From: Ibrahim Mansaray Date: Mon, Sep 30, 2024 at 4:40 PM Subject: Greetings from Sierra Leone
I hope this email finds you well.
The bikes were offloaded today, and it was an awesome moment as we celebrated the hard work of Pedals for Progress for this wonderful donation. Here are some photos from when we opened the container.
Thanks to everyone who contributed to the success of this project.
A big shout-out to Slow Food Italy, Slow Food Canada, and Baladin for their support in this endeavor. We will ensure that this project and partnership are sustainable.
We are excited to announce a new partnership with the Kola Nut Producers Association Sierra Leone a locally based organization established in 2012. This partnership aims to support indigenous Kola Nut farmers in the districts of Kenema, Kono, and Kailahun by addressing transportation challenges that hinder their productivity.
Transportation Challenges
The Slow Food 10,000 Agricultural project in Sierra Leone along with the Kola Nut Producers highlighted the lack of transportation for Kola Nuts and other fruit grown in the area. Farmers in the rural Kailahun district face significant challenges in transporting their produce to central markets, resulting in a large amount of food waste before it can be sold. This transportation gap severely impacts the productivity and livelihood of local farmers.
To alleviate this issue, our partner has requested information on the procedure for donating bicycles to their community. Providing bicycles will enable farmers to transport their produce more efficiently, reducing spoilage and increasing their revenue.
Community Impact
The Kola Nut Producers Association Sierra Leone has a history of supporting its community through various initiatives. During crises such as the Ebola and COVID-19 epidemics and the mudslide in Sierra Leone, KNPA-SL conducted sensitization drives, distributed food and hand wash fluid, and provided homes for orphaned children. Their grassroots interventions focus on benefiting vulnerable community members, particularly women and children.
Partnerships and Achievements
KNPA-SL has established valuable partnerships with organizations like Slow Food Italy, Slow Food Canada, and Baladin Italy. Their members have participated in notable events such as the Space Agricultural Trade Fair in France and the Terra Madre Trade Fair in Italy. Additionally, they have implemented a school feeding program for children as part of the Slow Food Africa Gardens project.
We are committed to supporting the Kola Nut Producers Association Sierra Leone in their mission to protect and promote indigenous sustainable agriculture that is good, clean, and fair for everyone. Your continued support is vital in making this partnership successful and helping these farmers overcome their transportation challenges.
While the “progress” of Pedals for Progress is best shown through our international programs, the success of these programs relies on our collection efforts in the United States. Pedals for Progress acquires 90 percent of our bicycles from our collection drives, which are generally self- sufficient with the suggested donation we request with each item. Our collection drives are our bread and butter, allowing us to collect the items we send overseas while simultaneously fundraising for their shipment.
Being the “bike guys,” we often get calls about random pockets or “piles” of bikes that appear due to various circumstances. These bikes often surface at universities, police departments, apartment complexes, municipal centers, and beyond, and often lack the additional monetary donation needed for their removal and shipment. While we try our best to answer these calls, it is an area of our organization that needs continued financial support. Despite the challenges, these opportunities often yield the best results in terms of bicycle procurement, both in quantity and quality.
I’d like to highlight a couple of calls we answered this spring from two great collaborations that helped us acquire particularly unique “piles” of bikes. These stories showcase the incredible people behind them and the importance of recycling bicycles. However, financial restrictions often slow these efforts. I hope to raise awareness of these large pockets of bikes, the abundant manpower and passion to handle them, and how additional financial support helps us manage these projects professionally and sustainably.
Duke Farms
On April 18th, 2024, Pedals for Progress accepted an in-kind donation of 28 high-end bikes from Duke Farms in Hillsborough, NJ. The bicycles donated by Duke Farms were phased out of their rental fleet offered to the public visiting the conservation grounds. Bikes deemed unfit due to wear and tear need to be cycled out quickly by Duke Farms for liability reasons. Being high- quality, name-brand bicycles, these items were still very desirable and great for our partner programs overseas. Although the bikes did not come with a monetary donation for their removal, processing, and warehousing, this was offset by the generosity of our donors and a well-placed grant. These items have been shipped to our program in Belize, where they will continue to be used by 28 motivated individuals.
