Alexandra pupils benefit from Urban Scholar Bicycle project

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Almost 360 Alexandra high school pupils recently received bicycles donated by AutoTrader, the Qhubeka NGO and the City of Johannesburg as part of the Urban Scholar Bicycle (USB) programme. Dimension Data is also a financial partner in the project.

The project was set up to provide schoolchildren with improved mobility and a safe method of transport to and from school, which, in turn, boosts their academic performance.

Alexandra township was identified for bicycle distribution because of the transport corridor that exists between it and Sandton. Pupils at Kwabhekilanga Secondary School were chosen to receive the donated bicycles following the school’s high matric pass rates in 2014 and 2015.

Each pupil who receives a bicycle commits to its safe use and storage and makes a nominal financial contribution that is used by the school to fund the training of a bicycle mechanic. The bicycles are owned by the school until the beneficiaries complete their schooling and all contract terms are met. The bicycles can then be used by a new class of achievers the following year.

Qhubeka is part of the programme run in South African by the non-profit, non- governmental organisation World Bicycle Relief. It is dedicated to advancing education, health and economic opportunities by providing simple, sustainable transport. Qhubeka has delivered more than 60 000 specially designed, locally assembled bicycles to people across South Africa since it was set up in 2005.

Qhubeka and Dimension Data are sponsors of the South African road and track cycling team and partners in developing the sport among the youth.

The Qhubeka 5000

In July, Qhubeka will hold its 5000 charity drive. Riders, both novice and professional, are urged to ride a distance that will contribute to the group’s #BicyclesChangeLives campaign. For every kilometre covered, sponsors will contribute to funding 5 000 bicycles for pupils around South Africa. The drive will be held on 15 and 16 July, and will coincide with Team Dimension Data’s participation in the 2016 Tour de France.

Source: Qhubeka