45 kids in Adaklu get bicycles to 'Pedal to Excellence'

Forty-five children from Adaklu Abuadi, Adaklu Kordiabe, and Adaklu Helekpe no longer need to walk 10 kilometers to attend computer classes at the Good Life Centre in Adaklu Tsriefe.

This improvement comes thanks to the "Pedal to Excellence" initiative by Friends of Adaklu (FOA), which has provided 30 bicycles and helmets to bridge the digital divide.

Madam Stella Kudah, Country Director of FOA, explained that the initiative aims to increase access to digital literacy, save time and energy, improve attendance, enhance focus, and foster a better learning experience. The initiative is supported by Christina and the Academy, major donors of the computer program.

"These children needed bicycles to attend computer classes regularly," Madam Kudah said. "With our sponsors' support, we were able to purchase 30 bicycles and helmets for 45 students from Abuadi, Kordiabe, and Helekpe."

She further detailed how the bicycles will be allocated: 15 will be used by Helekpe students, while the remaining 15 will be shared by Abuadi and Kordiabe students on a rotational basis. To facilitate this arrangement, students from Kordiabe will walk to Abuadi to pick up the bicycles at a designated spot before riding to class. Abuadi students will also access the bikes from a central location in their community.

Measures have been put in place to ensure the bicycles' longevity, including a sign-in and sign-out system and parental oversight to ensure the bikes are used solely for attending classes. Madam Kudah emphasized that the bicycles are FOA property and not for personal use. "Only students participating in the computer program can use these bikes. Maintaining their condition is essential so every student benefits."

A parent, Johnson Kumafo, whose three children are part of the program, expressed gratitude. "The lessons have significantly increased my children's interest in computing, but walking 10 to 12 kilometers every Saturday was exhausting. The bicycles will greatly ease their burden."

Torgbe Edem of Adaklu Tsriefe praised the computer training program, noting its positive impact on keeping children away from harmful behaviors like drinking and smoking.

Madam Kudah also highlighted the program's challenges, including limited resources. The Good Life Center, FOA's headquarters, currently has only 11 computers, limiting the number of students who can be enrolled. "If we had more computers, we could accommodate more students," she said. "We call on individuals and groups to support this initiative with donations of computers, bicycles, or helmets."

The "Pedal to Excellence" initiative has already made a significant difference in the lives of these students, improving access to education and fostering responsibility among participants. FOA hopes to expand the program, reaching more children and preparing them for a digitally-driven future with continued community and donor support.