Preserve a craft

The world needs more skilled makers, and more ways to learn the craft.

Our mission

Orthopedic shoe education is disappearing.


Schools are closing due to low enrollment, expert teachers are retiring, and in many parts of the world, no training exists at all, because of cost, distance, or language.
Meanwhile, the demand for orthopedic shoes is rising.
An aging population, chronic conditions, and global inequality all lead to one thing: more people need well-made, well-fitting shoes.

But without trained makers, quality disappears. And with it, mobility and opportunity.

Learn to last responds to this gap with an international, accessible learning model that keeps the profession alive, and prepares it for the future.

The ways you can support our mission

Buy our e-book

24,-
Rianne wrote an essay about the challenges in the orthopedic world, and her mission about how to change it. By buying her e-book you support her work and help her cover the costs she makes to make learning possible.

Support talent

165,-
Help talented students access Learn to Last education. Your contribution becomes part of a scholarship, giving someone the opportunity to learn, develop their skills and build a future in the craft.

Preserve a craft

475,-
Help preserve and pass on specialist knowledge in orthopedic footwear. Your contribution supports scholarships and the continued development of Learn to Last education for future generations.

The importance of preserving the craft

At Learn to last, we believe that orthopedic shoe technology should be accessible to everyone - regardless of their financial situation.

That's why we invite companies, organizations, and individuals to join us in making a difference.

By sponsoring a course, you directly support someone who dreams of learning this craft, and help people in need who cannot afford the training. We turn your contribution into a digital voucher posted on our website, ready to be claimed by a future shoemaker in need.

This way, we build a more inclusive future for the profession - together.

Your gesture doesn't just support education; it helps restore mobility and freedom for people around the world.

Will you make a difference?

Employers in the industry
Orthopedic shoe companies and workshops seeking faster onboarding, refresher training for staff, and access to well-trained new talent. Our platform shortens the onboarding process, offers 1-on-1 guidance when needed, and helps relieve pressure in busy workplaces where time and expertise are scarce.

Educational institutions & teachers
Vocational schools, universities, international training providers, looking for high-quality educational material or seeking to renew and future-proof the craft.

(International) NGOs and non-profits

Organizations focused on mobility, rehabilitation, or healthcare in low-income countries, in need of accessible, digital training for local staff.

Socially responsible companies and individuals
Businesses with CSR or sustainability goals that want to invest in knowledge transfer, talent development, and sponsorship programs supporting vocational education in healthcare and craft.

Our supporters

This project is made possible by our main sponsors.

Do you want to support Learn to Last in another way?

We’re always looking for people who care about the craft and want to contribute.

Maybe you’d like to join one of our working groups to help safeguard quality and strengthen the positioning of our training.

Perhaps you have a workshop we could use for filming, or expertise on a topic that deserves a place in our modules - and you’d be open to an interview.

"Together we can preserve the craft, and make it future-ready."

Rianne van Pijkeren