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Albania, bicycles, InGear - The Newsletter of P4P

Albania Blog, Spring 2024

June 5, 2024 Michael Sabrio

By Paul Demers
Summer 2024 Newsletter

[Ed. note: Paul Demers, one of our collection volunteers from Vermont, wrote a blog, Biking the Balkans. This post is from one of his blog entries.]

Touring Tirana: The fast lane of a small country

Tuesday April 30, 2024

Today was a day off from cycling.

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.

Albania, InGear - The Newsletter of P4P

Albania: Acts of Kindness: A 2023 Year-End Recap of Community Support and Achievements

June 5, 2024 Michael Sabrio

Summer 2024 Newsletter

Mayor of Lushnje, Ms. Eriselda Sefa and Valjon of Absolutely Bikes — Mayor of Lushnje, Ms. Eriselda Sefa and Valjon

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.

Absolute Bikes Reps, Ervin and Valjon, with Gerti — 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.

InGear - The Newsletter of P4P, Tanzania

Chief Promotions, Tanzania, May 2024: Sewing Machine Proposal

June 5, 2024 Michael Sabrio

Summer 2024 Newsletter

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

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,

InGear - The Newsletter of P4P, Tanzania

Chief Promotions, Tanzania, May 2024: Bikes for Girls

June 5, 2024 Michael Sabrio

Summer 2024 Newsletter

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.

Please visit our website for more information: Chief Promotions

Thanking You,
Yours truly,
Dr.Amon Mkoga
Chief Promotions, Managing Director
0755-638 004/0655-638 004

InGear - The Newsletter of P4P

President’s Message, Fall 2023 Newsletter

November 15, 2023 Michael Sabrio

Dear friends,

Thank you for being part of our small circle of supporters that believe in our cause and understand the importance of providing individuals tools of personal empowerment to our friends in developing nations around the world. Many of our supporters have been interested in our cause since the very beginning in 1991 and rooting for us along the way. Whether through financial support, volunteering, or simply mentioning our cause to someone looking to donate a bike, your support goes a tremendously long way. It nurtures our incredible network of people who care for others less fortunate.

As we wrap up our fall collection season, I’ve been reflecting on the history of Pedals for Progress and the time it took to build such a wonderful network of support that spans the entire nation. Pedals for Progress was already five years underway when I was born! Over 30 years later we continue to grow and continue our commitment to our founding goals of providing people with reliable transportation to fuel economic stability in communities around the world.

This reflection comes with the success of our fall collection season. We collected enough bikes to make three shipments this fall (the third ready to be loaded very shortly) with fall collections averaging over 80 bikes per collection. I sincerely thank everyone that made this possible, from our donors to volunteers and sponsors, to our warehouse crew, we had an extremely productive collection season.

The fact that we can revisit some of our regular communities year after year and continue to retrieve bikes from behind sheds or sewing machines stowed away in basements speaks to the size of our network. Through this work, we continued to supply our oldest partners in Guatemala while also breaking new ground with programs in Albania. Sewing Peace has been thriving making several shipments of pallets worth of sewing machines to Uganda and Tanzania.

Achieving these goals depends on the collective effort we put into this endeavor. The bikes and sewing machines are out there; it’s simply up to us to organize ourselves to find them. We are not alone, so we can do exactly that. In my mind, Pedals for Progress has always been an organization of regular folks that want to do good. It’s a small-town organization with small town support, an idea that every American can understand. We have been able to come together to support people we have never met and lend a helping hand through a simple tool easily found in our own back yard.

I’d like to thank everyone again who came out to support this fall collection season. Don’t go too far, we will be collecting again come spring and your contribution can make an immediate difference. It can mean a reliable bike for a student to reach school, a sewing machine for a budding entrepreneur, or a lifeline for a family struggling to make ends meet. Your generosity fuels progress, and your belief in our cause keeps us moving forward.

InGear - The Newsletter of P4P

President’s Message, Spring 2023

June 7, 2023 Alan Schultz

Greetings,

While Pedals for Progress may be a small organization located in a small town, we are a global network that connects people looking for a helping hand with people looking to lend one. Our mission would not be possible without the help from our donors, collection sponsors, and volunteers. Reading this message, you are likely one of those and I would like to say thank you for playing a role in our success.

Going into any collection season is filled with a list of unknown variables that change week to week with each collection we have. The Spring 2023 collection season has been expectedly unexpected. We held 18 collections, and our sponsors went above and beyond to help us gather as many bikes and sewing machines as possible. While our number of collections this season reached a new high since the pandemic, the overall quantity of donations fell short of our expectations. We received fewer bikes this spring, allowing us to make only one shipment: 428 bikes and 20 sewing machines to Belize on June 3rd, 2023. However, sewing machine production was up and we were able to send two shipments totaling 90 sewing machines to Uganda in May!

While it wasn’t a true knock-out of a season there is a silver lining. In response to rising costs and inflation, we started requesting a $20 donation with each item. While it was an unfortunate decision, it proved necessary to sustain our operations. Despite receiving fewer bikes, we have seen an increase in the quality of the bikes and in monetary contributions. It’s a bittersweet outcome, but this change allows us to continue supplying bikes to our partner programs and maintain our operations.

The increase in our requested donation is merely one potential cause to the lighter than expected collection season. From competing with online marketplaces, increased value of used bikes domestically, weather (good or bad), economic instability, and even pure chance, the list of variables is never explicitly known. With this said, Pedals for Progress moves forward. Internationally, our active partners are in fantastic standing and ready and waiting to accept as many bikes as we can supply them.

Despite the challenges we face, this newsletter highlights the progress being made in our pursuit of economic development. I encourage you to explore the positive impact your support has helped us achieve. I am already excited to collect more bikes come fall, with an optimistic mind, I thank you for your support.