LOCAL Schools have signed up to the Shoe Aid for Africa campaign in a bid to change lives.

Unwanted shoes collected at the schools will be distributed next year and organisers hope to collect at least 50,000 pairs across the country.

Last year a total of 20,000 pairs were handed out in Mozambique following the campaign by shoe care experts Kiwi.

“Old shoes will be cherished by children who have never known the luxury of owning a pair of their own, giving them an enormous boost of self-esteem and pride,” said a Kiwi spokesman.

He said the focus this year is on children’s sports shoes but said other types of children’s shoes and those for adults will also be collected.

Collection bins will be at the schools from Monday, October 5, until Friday, October 9. Schools taking part include Milton-on-Stour Primary, the Priory, Upton Junior, Hamworthy First, Moordown St John’s and the Federation of St Clement’s and St John’s and Bethany School.