A north-east rotary group is collecting unused bicycles this weekend, in the hope they can be given to children overseas to assist their journey to school.
Thousands of youngsters in Africa often take several hours to make the long trip to school – with the consequence they arrive for classes feeling exhausted.
And now, in partnership with JoleRider and Bikes for Africa, Ellon Rotary is collecting unused bikes of a size suitable for 10-year-olds to adults.
Ellon Rotary member Martin Forster said: “Long distances and a lack of reliable transport are huge barriers to children’s education in many African nations.
“The negative impact on the children’s lives is very evident and is hard to change since governments have no money for more schools or extra transport.”
“The scheme, run through the charitable organisation, JoleRider is simple. Refurbished, used bikes solve the problem; they are low cost, low-tech, and almost everyone has a spare one lying around in a garage or shed.”
Everybody donating a bicycle has been encouraged to provide £10 to cover the cost of shipping to Africa. However, Jason Moir of Dyce Carriers has offered to take any bikes to the UK collection centre in Bath free of charge.
Mr Forster said: “We did this project five years ago and what a take up there was then! Nearly 400 bikes were donated.
“The Gambian Government has stated the number of students at rural schools who gained five or more credits (entry requirement for university) has more than doubled as a direct result of the provision of bicycles.”
“The reality is children have 10 or 12 miles to walk to school – I mean, would you do that?”
He added: “This is about using people’s experience, time and facilities to come up with something that really does make a difference.”
Ellon Rotary members will be in the Tesco car park this Saturday, January 7 and Saturday, January 14 between 10am and 4pm. Please contact Martin Forster on 07813 805707.
