Underprivileged learners from four rural primary schools on the outskirts of Durbanville are all about to be empowered through mountain biking (MTB) in a rural youth development programme, thanks to a new initiative driven by the Rotary Club of Tygerberg in collaboration with teachers of the provincial education department (District North).

The schools are Vissershok Primary School, Klipheuwel Primary School, Attie van Wyk Primary School and The Valley Primary School.

“It will be wonderful to expose the disadvantaged learners of our school, who mostly reside in Dunoon, at first to ride a bicycle for relaxation and enjoyment, and later maybe to competitive cycling,” says Brian Meyer, principal of Vissershok Primary School.

“It can also help with character building,” says Meyer, a keen cyclist with a few Cape Town Cycle Tour rides under his belt.

This came after a representative of the provincial education department reached out to the Rotary Club of Tygerberg last year to initiate a project like this.

“The idea is simple but powerful: to give disadvantaged learners the chance to discover a sport that builds fitness, confidence and character, while opening doors that many children don’t know exist.

“Each of these schools has already put their hands up by appointing a staff coordinator and they have started scouting out the local trails from the Hoogekraal MTB route near Vissershok to the farm tracks around the Altydgedacht farm,” Meyer says.

Picked up momentum

The project has picked up momentum in recent weeks after the Rotary Club of Tygerberg sourced 16 junior bicycles and four larger bicycles for teachers from the Bicycle Empowerment Network. The bicycles were delivered to Vissershok Primary School and distributed from there. There was also great excitement at Attie van Wyk Primary School when they received their bicycles and some gear and helmets from Granny Gear.

“Learners will be able to be more involved with their friends and teachers. They will also be able to develop physically,” says Mariancha Hendriks, a teacher and mountain bike coach at Attie van Wyk Primary.

“We have only provided four cycles to each school but the interest from learners has been overwhelming,” says Willy Watson, president of the Rotary Club of Tygerberg.

“The trails on surrounding farms are already being used for cross-country by the schools and lend themselves to a sport like MTB,” he says.

“For many of these learners, this programme offers a rare opportunity to participate in structured sport, develop discipline, build confidence and discover new talents. Through training sessions, workshops and eventually competitive events, our goal is to foster a love for cycling while instilling values such as perseverance, teamwork and healthy living,” Watson says.

Mentoring and support

In the meantime, Kenridge Primary School has stepped in to mentor and support The Valley Primary School, while Reddam House Durbanville will partner with Vissershok Primary. More partner schools are being lined up to help Attie van Wyk Primary and Klipheuwel Primary.

“It is exciting as the bicycles are starting to roll in. Of course, a project like this does not run on bicycles alone. The schools will need to secure storage for their fleets of bicycles. They also need tools and spares for when the bicycles need maintenance.

“Bicycles are required for accompanying teachers, as well as cycling gear such as shoes, gloves, tights and any suitable items that these parents simply cannot afford. There is also the everyday challenge of getting children home safely after practice, especially in the areas where public transport is scarce,” Watson says.

Local MTB community

“This is where the local MTB community could make all the difference. Whether it is a spare bicycle, some new or good second-hand kit, a bakkie with a bicycle rack, a bit of coaching know-how, or just willingness to become involved on race days — every contribution will help to turn this from a good idea into a thriving, sustainable programme for these young riders,” he urges.

They are seeking donations of size-24 mountain bikes and suitable cycling attire, including tights, gloves and cycling shoes, for Grades 4 to 6 learners.

“We would greatly appreciate any contribution — whether through equipment donations, financial sponsorship or partnerships — to help us create a sustainable and impactful programme.

“All donors will be acknowledged for their contributions, and we will gladly share updates, photos and reports on how your support is changing lives. We believe that talent is everywhere, but opportunity is not. With your help, we can bridge that gap and provide rural learners with a meaningful path to growth — on and off the bike,” Watson concludes.

• Anyone wanting to reach out to the Rotary Club of Tygerberg can contact Willy Watson on 082 781 0782 or Jeffrey King on 079 210 9765.

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