In addition to the 28 bicycles from Duke Farms, the charitable roots of the conservation program, in the image of Deloris Duke, continued with an additional 4 adult-sized tricycles also retired from their rental fleet. Only needing minor repairs, some air in the tires, and a few bolts adjusted, the trikes were in fantastic condition. These trikes, along with the 28 bicycles, were used frequently throughout the year by the thousands of tourists Duke Farms receives. The functionality of a well-made bicycle remains valuable even after heavy use.
With thousands of miles left on these bicycles, they will prove even more useful as they came at a perfect time, just ahead of our shipment of bicycles to Sierra Leone, for the Slow Food International Kola Nut Farm. Rural Kola Nut farmers, often held back by long walks to market, face time constraints as their nuts and other fruits spoil quickly. Providing these farmers with bicycles will help them transport their produce to market much faster, preventing waste. The tricycles, often rare at our typical collections, will be perfect food haulers with their wide base and large baskets on the rear.
From one farm to the next, we have repurposed and recycled these bicycles to save money, food, and time — all incredibly valuable factors in a farmer’s life. We’re fortunate to have worked with Duke Farms to remove these items and give these bicycles a new home. We’d like to thank Duke Farms for their donations and their interest in our cause. The conservation grounds are a must- see for anyone looking to spend a relaxing afternoon soaking in the sun and all that our great Garden State has to offer.
Vermont
On May 6th, Pedals for Progress continued supporting our overseas partners by recycling 100 Trek bicycles from Vermont Bicycle Shop in Barre, Vermont. The bicycle shop unfortunately experienced an incredible loss of inventory and property damage due to intense flooding on July 11th, 2023, now known as one of “the great floods of Vermont.” The area was ravaged by the intense flooding, showcasing the dangers of climate change with increasingly frequent “ten-year” storms.
Thankfully, the bicycles were submerged in water for only a short time and incurred minimal damage. The bicycles, still in near-perfect condition, were deemed a liability by VT Bicycle Shop’s insurance and could not be sold as discounted items. Instead of scrapping the 100 Trek bicycles, Darren, the owner of the bicycle shop, contacted our Vermont satellite group to see if they were interested in the bikes.
Making their own name throughout Vermont from 25 years of collections, the Green Mountain Returned Peace Corps Volunteers (GMRPCV) answered the call to action immediately. Joanne and the GMRPCV group contacted me to discuss how to proceed with the unexpected donation. Transportation and funding were immediate hurdles as the VT group was still months away from their main collection event in September.
Our annual shipment of bicycles from our Vermont collection group to our headquarters in New Jersey is made possible by a once-a-year donation from FedEx, which delivers the items collected throughout the year, ending with their final collection and loading event in September. Darren needed the bicycles removed from his building to complete repairs to his shop damaged in the flood. With our Vermont group primarily based in Burlington, there were no resources available for storage, nor funding for a storage container until their September collection event.
After discussing several solutions, we decided it was best for P4P to transport the 100 bikes from Vermont. With our rental truck ready for our collection season, we treated the pickup like any other of our normal collections, just a few hundred miles outside our typical circuit. With a “collection” date set a few weeks after the initial request, there was still the question of how to process the bikes for shipment and where the funding would come from. Both elements can slow a project, but they are key factors for a P4P collection to succeed.
The GMRPCV group was nothing short of fantastic, rounding up volunteers from Burlington, Barre, other parts of VT, and even one volunteer found through Reddit! The fundraising side was also a success as Joanne and her network of supporters raised $2,000 to offset shipping costs.
On May 6th, I left early in the morning and arrived around noon with an empty truck. With the team’s help, we processed all 100 bikes and loaded the truck in just under three hours. It was an incredibly productive afternoon as we powered through the heat processing the bicycles. Joanne went around marking most of the bikes with bright orange tape to mark the occasion and give us a way to track the bikes at the start of their journey.
