Life has been made just a little bit easier for learners travelling long distances to school.
On Saturday in Atlantis, 100 excited learners each received a bicycle to help them get to class on time.
The bikes were donated by African Scholars Fund and Bike Town Africa to 100 deserving pupils from Saxonsea Secondary in Atlantis and Iingcinga Zethu High School in Ceres.
The recipients are all between Grade 8 and matric.
Warren Lodge, Director of Life Brand, tells Daily Voice: “The respective schools have identified the scholars who needed bicycles. The bicycles have many advantages. They keep learners fit, reduce diseases, are a money saver and it’s a fun activity.
“Learners could even start their own businesses as the bikes can carry up to 50kg.”
ECSTATIC: Kids with David Brienza of Bike Town Africa. CREDIT: Robin-Lee Francke
Mamello Mokhoantle, a Grade 10 learner at Iingcinga, travels 35km to school every day.
“Going to school has always been difficult. My school is 35km away from my home and most times I have to get up at 4am. The bikes will play a big role in me and my peers’ lives,” she said to loud cheers.
Saxonsea matriculant Shanice Boks, who was born with a club foot, lives in Darling, 18km away. She says riding, instead of walking to school, is like a dream come true.
The kids also received a helmet and pump.
Native New Yorker David Brienza, from Bike Town Africa, says his love for Africa has seen him join many initiatives and his company has a factory in Johannesburg.
“We started Bike Town about 10 years ago, we’ve travelled all over Sub-Saharan Africa and helping others is what makes us all happy,” David said.