Every discarded pair of shoes represents an opportunity to make a difference. Every new skill learned represents a life transformed.
In footwear, “waste” isn’t always waste. Thousands of structurally sound shoes are discarded each year while people who are in dire need of them lack access. At the same time, there are young people full of curiosity and talent who simply never get introduced to craftsmanship or shoemaking as a real path.
OEF was founded as a charitable initiative to close that gap. We collect and restore good footwear to extend its life and make it available to those who need it most.
We provide practical education for anyone interested in crafts so skill becomes a doorway to confidence, income and independence. We also create exhibitions to showcase emerging talent and we are building a community where craftsmen learn from each other, collaborate and keep heritage skills alive.
At its core, OEF exists to turn what is overlooked, discarded, forgotten and untapped into impact. When we repair a shoe, teach a craft or spotlight a talent, we are doing more than sustainability. We are restoring dignity, creating opportunity and giving talent a place to grow.
Olumide Emmanuel Faleti is the Founder and Creative Director of Minuel Designs, a design led company committed to craftsmanship, innovation, and creative education. As part of this mission, he established OEF Initiative, a community focused project of Minuel Designs dedicated to empowering young people through craftsmanship, creativity, and practical skills development.
With experience spanning footwear design, leathercraft, product development, and technical design, Olumide combines traditional making techniques with contemporary approaches to learning and innovation. He believes that craftsmanship is not only a valuable skill but also a powerful tool for building confidence, creativity, entrepreneurship, and opportunity.
Through OEF Initiative, Emmanuel leads educational programmes, workshops, and collaborative projects that introduce young people to the worlds of design, making, and creative enterprise. The initiative serves as the social impact arm of Minuel Designs, creating pathways for individuals and communities to explore creativity, develop practical skills, and unlock their potential.
His vision is to preserve the value of craftsmanship while inspiring the next generation of makers, innovators, and creative thinkers. By connecting heritage skills with modern opportunities, Emmanuel is working to ensure that craftsmanship remains relevant, accessible, and impactful for future generations.
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