Personally, it was a very special afternoon, seeing the passion and tenacity everyone had while processing the items. It felt like any one of our collections, getting our hands dirty, talking with volunteers, and getting a good workout loading bikes. The atmosphere was incredibly positive as we were all excited to be part of giving these high-quality bikes a second life. It is not often we get an allotment of nearly brand-new bicycles of this caliber, and it is a pleasure to send them to our partners overseas, where they will go to well-deserving people looking for a better shot at life.
The following day, I brought the bicycles back to New Jersey, where they are warehoused and eagerly waiting for shipment. Since this does not happen often, I am slowly distributing the 100 VT Treks among the next few shipments to spread these items around the world as evenly as possible.
Moments like this are truly special and worth sharing with our supporters. There are so many behind-the-scenes people involved in our organization who make what we do possible. Grassroots efforts like this show the passion and enthusiasm in our country, spreading across the globe. I can’t thank Darren and Vermont Bicycle Shop enough for their selflessness, immediately thinking of others and knowing that these bikes were extremely useful, doing everything to prevent them from being scrapped at the insurance company’s request. I’d also like to thank Joanne and the wonderful team with the GMRPCV, who constantly rise to the call for action at a moment’s notice.
On behalf of our partner programs around the world and the thousands of individuals who have received bicycles and sewing machines this year, I’d like to thank you for supporting Pedals for Progress. Whether you are a collection sponsor, donor, or a casual reader interested in our mission, you play a vital role in empowering individuals in need. Our summer newsletter is a key moment for us to provide a mid-year update on the progress we’ve made overseas thanks to your support.
Reflecting on our achievements in the first half of the year, it’s important to zoom out and look at the broader picture. The world has become increasingly unpredictable, with news that grows darker and more alarming each year. Wars, famine, inflation, housing crises, and natural disasters dominate headlines.
Pedals for Progress has been a guiding light for me to see past the darkens that seems to be occurring without an end in sight. While the challenges we face are real, stepping away from the constant barrage of news and getting involved locally has shown me how bright and vibrant the world can be. I live by the mantra, “Tend to the part of the garden you can reach.” This simple message emphasizes the importance of contributing to the world by taking action where you are, with the tools you have at hand.
Our work at Pedals for Progress may be a small drop in a large bucket, but it is the garden we can tend to. Pedals for Progress is engaging in the fight to clear the dark veil of news cast over our everyday lives by providing economic aid to those in need in the smaller corners of the world we work in. From FIDESMA and P4P Belize in Central America, to Chief Promotions in Tanzania, Slow Food Sierra Leone, DRVR-TOGO, Mityana Open Troop Foundation in Uganda, and Absolute Bikes Tirana in Eastern Europe, we are looking to help individuals in these communities fighting daily battles unfelt by the average American.
The work I do every day with Pedals for Progress is my way of helping the international community, focusing on the part of the garden I can reach. By reading this message, I hope you too feel you are contributing to the part of the garden you can reach. Our grassroots organization thrives on local support, and the stories we share highlight the positive impact we are making. These stories demonstrate that despite the passing dark clouds, blue skies always lay beneath, nurturing our collective garden.
For 25 years Joanne (my spouse) and I have part of team of people collecting bikes and sewing machines for developing countries with Pedals for Progress. We have collected about 5,000 bikes and more than 1,000 sewing machines in that time. Today I got to visit where some of those bikes have been sent. Last year some bikes collected in Burlington went to Absolute Bikes in Tirana. We had marked the Vermont bikes with an orange ribbon, so I could tell where they came from. This certainly created a positive connection.
Tirana’s center displays an affluence that would be familiar in any capital city in Europe. Bright and modern storefronts, bike paths, spacious parks, and an attention to what attracts tourists. I walked perhaps a 3 mile radius near the center. There are not a lot of very old buildings, but there are some very modern, edgy architecture that has been constructed in recent years.
I spent the rest of the day walking in Tirana with my brother-in-law Thomas who will be joining me for an organized bike tour to UNESCO cities in Albania during the next 10 days.
Our main visit was to Bunk’Art, an underground bunker in central Tirana that was a very thorough history of police/security forces in Albania, with an emphasis on the security forces of the Hoxha era. The museum was chilling.
