Education Kenya Project #38862

PEDAL POWER FOR KENYAN EDUCATION

by Grow Against Poverty

Project Report | Aug 30, 2019
Pedal Power for Kenyan Education is Rolling Along

By John Roccanova | Director

Fund raising through GlobalGiving continues in order to reach Grow Against Poverty’s goal of 50 bicycles, helmets, vests, and tool kits for students to borrow at St. Mary’s Secondary School in Nambale, Kenya. We are confident that this goal will be reached in 2019.

The 26 Buffalo Bicycles that were purchased and which are now in use have proven to be durable on the roads to and from school. The few breakdowns that occurred were easy to remedy with the tool kits.

The impacts of this program are far-reaching. Students have saved many travel hours that are now used for studying, helping with family chores and farm work, and taking care of siblings.

The success of Pedal Power for Kenyan Education at St. Mary’s has sparked interest in similar programs at other secondary schools such as St. Peter’s in Matayos Sub County, St. Joseph’s, and Mary Immaculate, both in Nambale Sub County. Fund raising will continue to initiate these programs one school at a time. Bicycles, helmets, vests, and tool kits will go to students who walk great distances, often 5-6 miles each way to and from school. Boys and girls are eligible and so are students who have dropped out of school if they return to classes.

Thanks to all contributors. Quarterly reports will continue to be posted to keep you updated.

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Jun 6, 2019
Pedal Power Progress

By John Roccanova | Director, Grow Against Poverty

Nambale Students Riding Buffalo Bicycles

After the disbursement of the donated money for the Pedal Power for Kenyan Education Project, bids were put out by Helen Mukanda of Grow Against Poverty - Kenya for the purchase of 26 bicycles, helmets, safety vests and tool kits. Bids were accepted from Buffalo Bicycles Kenya Limited for the bikes and tool kits. Exito Investments was chosen for the vests and helmets. All was delivered from Nairobi to St. Mary’s School in Nambale, a distance of 425 kilometers or 264 miles. They were met with great excitement by students, staff and community members! The event was covered by NTV, a national station out of Nairobi.

Students expressed appreciation to all the donors. Faith explained that she no longer has to wake up at 4:00 a.m. to make the dangerous walk to school and still arrive late. She believes her grades will improve since she will arrive on time with her bicycle and not miss work. Reuben faced many challenges. He walked for an hour and a half to attend school and was often late. The bicycle allows him to start the day later, but arrive on time and ready to work. The school staff will monitor student progress for those participating in the Pedal Power Project.

We are still working toward our goal of providing St. Mary’s School with a total of 50 bicycles. Surrounding schools and communities are hoping the program can be expanded in the near future. With the continued support of our generous donors, Grow Aginst Poverty (USA) and Grow Against Poverty - Kenya will continue working together to keep the bicycles coming.

Nambale Students with Buffalo Bicycles

Helen Mukanda Presenting Bicycles on NTV

Students Lined Up and Ready to Go

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