Many children in developing countries, Honduras being one of them, grow up barefoot. Whether at play, doing chores or going to school, these children are at risk:
– A leading cause of disease in developing countries is soil-transmitted diseases, which can penetrate the skin through bare feet. Wearing shoes can help prevent these diseases, and the long-term physical and cognitive harm they cause.
– 400 million kids are at risk of hookworm which enters the body through the soles of (bare) feet. Untreated, the disease may lead to impaired cognitive development, reduced school attendance and ultimately, decreased productivity as adults.
- Wearing shoes also prevents feet from getting cuts and sores. Not only are these injuries painful, they also are dangerous when wounds become infected.
– Many times children can’t attend school barefoot because shoes are a required part of their uniform. If they don’t have shoes, they don’t go to school. If they don’t receive an education, they don’t have the opportunity to realize their potential.
– Cuts and sores on feet can lead to serious infection.
- In Ethiopia, approximately one million people are suffering from Podoconiosis, a debilitating and disfiguring disease caused by walking barefoot in volcanic soil. Â Podoconiosis is 100% preventable with basic foot hygiene and wearing shoes.
One Day Without Shoes (April 8, 2010) is a day set aside to spread awareness about the impact a simple pair of shoes can have on a child’s life. One for One.
“Awareness and empathy are the catalysts of change.”
www.TOMSshoes.com
all information from the Tom’s Website
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