My writings in this blog have been very personal. I will try to maintain that tone in the coming days. I personally am not interested in reading about the dynamics between people on a tour.
Follow up email correspondence from second shorter visit:
Conversation with Nina
Nina and Valjon were concerned about the climate and environment. In 2003 they worked with a student group and the Tirana mayor (now prime minister) to do volunteer based clean up. Under communism, ‘volunteer’ work was mandatory, so much of her work was teaching people a new attitude.
They first started working with p4p in 2006. The thinking was that getting children on bikes would help change parents while creating conscious kids. Much of the work supports getting bikes to kids and the poor.
Recent efforts have been getting bikes to women to expand their mobility and view of the world.
The bikes they can use the most are children’s bikes, hybrids and mountain bikes. While there are bike lanes in Tirana, much of Albania still has some pretty rough roads. They liked seeing the bikes collected in Barre and hope they will receive some.
Nina does not work for Absolute Bikes, but has stayed connected. Valjon works here full time.
As 2023 ended, December 21st marked a significant day in Lushnje, where a heartwarming initiative unfolded to bring joy and assistance to those in need. Joined by the Mayor of Lushnje, Ms Eriselda Sefa, a dedicated team from the municipality embarked on a mission to support 30 families facing economic challenges. The initiative not only aimed at addressing immediate needs but also sought to uplift spirits and make a lasting impact on the community.
Absolute Bike Tirana organised “Cycling Towards Hope”, where 25 bicycles were donated to children and adults alike, creating smiles that lit up their faces. Recognizing the importance of mobility, especially for those living in areas with long distances to cover, the gift of bikes aimed to facilitate transportation to work and other daily activities. The act of generosity provided a means of commuting and fostered a sense of community and togetherness.
On 30 December, in Divjaka was organised “Empowering Women in Divjaka” together with the presence of the mayor Mr. Josif Gorea. In this community, 20 bicycles and five sewing machines were distributed, emphasising women’s empowerment in the region. The sewing machines serve as tools for economic independence, enabling women to create and sustain livelihoods. This thoughtful gesture not only provided practical resources but also conveyed a message of support and encouragement to the women of Divjaka.
Ervin, Gerti, Valjon
Shifting the spotlight to a remarkable individual, January 26th brought news of Gerti Troka’s outstanding achievement. Gerti, a person with Down syndrome, made headlines by securing the tenth position in the world rankings for swimming. This remarkable feat not only defied stereotypes but also showcased the incredible abilities and potential of individuals with Down syndrome. Gerti’s accomplishment serves as an inspiration, challenging societal norms and celebrating diversity in sports.
As we reflect on these heartwarming initiatives and individual achievements, it becomes evident that the end of the year was not just a time for festivities but also a period of selflessness and community support. The acts of kindness in Lushnje and Divjaka, along with Gerti Troka’s swimming triumph, remind us of the positive impact we can make when we come together to support one another. As we embrace the new year, let these stories serve as a source of inspiration to continue fostering compassion, understanding, and goodwill within our communities.
Project proposal for support of sewing machines for Vijana vocational training skills, Tanzania
[Ed. Note: On April 17th 2024 we shipped 72 sewing machines to our newest program in Tanzania, Chief Promotions. This community outreach group is a non-governmental organization formed in 2001 to tackle widespread community problems throughout the country. Chief Promotions empowers underprivileged communities through advocacy, legal support, mobilization, and education.In their continuing efforts to lift struggling communities out of poverty through education, Chief Promotions is embarking on opening a trade school with a focus on carpentry and sewing. Through a two-year sewing course with support from Sewing Peace, Chief Promotions aims to educate displaced individuals facing a wide range of problems. The following project plan outlines the steps they are taking to make this program a reality. Please note Sewing Peace and P4P will not accept in-kind donations of carpentry or hand tools.]
Introduction
Chief Promotions aims to address the socio-economic challenges faced by marginalized groups, particularly orphans, vulnerable children, and women, through comprehensive training in carpentry and sewing. Using our expertise and resources from past endeavors and partnerships with local and international support, this program seeks to equip participants with practical skills, entrepreneurial skills, and the means to build sustainable livelihoods.
