The walk to school can be a journey of hope and excitement, but for countless children across our communities, it is a daily struggle against a different kind of poverty: footwear poverty. A child wearing worn-out, damaged, or ill-fitting sandals carries more than just their school bag; they carry the weight of discomfort and a quiet sense of shame. This is a reality that directly impacts a child’s concentration, confidence, and ability to fully engage in their education.
This critical issue is what gave birth to the ‘Save a Sole’ project, a community-driven initiative under the Business Beyond Skills umbrella. The project is not just about providing footwear; it’s about restoring a child’s confidence and ensuring their journey to school is a stride of dignity.
What sets ‘Save a Sole’ apart is its innovative approach. The project rejects the traditional charity model in favor of a unique pop-up shop experience. We collaborate with local shoemakers to craft durable, high-quality school sandals. Children are then invited to a pop- up shop, where they can choose their own pair of sandals, just like any other customer. This simple act is revolutionary. It preserves their self-esteem, empowers them with a choice, and ensures that the new sandals are a source of pride, not pity.
The project’s impact is twofold. While 300 underprivileged students will benefit directly, the initiative also serves to uplift our local economy. By commissioning the work from a team of talented shoemakers including Nollah Ibrahim (Nollz collection), Idowu Busola (VLAMS Leather), Oladele Susan (Susdel Collection), Ayinla Jumoke (Sassysaint Craft Company), Akinpelu Emmanuel (Nuel NG Bata), and Chukwudi Chudi (CDY Craft) we are not only guaranteeing the quality of the sandals but also empowering artisans to become socially conscious entrepreneurs. This symbiotic relationship between education and skilled craftsmanship creates a sustainable cycle of community empowerment.
The Vision and the Team
The ‘Save a Sole’ project is the brainchild of Ayinla Oluwajumoke Toyosi, who acts as the project manager and a part of the team of shoemakers. Her vision is to demonstrate that corporate social responsibility can be a tangible, grassroots force for change. “This is an opportunity for businesses to align their brand with a story of hope and local empowerment,” says Toyosi.
“We’re inviting partners to become an integral part of a movement that is changing lives one
step at a time.”
The project has a clear goal: to raise #3,000,000 to cover all operational costs and ensure every child receives a quality pair of sandals. The timeline is set for success, with the final distribution event planned for December 5, 2025.
How You Can Be Part of the Project
The success of ‘Save a Sole’ depends on the support of our community – from individuals who believe in the power of education to corporations looking for meaningful CSR opportunities. Your contribution, whether a donation, a sponsorship, or an in-kind service, is an investment in a child’s future. It is a commitment to the idea that every child deserves to walk to school with
confidence.
To learn more about this initiative and how you can be a part of the mission, please visit the official project page at https://businessbeyondskills.ng/save-a-sole-project or contact Ayinla Oluwajumoke Toyosi directly at 07062484035 or ayinlaolujumoke@gmail.com
ABOUT BUSINESS BEYOND SKILLS INTIATIVE:
Business Beyond Skills is a CSR initiative of Sassysaint Craft Company that works to create socially aware entrepreneurs and undertakes community social impact projects. The ‘Save a Sole’ project is a flagship project that brings together craftsmanship, education, and dignity to create lasting community impact.
Website: https://businessbeyondskills.ng
Youtube: @businessbeyondskills
MY PROFILE:
Ayinla Oluwajumoke Toyosi
Founder, Sassysaint Craft Company
Convener, Business Beyond Skills Initiative
Nigeria
Ayinla Oluwajumoke Toyosi is a creative craftsman, development worker, public speaker, author and global project manager with a deep passion for social impact. She is the Founder of Sassysaint Craft Company, a registered social enterprise that harnesses the power of craftsmanship to tell stories, empower communities, and drive change.
Through the company’s CSR arm, the Business Beyond Skills Initiative, she leads interventions focused on improving the lives of the underprivileged, marginalized, and disadvantaged, especially women and children, by combining humanitarian support, skill building, and enterprise development.
Oluwajumoke holds a Bachelor’s degree in Economics from Covenant University, Nigeria. She is a Flourish Africa Alumna. She also earned an Executive Development Programme in
Entrepreneurship from the International School of Management, Nigeria, a professional qualification with a Mastering-level framework. She has been an active member of the Woman Now and After Foundation since 2020 and currently serves as a representative of the FloW Agboola Scholarship Fund.
Contact Details/Social Media handles:
Phone No – 07062484035
Email Address – ayinlaolujumoke@gmail.com
Linkedin:https://www.linkedin.com/in/ayinlaoluwajumoke
Instagram – @ayinlaoluwajumoke
EduTimes Africa, a product of Education Times Africa, is a magazine publication that aims to lend its support to close the yawning gap in Africa's educational development.
Well done Jumoke, God bless you for all you and the team are doing!
There’s no-one called Jumoke in our team but thank you very much for reaching out anyway. All the best