📰 *EVERY CHILD DESERVES TO WALK WITH PRIDE: NYCN EPE UPLIFTS PUPILS THROUGH SANDALS OUTREACH ON CHILDREN’S DAY* To commemorate the Children’s Day 2025, the National Youth Council of Nigeria (NYCN), Epe Local Branch, carried out a heartfelt outreach program themed *_“Every Child Deserves to Walk with Pride”_*. This initiative aimed to provide underprivileged pupils in public primary schools with new sandals and socks, empowering them to attend school with pride, comfort, and dignity. Although the original goal was to distribute *500 pairs of sandals*, the campaign successfully delivered *about 200 pairs* to children across selected schools in Epe Local Government Area, owing to the volume of donations received. Yet for about 200 children who benefited, this act of kindness became a turning point each step they now take is a reminder that someone, somewhere, cares. The outreach took place across two impactful days; *Wednesday, 28th and Thursday, 29th of May 2025*. On the first day, was the visit to St. Theresa (RCM) Primary School, Local Government Primary School, and Ebute Afuye Primary School. The second day featured distributions and sensitization at Christ Church Primary School, Lupetoro Primary School, and Luyepo Primary School. The joy on the faces of pupils, the gratitude of teachers, and the sense of purpose among volunteers made every moment unforgettable. The campaign was inspired by a simple but profound idea: *_no child should have to walk barefoot to school_*. Every contribution translated into hope and dignity for a child who needed it most. Comrade Moibi Ibrahim, Coordinator of NYCN Epe, reflected on the initiative, saying: *_“This is not just a Children’s Day gift; it is a declaration that our children matter. We may not have reached 500 this year, but we have changed the story for about 200 children, and that is a victory we hold dear. We hope to do more in the coming Year_”* Photos highlights from the program are available in the link below, capturing powerful moments of impact, emotion, and community connection. These aren’t just images—they are living memories of a project driven by compassion and unity. https://drive.google.com/drive/folders/1bsZAMmXqkHRMvxT1NKrF2p8thGCnXxEz https://drive.google.com/drive/folders/1gK3-PcL7rDdGqObkc4gmZNDdwAgAMPcx On behalf of the entire NYCN Epe leadership, we express our heartfelt appreciation to everyone who supported this initiative; *our donors, volunteers, youth leaders, school authorities, and media team*. Your kindness, time, and generosity made this outreach a success. To those who gave at least ₦2,000, you gave one child a chance to walk with pride. To those who gave more, your impact multiplied across communities. To our leaders who showed up with heart and hands ready, you made the difference. Thank you for believing in our vision and walking this path with us. We deeply value every form of support; financial, physical, and moral. Without you, this mission would have remained just a dream. Because of you, 200 children now walk into school a little taller, a little prouder, and a lot more hopeful. This year’s project was just the beginning. NYCN Epe Local Branch remains committed to child welfare, educational support, and community development. We look forward to future editions of this outreach bigger, better, and reaching even more lives. #everychilddeservestowalkwithpride #nycnchildrensday2025 #200stepsoflove #everychildmatters #nycncares #epeforthefuture ©️ *NYCN EPE MEDIA & PUBLICITY COMMITTEE*