Rationale
The need for vocational training in Tanzania remains critical, especially within communities grappling with poverty and limited access to education and employment opportunities. Chief Promotions, with its extensive experience in community outreach and advocacy, recognizes vocational education as a critical resource in empowering individuals and fostering self-reliance. By focusing on carpentry and sewing, this program not only addresses the demand for skilled labor but also promotes gender equality and inclusivity.
Objectives
The primary objective of this initiative is to improve the livelihoods of disadvantaged youth, orphans, and vulnerable populations in the Lindi region of Tanzania. Through structured training courses in carpentry and sewing, we aim to provide educational resources that provide lifelong solutions to the problem of unemployment. We will be able to achieve the following outcomes:
Provide practical skills and technical knowledge to equip participants for practical employment and entrepreneurship opportunities.
Foster behavioral change by promoting responsible decision-making, reducing substance abuse, and mitigating the spread of HIV/AIDS.
Facilitate access to essential tools and resources to support graduates in launching their own ventures and contributing to local economic development.
Implementation
Administrative Divisions of Tanzania
The vocational training program will be implemented in Mchinga, an administrative ward in Lindi District. Over a three-year period, we plan to enroll and train 90 individuals in carpentry and tailoring, with each course lasting 12 months. The curriculum will provide both theoretical instruction and practical hands-on experience, supplemented by sports activities to promote community development. The organization has engaged the former instructor retiree from the Ministry of Youth as the instructor for carpentry and joinery and will be soon identifying a sewing instructor.
Partnership and Sustainability
Sustainability lies at the heart of this initiative, and we recognize the importance of forging partnerships with key stakeholders to ensure long-term impact. Local churches, gender clubs, government agencies, and vocational training authorities will play instrumental roles in program delivery, resource mobilization, and community engagement. Moreover, our commitment to empowerment extends beyond graduation, as we intend to provide graduates with essential tools (sewing machines donated by Sewing Peace) and start-up capital to kickstart their entrepreneurial ventures, thereby fostering self-sufficiency and reducing dependency.
Monitoring and Evaluation
A thorough monitoring and evaluation framework will be implemented to track progress, measure outcomes, and address emerging challenges. Monthly and quarterly meetings will be conducted to review performance, solicit feedback, and promote transparency. External evaluations will be conducted annually to assess program effectiveness and inform future iterations. This will include reporting from Chief Promotions to Sewing Peace as detailed in our contractual agreements.
Risk Management
Mitigating risks is essential to safeguarding the integrity and sustainability of the program. Through prudent financial management, transparent governance, and adherence to regulatory requirements, we aim to minimize the risk of mismanagement and misuse of resources. Legal registration, land tenure agreements, and stakeholder engagement will further mitigate operational risks and ensure the program’s continuity.
Conclusion
In conclusion, the proposed vocational training program represents a holistic approach to addressing socio-economic disparities and promoting sustainable development in Tanzania. By investing in skills development, entrepreneurship, and community empowerment, we aspire to create lasting change and unlock the full potential of marginalized individuals and communities. Together with Chief Promotions and our esteemed partners, we are committed to realizing this vision and building a brighter future for all Tanzanians.
Thank you,
Tackling child marriage by giving 1000 girls bicycles, Tabora DC, Tanzania
Summary
This project plans to support a bicycle each for higher secondary education of 1000 poor girls (6-7 std.) in Tanzania where they are forced to walk at least 4-12 KM for nearest higher secondary school. A bicycle in hand, a girl is more secure on the way, regular in school, saves time & energy for better performance that help feel the gap of pass out percentage between boys and girls. Her continuous engagement in school means less chances of her being victims of child marriage at home.
Challenge
Thousands of girls across Tabora DC do not continue their high school education & are married young. Among others one of the key reason, they drop the school is their long commute. They become tired and are insecure on the way. Further, expected to help with household chores, girls are often kept at home for various excuses while their brothers attend school. Due to this they are irregular and often late for school.This project will help continue high school education of 1000 girls in Tabora,Tanzania.
