About Our Client
The World Shoe Fund is a social enterprise focused on improving global health by distributing shoes to those in need, particularly in regions where access to footwear is limited. The organization’s mission is to combat the health risks associated with being shoeless, such as infections and injuries, by providing durable and practical shoes to vulnerable populations. In addition to giving away shoes, the World Shoe Fund emphasizes promoting hygiene education to encourage recipients to adopt and maintain hygienic behaviors in their everyday lives.
The Wash & Wear program integrates multiple health interventions to improve hygiene and well-being. It includes hygiene stations that teach and reinforce proper practices based on UNICEF’s WASH principles, offering health services such as vaccinations and nutrition to combat diseases, promoting foot washing as a hygienic and dignified practice, and providing protective footwear. The footwear serves not only to prevent injuries and disease but also improves access to education and employment, supporting both health and social mobility.
Through their efforts, the organization seeks to foster long-term positive health outcomes and enhance the overall well-being of the communities they serve.
“Charity is not sustainable for lasting change. We must invest in scalable market-based solutions to see true transformative social impact.”Dr. Courtney Cash – President, The World Shoe Fund
About Us
StepUp Project Team is a project team at the Entertainment Technology Center and is collaborating with the World Shoe Fund. The World Shoe Fund is a social enterprise dedicated to improving global health by providing shoes and promoting hygiene education in underserved communities. As part of their mission, they distribute shoes and teach hygiene practices through in-person campaigns at schools, also known as the Wash and Wear Program. StepUp will be serving as a digital extension of their ongoing hygiene education efforts.
The StepUp Project is developing a 3D interactive game for Android tablets aimed at reinforcing hygiene education. The game, Hygiene Hero Cup, will focus on engaging students with fun, educational challenges centered on proper handwashing, foot care, and the importance of wearing shoes. Designed for students in underserved areas, the game’s sports game-style competitions and fantasy adventure themes will make learning both fun and impactful.