So They Can has entered into an exciting new partnership with ABC Impact, so that rural students, who travel long distances on foot to school, receive a bicycle for their commute. The first donation of 100 bicycles to secondary students across So They Can’s 5 partner secondary schools in Babati took place this month.

‘ABC Impact embodies the wisdom of the African proverb: ‘If you want to go fast, go alone. If you want to go far, go together.’ Through our partnership with So They Can to provide bicycles to young girls and boys, we unite to overcome long-distance challenges and empower communities for enduring change.‘

Ayanna Kimaro, Chief Impact Director, ABC Impact Tanzania

Rahma is a Form 2 student at Mamire Secondary School. She walks a 14-kilometre round trip daily to get to school. It is a very long way for a 16 year-old girl to access education, and she is not the only one. With only 1 secondary school in the Ward where she lives, many children face a similar daily commute by foot.

For Rahma’s parents, the cost of a bicycle (approx. $120) is too expensive. Like most families in their rural village, her parents are small-scale farmers. The severe impact of recent drought on agricultural livelihoods, as well as ongoing inflation, has worsened poverty levels. So when ABC Impact, with the support of VelaAfrica, came to her school to donate bicycles to girls and boys like her, it was a joyful day.

‘Thank you so much for supporting me with this bike. I will use it properly to attend school every day and I am now sure that my dreams will come true. I want to become a medical doctor.’

‘I appreciate the support of bicycles for our students, it transforms their lives. The daily commute will be much quicker, attendance will be better, and we will see newfound energy in the classroom. This support eases children’s physical burden and fuels their academic aspirations.

As teachers, we are also immensely grateful for this impactful contribution to their education. Asanteni Sana (thank you)’

Mathayo, Headmaster, Mamire Secondary School

* The bicycles were donated as part of ABC Africa’s Bike2School project, which is supported by their partner Vela Africa. Rahma’s parents contributed $20 to her new bicycle, as did all parents as a required co-contribution of the donation.