Solution
As an initiative to end child marriage, this project will provide a bicycle gift each to 1000 poor girls who are in 6-7th standard in government schools in the Tabora (High child marriage ratio zone). Additionally they will be provided with a school bag, air pump & common tools to repair their bicycle. A bicycle in hand, a girl is more secure on the way, regular in school, saves time & energy for better performance that help her continue her study further & avoid child marriage.
Long-Term Impact
This project educates 1000 girls from poor and marginalized group to have higher secondary degree in school. Voices of girls in the typical male-dominated Nyamwezi family are rarely heard and valued. A higher secondary level educated girl is matured & confident enough to decide about her carriers, marriage & her role in the house & the society. She can influence the family decision and even convince her parents what is best for her. Once a girl is educated & empowered rest she will do all alone.
We are excited to announce a new partnership with the Kola Nut Producers Association Sierra Leone a locally based organization established in 2012. This partnership aims to support indigenous Kola Nut farmers in the districts of Kenema, Kono, and Kailahun by addressing transportation challenges that hinder their productivity.
The Slow Food 10,000 Agricultural project in Sierra Leone along with the Kola Nut Producers highlighted the lack of transportation for Kola Nuts and other fruit grown in the area. Farmers in the rural Kailahun district face significant challenges in transporting their produce to central markets, resulting in a large amount of food waste before it can be sold. This transportation gap severely impacts the productivity and livelihood of local farmers.
To alleviate this issue, our partner has requested information on the procedure for donating bicycles to their community. Providing bicycles will enable farmers to transport their produce more efficiently, reducing spoilage and increasing their revenue.
KNPA-SL has established valuable partnerships with organizations like Slow Food Italy, Slow Food Canada, and Baladin Italy. Their members have participated in notable events such as the Space Agricultural Trade Fair in France and the Terra Madre Trade Fair in Italy. Additionally, they have implemented a school feeding program for children as part of the Slow Food Africa Gardens project.
We are committed to supporting the Kola Nut Producers Association Sierra Leone in their mission to protect and promote indigenous sustainable agriculture that is good, clean, and fair for everyone. Your continued support is vital in making this partnership successful and helping these farmers overcome their transportation challenges.
While the “progress” of Pedals for Progress is best shown through our international programs, the success of these programs relies on our collection efforts in the United States. Pedals for Progress acquires 90 percent of our bicycles from our collection drives, which are generally self- sufficient with the suggested donation we request with each item. Our collection drives are our bread and butter, allowing us to collect the items we send overseas while simultaneously fundraising for their shipment.
On April 18th, 2024, Pedals for Progress accepted an in-kind donation of 28 high-end bikes from Duke Farms in Hillsborough, NJ. The bicycles donated by Duke Farms were phased out of their rental fleet offered to the public visiting the conservation grounds. Bikes deemed unfit due to wear and tear need to be cycled out quickly by Duke Farms for liability reasons. Being high- quality, name-brand bicycles, these items were still very desirable and great for our partner programs overseas. Although the bikes did not come with a monetary donation for their removal, processing, and warehousing, this was offset by the generosity of our donors and a well-placed grant. These items have been shipped to our program in Belize, where they will continue to be used by 28 motivated individuals.
With thousands of miles left on these bicycles, they will prove even more useful as they came at a perfect time, just ahead of our shipment of bicycles to Sierra Leone, for the Slow Food International Kola Nut Farm. Rural Kola Nut farmers, often held back by long walks to market, face time constraints as their nuts and other fruits spoil quickly. Providing these farmers with bicycles will help them transport their produce to market much faster, preventing waste. The tricycles, often rare at our typical collections, will be perfect food haulers with their wide base and large baskets on the rear.
From one farm to the next, we have repurposed and recycled these bicycles to save money, food, and time — all incredibly valuable factors in a farmer’s life. We’re fortunate to have worked with Duke Farms to remove these items and give these bicycles a new home. We’d like to thank Duke Farms for their donations and their interest in our cause. The conservation grounds are a must- see for anyone looking to spend a relaxing afternoon soaking in the sun and all that our great Garden State has to offer.
