Ride4Hope delivers classrooms and computer lab to Soweto school
The Nelson Mandela Foundation’s Ride4Hope cycling initiative concluded at Hitekani Primary School in Soweto, handing over a computer lab and building three new classrooms to improve learning conditions for pupils.
A cycling event mandated by the Nelson Mandela Foundation, which raises funds to build classrooms and create educational opportunities for under-resourced schools in local communities, Ride4Hope, arrived at its final destination at Hitekani Primary School (HPS) in Chaiwelo, Soweto, on September 6.
The Ride4Hope initiative sees cyclists travel a symbolic route, typically from the Nelson Mandela Capture Site in Howick, through various towns, leaving a mark by building or unveiling new classrooms along the way.
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The four-day route started in Howick and ended in Ladysmith, where a school received refurbished toilets. On day two, the ride cycled from Ladysmith to Newcastle. ABSA sponsored a school renovation, furniture, and donated school shoes. Day three covered Newcastle to Standerton, and the final day was from Standerton to Soweto.
Luthando Kaka, the director of operations at Ride4Hope, said, “As we finish off our route that started in Howick, we chose this school because we work closely with the Department of Basic Education. It was selected because it was overcrowded.
“We want to impact the lives of these children and make learning conducive and comfortable for them.
“As we rode past each of these areas, we made sure that the legacy we leave is beyond us and for the generations to come. That is what we stand for.”
With the primary goal of funding and creating life-changing education projects, including new classroom blocks and digital spaces, HPS received three classrooms and a computer lab, sponsored by all the entities involved.
MTN, ATC South Africa, the Nelson Mandela Foundation, and others came on board to ensure the projects were completed, helping create safe and comfortable spaces for learning.
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“The Nelson Mandela Foundation is a partner of the event and its cause because we strive for education. Mandela was passionate about the youth and education.
‘The handover will benefit the learners and the school because teaching and learning will now be more effective,” said CEO of the foundation, Mbongiseni Buthelezi.
HPS principal Vhusa Ngoveni said, “We are moving into the digital space because we now have a computer lab and can access the internet.
“I stand here, and all I can say is that anything is possible; it is our time. To everyone involved in making this possible, you are God sent, thank you.”
Building the three classrooms is still underway, while the computer lab is complete and ready for use.
Cyclist Tshepo Molebatsi said he was grateful to be part of Ride4Hope and to ensure learners in communities have access to better education to improve their lives.
