Do you remember the project "HOPE travels by BICYCLE" brought forward by our testimonial Paola Gianotti? Now, the dream has become reality!  This was our challenge ...

"After the tour of the world and of the American continent, Paola Gianotti starts again towards a new challenge, and with her our Movement. The objectives in this case are different: on one hand the sporting goal, that is to be able to go around the Japan beating the previous world record, and on the other hand supporting a new Africa Mission project linked also in this case to the passion that links Paola to Karamoja, the bicycle. In fact, this area of ​​Uganda does not have basic services like transport. The bicycle is the perfect vehicle for the local population, even if there are not yet professional figures able to repair or sell them at low cost. The training courses for bicycle maintenance will therefore be an answer to re-launch this vehicle, encouraging together the entrepreneurship and self-sustainability of different families. Cycling is still a key element for economic and social development; and Paola knows this well, and that's why thanks to her trip she will support the formation of 30 bicycle mechanics, giving them 30 technical kits for vehicle repair and 30 new bikes! "

A beautiful Christmas present for all of us to see the start of the courses for 30 bicycle mechanics, a much desired project that finally kicks off. Roberto, our collaborator in Uganda tells us: "The course proceeds well and with great interest. We have 30 participants as planned, of which 17 are  boys and 13 girls, 15 from Nakapiripirit and 15 from Napak. As a teacher we chose a Kampala street mechanic. Who better than he can teach a trade and an activity like this? A good mechanic and a good person ... this is always a good thing!  We started by showing kids how to assemble a bike from scratch, then the 30 bikes, purchased unassembled, were shared by the students themselves. With an unexpected order, everyone took the necessary pieces for the assembly of their bicycle.  And now if they are assembling them alone with the teacher's supervision and help. Among the objectives we would like to give them the basis to open their own business and then carry it on independently (costs, sales prices, earnings, etc.). Then as a last act I promised a ride in the city in a group with new bikes ... I do not tell you the enthusiasm for this proposal! Thanks to Paola Gianotti for cycling with us and believing in this project and thanks to all the supporters who courageously came forward to make it possible!

Look at the gallery!