Bicycles boost school access for rural Vhembe learners
Sinthumule Secondary School receives bicycles to help learners travel long distances to class, easing daily struggles and boosting education.
LIMPOPO – Sinthumule Secondary School, one of the most remote and under-resourced schools in Vhembe, received a much-needed boost with the donation of bicycles to help ease the long and tiring journeys faced daily by learners.
The school, which has over 600 learners from surrounding villages, has struggled with the challenge of learners having to walk several kilometres each day just to get to class. According to George Maphala, a School Governing Body (SGB) member, the situation has had a clear impact on the learners’ performance.
“By the time they arrive at school, they’re already exhausted. Early morning study sessions are nearly impossible. It’s honestly a miracle that we still manage to produce passes at the end of the year. With these bicycles, we’re hopeful things will start to improve.”
Education MEC Mavhungu Lerule Ramakhanya handed over the bicycles and encouraged learners to use them wisely. She reminded learners that the bicycle initiative was introduced to assist learners who live outside the areas covered by government scholar transport.
“We are responding to real challenges. This is support from the government, and we hope to see a positive change. Work hard and become the person you want to be – don’t let us down,” she remarked.
She urged learners to take good care of the bicycles, so they can be passed on to younger siblings when they finish school. “These bicycles are more than transport – they’re a tool for better health and a better future. In many countries, even elderly people keep fit using bicycles.”
Gr 11 learner Rudzani Muhanelwa was among the grateful recipients. “These bicycles are truly an answer to our prayers. We’re thankful,” he said.
