Two Wheels Endless Possibilities: A STEP UP Project Story of Transformation

By Leana Padera (Communications Graduate Intern)

In rural Zimbabwe, Totonga Primary School in Shurugwi faced a significant challenge as children had to endure long and arduous walks to reach their classrooms, often on empty stomachs. However, a transformative intervention by the Anglo American-funded Sustainable Transformations in Education Performance (STEP UP) project has brought about positive change.

In November of the previous year, the project launched a bicycle distribution initiative, providing 38 bicycles to Totonga Primary School. Out of these, 22 bicycles were allocated to girls, 15 to boys, and one for the dedicated mechanic responsible for maintaining the children's bicycles. The selection process took into account factors such as age, gender, vulnerability, and distance, with active engagement from the community and the school.

The impact of the bicycle distribution exercise has been remarkable, as acknowledged by Joice, the deputy head of Totonga Primary School. She highlights the challenges they faced prior to the project's intervention, including absenteeism and low concentration in class.

"We are grateful for this project because we are seeing a significant change in the children," Joice expressed. "The learners are now coming to school on time, and they are highly motivated to succeed."

Chiedza, a grade 6 learner at Totonga Primary School, shares her personal experience of the difficulties she faced before the bicycles were provided.

"Going to school every day was a struggle for me because I couldn't focus in class after the exhausting journey," Chiedza explained.

Previously, Chiedza had to balance daily walks with household chores, resulting in her arriving at school later than her peers and feeling exhausted, which affected her ability to concentrate. However, with the bicycles, these challenges have been alleviated, enabling her and other students to fully engage in their education.

Portia Gondora, a staff member from World Vision Zimbabwe, emphasizes that the STEP UP project has achieved more than simply providing bicycles to school-bound children. By working closely with communities and schools, the project aims to protect children from barriers that hinder their education and overall well-being.

"This bicycle distribution exercise is part of a broader strategy to remove obstacles to children's education, which includes initiatives such as installing classroom blocks, providing textbooks, and implementing piped water systems," Gondora explained.

Witnessing the positive effects of the bicycle distribution exercise, other parents whose children were not eligible for the project were motivated to purchase bicycles for their children, further highlighting the impact of this initiative. World Vision Zimbabwe remains committed to overcoming barriers that affect children's education, ensuring a brighter future for all.