor blade. Next, gauze was used to carefully extract the tiny insect from its burrow. Some jiggers were more stubborn and had to be coaxed out with a safety pin. I was surprised at the round crater left behind—2 to 3 millimeters deep! Once removed, the area was treated with disinfectant, antibiotic cream, and a bandage to prevent infection.
After treatment, the final step was providing the children with a new pair of shoes—a simple yet powerful tool in the fight against foot-related diseases. What made this even more special was that these shoes were crafted right in Jinja at the Sole Hope shoe factory.
After our service work at the school, we headed to the Sole Hope factory for lunch and a behind-the-scenes look at how these life-changing shoes are made. The skilled artisans at Sole Hope craft an average of 40 pairs of shoes per day.
The shoe-making process is both ingenious and sustainable:
- The upper part of the shoe is sewn together using recycled denim.
- The soles are crafted from recycled tires and foam, which are laminated together to create a sturdy base.
- The final step involves shaping and sanding the sole, ensuring the shoe is both durable and comfortable for schoolchildren.
For many of the children we met, these shoes were their first-ever pair—a significant step toward preventing future infections and diseases. The impact of Sole Hope goes beyond just medical treatment; it’s about sustainable solutions, empowerment, and restoring dignity to those they serve.
Our visit to Sole Hope was a deeply humbling experience. Seeing their commitment to eradicating foot diseases and witnessing the power of community-driven impact left us inspired and grateful to be part of their mission.
What started as a rainy and challenging journey became one of the most meaningful experiences of our trip. From washing feet and removing jiggers to fitting children with protective shoes, we saw firsthand how simple acts of service can have a profound impact on health and well-being.
Sole Hope is a shining example of how innovation, compassion, and sustainability can work together to transform lives. If you’re looking for a way to make a difference, consider supporting their work—you might just change a life with something as simple as a pair of shoes.
