SCHOOL NEWS - In over just three weeks, a local music-driven initiative has led to enthusiastic community involvement that helped provide much-needed school shoes for some learners in George.

According to an update the local gospel rapper Max Gozo shared at the beginning of January, his Stap Met Geloof Campaign has already resulted in the collection and distribution of 25 pairs of school shoes to some learners at local primary schools, including Pacaltsdorp and Parkdene.

Gozo says the feedback from the schools' principals has been very encouraging. "They say the shoes help restore the learners' dignity and in some cases prevent absenteeism caused by a lack of proper footwear."

The campaign was Gozo's idea. He composed his latest single, "Stap met geloof" (translation: 'walk with faith'), with the sole purpose of using the funds raised through its sales to buy school shoes for needy learners. 

Renault Tavcor partners with the project

"Renault Tavcor has now partnered with the project by donating school shoes, providing a vehicle for the deliveries to the schools, and serving as a public drop-off point for the donated shoes," says Gozo, who is grateful for this wonderful support. He says media exposure through newspaper articles and live radio interviews, as well as social media coverage helped to get it off the ground.

"Stap met geloof" features vocals by Xavier Veale, a South African artist currently performing in Spain, and was produced by Kamvelihle Dyasi, known professionally as Future6, originally from Sterkspruit in the Eastern Cape and now based in George. The project was released in collaboration with MRREE Records.

Robert Draai, principal of Parkdene Primary, and Max Gozo. Photo supplied

The song is sold for R20 on Gozo's official website, and all proceeds are ring-fenced exclusively for the purchase of school shoes to be donated to local schools. 

Gozo has stressed that the campaign is transparent and accountable, and all payments are processed through a secure Yoco-powered digital sales system that provides clear, auditable sales reports.

Some of the packets of school shoes that were delivered with a vehicle provided by Renault Tavcor.

"Proof of purchase and delivery of the shoes are documented, and public handovers to schools form part of the process. "This project is about responsibility," says Gozo. 

"If music can move people emotionally, it should also move something practically. One song can become a pair of school shoes."

With the initial success of the campaign, Gozo says the team is grateful for the support received and looks to expand it to reach more schools and learners as community involvement grows.

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