Matriculants in South Africa writing their last exams are doing it barefoot, but these acts of kindness are all for a good cause!

South Africa – They say that the smallest act of kindness can change the world & Matriculants around the country are proving just that by leaving their School Shoes for those less fortunate.

In what has become a tradition in South Africa, students are leaving their school shoes (and sometimes other items too) to be distributed to underprivileged peers.

Randfontein High School shared their photo today of shoes lined up, ready to be passed on to those in need.

Thousands of students around the country have already started planning what they will leave behind for the Matrics in need. With some of the students who have started making full packs with new stationery to give the class of 2018 an amazing start to the year.

The tradition of leaving the shoes behind is not only about paying it forward but also doing it in honour of kids around South Africa who do not have the resources to afford uniforms. The kids of today understand that not everyone is privileged enough to have shoes on their feet every day.

Over the next couple of days and weeks, social media will be inundated with amazing photos of various schools & students who are inspiring each other to make a difference in South Africa. These photos are not about gratification but rather an inspiration for each other.

Last year, the acts of kindness went viral globally with ex-pats picking up on the good news.

“Growing up in Africa, I caught the bus to Fish Hoek schools every day. I saw things my American kids never will. I distinctly remember many of the kids had shoes with gaping holes or the soles completely torn apart. We can’t solve all the worlds problems at once but we must be thankful for what we have and think of ways to help those in need! Proud to see my High School stepping up.” – Karen Bradder, California

The clothing & shoes left by students are all collected by the various schools & given to local organisations where they will redistribute to those in need.

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The origin of the concept is not entirely known, but some schools like HeronBridge College have been donating used shoes & uniforms since 2006 & what might seem like a small gesture have amounted to thousands of children being able to start a new school year on the right foot.

While students will go home happily barefoot, organisations like “Hands of Hope” received almost 20 boxes filled with toys, clothes, stationery & school shoes last year which made a massive difference to the class of 2017 who needed the school supplies.

“This helped so many kids this year. Thank you for always supporting Hands of Hope. You make a huge difference”

This is not the first time kids in South Africa have stepped up to the plate in charitable initiatives.

Many schools in South Africa have added social responsibility programmes into their curriculum where children freely volunteer in making differences in their communities.

St Peters College in Sunninghill encourages all students to participate in their Social Programme. The social responsibility programme aims at instilling a sense of contribution & appreciation of their community, in the kids.

Schools have assisted in building houses, cleaning up neighbourhoods & successfully collected food & goods for the underprivileged.

In this day & age when the youth are so easily influenced by their peers & through social media tapped into pop culture, it is inspiring to see so many prepared to contribute to cause-related issues actively.

The South African students are certainly an inspiration to us all.

Sources: Facebook | Twitter

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