India is sometimes called a barefoot country, but for many the truth is simpler: they cannot afford shoes. Walking barefoot on hard ground strains the whole body, leading to injury, infection and lasting foot damage.
Project Qadam gave slippers and shoes to homeless and daily-wage families, protecting them from harsh weather, sharp ground and disease. A single pair meant a person could take the next step in life without pain.
Qadam has since folded into our education work: footwear now travels as part of the school kit under Project Muskaan, so a child who would otherwise go without still gets a pair that fits.
was fitted in person for someone walking barefoot across Delhi-NCR: protection from injury and cold, and the dignity of the next step without pain.
