Our Impact

Stories That Walk With Us

Behind every number is a name, a face, and a family that dared to believe things could be different. These are their stories.

3,500+

Shoes Distributed

Pairs of shoes delivered to children across Uganda since we began

1,200+

Children Reached

Children who have received direct support through our programs

Districts Covered

Districts across Uganda where Lace a Heart is actively working

150+

Volunteers Mobilised

Dedicated volunteers who have served alongside us in the field

Real People. Real Change.

Voices From the Field

These stories are shared with the permission of the families involved. Names have been used with consent.

Wakiso District

Before Lace a Heart came to our village, my daughter walked barefoot to school every day. The day she received her first pair of shoes, she cried — not from sadness, but because she finally felt seen. That pair of shoes told her she mattered.

Grace Nakato

Mother of three

Grace's daughter Aisha had missed weeks of school during the rainy season because the muddy paths were too painful to walk barefoot. After receiving shoes through our Wakiso distribution drive, Aisha's attendance improved dramatically — and she went on to finish her primary exams with distinction.

Gulu District

I have taught for twelve years. I have never seen children so excited about shoes. But it was not really about the shoes — it was about being told that someone, somewhere, cared enough to think of them.

Samuel Okello

Primary school teacher

Samuel teaches at a rural primary school in Gulu where over 60% of pupils previously came to school barefoot. After a Lace a Heart distribution event, he reported a noticeable improvement in confidence and participation among the children who received shoes.

Masaka District

We used to treat so many children for jigger infections and cuts on their feet. Since the shoe drives started, those cases have dropped significantly. It is a simple thing — but it changes everything.

Prossy Namukasa

Community health worker

Prossy has worked in community health in Masaka for seven years. She partnered with Lace a Heart to conduct health screenings alongside shoe distributions, helping identify children who needed additional medical referrals alongside their new footwear.

Mbarara District

My son used to hide his feet under the desk because he was ashamed. Now he walks into class with his head up. That is what dignity looks like — and Lace a Heart gave it to him.

David Tumusiime

Father and community leader

David approached Lace a Heart after hearing about our work through his local church. His son Emmanuel, aged 9, had been bullied at school for coming barefoot. After receiving shoes, Emmanuel's teacher reported a complete turnaround in his engagement and self-confidence.