On May 6th, Pedals for Progress continued supporting our overseas partners by recycling 100 Trek bicycles from Vermont Bicycle Shop in Barre, Vermont. The bicycle shop unfortunately experienced an incredible loss of inventory and property damage due to intense flooding on July 11th, 2023, now known as one of “the great floods of Vermont.” The area was ravaged by the intense flooding, showcasing the dangers of climate change with increasingly frequent “ten-year” storms.
After discussing several solutions, we decided it was best for P4P to transport the 100 bikes from Vermont. With our rental truck ready for our collection season, we treated the pickup like any other of our normal collections, just a few hundred miles outside our typical circuit. With a “collection” date set a few weeks after the initial request, there was still the question of how to process the bikes for shipment and where the funding would come from. Both elements can slow a project, but they are key factors for a P4P collection to succeed.
On May 6th, I left early in the morning and arrived around noon with an empty truck. With the team’s help, we processed all 100 bikes and loaded the truck in just under three hours. It was an incredibly productive afternoon as we powered through the heat processing the bicycles. Joanne went around marking most of the bikes with bright orange tape to mark the occasion and give us a way to track the bikes at the start of their journey.
On behalf of our partner programs around the world and the thousands of individuals who have received bicycles and sewing machines this year, I’d like to thank you for supporting Pedals for Progress. Whether you are a collection sponsor, donor, or a casual reader interested in our mission, you play a vital role in empowering individuals in need. Our summer newsletter is a key moment for us to provide a mid-year update on the progress we’ve made overseas thanks to your support.
Pedals for Progress has been a guiding light for me to see past the darkens that seems to be occurring without an end in sight. While the challenges we face are real, stepping away from the constant barrage of news and getting involved locally has shown me how bright and vibrant the world can be. I live by the mantra, “Tend to the part of the garden you can reach.” This simple message emphasizes the importance of contributing to the world by taking action where you are, with the tools you have at hand.
The work I do every day with Pedals for Progress is my way of helping the international community, focusing on the part of the garden I can reach. By reading this message, I hope you too feel you are contributing to the part of the garden you can reach. Our grassroots organization thrives on local support, and the stories we share highlight the positive impact we are making. These stories demonstrate that despite the passing dark clouds, blue skies always lay beneath, nurturing our collective garden.
For 25 years Joanne (my spouse) and I have part of team of people collecting bikes and sewing machines for developing countries with Pedals for Progress. We have collected about 5,000 bikes and more than 1,000 sewing machines in that time. Today I got to visit where some of those bikes have been sent. Last year some bikes collected in Burlington went to Absolute Bikes in Tirana. We had marked the Vermont bikes with an orange ribbon, so I could tell where they came from. This certainly created a positive connection.
Nina and Valjon were concerned about the climate and environment. In 2003 they worked with a student group and the Tirana mayor (now prime minister) to do volunteer based clean up. Under communism, ‘volunteer’ work was mandatory, so much of her work was teaching people a new attitude.
Absolute Bike Tirana organised “Cycling Towards Hope”, where 25 bicycles were donated to children and adults alike, creating smiles that lit up their faces. Recognizing the importance of mobility, especially for those living in areas with long distances to cover, the gift of bikes aimed to facilitate transportation to work and other daily activities. The act of generosity provided a means of commuting and fostered a sense of community and togetherness.
As we reflect on these heartwarming initiatives and individual achievements, it becomes evident that the end of the year was not just a time for festivities but also a period of selflessness and community support. The acts of kindness in Lushnje and Divjaka, along with Gerti Troka’s swimming triumph, remind us of the positive impact we can make when we come together to support one another. As we embrace the new year, let these stories serve as a source of inspiration to continue fostering compassion, understanding, and goodwill within our communities.
This project plans to support a bicycle each for higher secondary education of 1000 poor girls (6-7 std.) in Tanzania where they are forced to walk at least 4-12 KM for nearest higher secondary school. A bicycle in hand, a girl is more secure on the way, regular in school, saves time & energy for better performance that help feel the gap of pass out percentage between boys and girls. Her continuous engagement in school means less chances of her being victims of child marriage at home.