Profile: Annie Chifulemba – Real Leather Design Competitions

Annie Chifulemba

Self Employed

Joan Investments-Leather footwear & Accessories

Chilengedwe School Shoes is a sustainable fashion initiative born from a deep passion for design and a personal commitment to social change. Growing up in a community where many children lacked access to basic necessities like shoes, I was driven to create a solution that empowers them through dignity and opportunity. My work focuses on transforming waste into wear—upcycling discarded materials into durable, stylish footwear that children can wear to school with pride. Specializing in sustainable fashion, upcycling, and community development, I aim to merge creativity with environmental and social responsibility in every design. Each pair of Chilengedwe Shoes tells a story of resourcefulness and purpose. The soles are crafted from old car tires, the shank from locally sourced bamboo, and the insoles from recycled beer filters. We give new life to old leather jackets for the lining and use recycled plastic bottles for the toe puff—turning waste into something meaningful and practical. Beyond reducing environmental impact, this project supports local artisans and promotes economic empowerment in vulnerable communities. I am excited to share this work as part of the competition, demonstrating how sustainable design can create real, lasting change in the lives of children and the environment.

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Chirengedwe School Shoes

Category: Footwear

Competitions: Africa

Chirengedwe School Shoes Many children in Malawi cannot afford school shoes, hindering their ability to attend school with dignity. Conventional school shoes are often expensive, making them inaccessible to low-income families. My project, Chirengedwe School Shoe, aims to design and produce affordable, durable, and sustainable school shoes using recycled and locally sourced materials. By leveraging innovative materials and production methods, I can provide high-quality shoes at a lower cost. 'Chirengedwe" reflects our commitment to using natural and locally found materials, emphasizing our connection to the environment and community. Sustainability and Eco-Friendly Materials: 1.Soles: Made from recycled old car tires, reducing waste and providing durability. 2.Bamboo Shank: Locally sourced bamboo is used for the shank, reducing costs and supporting local communities. 3.Insole Board: Made from recycled beer filters, reducing waste and promoting sustainability. 4.Lining: Crafted from old leather jackets, giving new life to discarded materials. 5.Toe Puff: Created from recycled plastic bottles, further reducing waste. My shoes will be priced lower than conventional school shoes, making them accessible to more families. By using recycled materials, we reduce waste and promote environmental sustainability. My project aims to create employment opportunities for women, youth and all people involved in collecting and processing recycled materials. This Chirengedwe School Shoe project has the potential to make a positive impact on many children's lives, enabling them to attend school with dignity and confidence.