Qhubeka, the charity committed to enhancing education and mobility in South Africa, has once again demonstrated the profound impact of its work. In 2023, the academic performance at three schools—Hoërskool Vaalrivier, Barkly West High School and Boresetse Secondary School—showed remarkable improvement, a testament to the power of the bicycles provided by Qhubeka.
Have a look at the video from the day’s handover here.
This past Thursday, the third annual bicycle distribution event took place at Vaalrivier High School’s rugby field. In its first year, the project saw 300 bicycles handed out, followed by nearly 200 the next year. This year, 170 bicycles, along with helmets, were distributed to students in grades 9 and 10 who had not yet benefited from the program. This initiative continues to empower students, providing them with essential transportation and supporting their academic journey. In 2022, Absa, in collaboration with Qhubeka and Wildeklawer Academy, initiated a remarkable bicycle project in Barkly West, aimed at enhancing the educational experience and opportunities for students from three local schools: Boresetse Secondary School, Vaalrivier High School and Barkly West High School.
Academic results reflect positive change
Despite the increasing challenges of inflation, food insecurity and unemployment, which have made life harder for many families, the schools involved with Qhubeka saw a reduction in dropout rates and an overall improvement in academic performance.
1. Dropout rates:
Across Hoërskool Vaalrivier, Barkly West High School and Boresetse Secondary School, the dropout rates decreased from 21 to 19 students. In a climate where many external factors could easily have driven these numbers up, this reduction is a significant achievement.
2. Pass rates:
Hoërskool Vaalrivier: The school maintained an impressive pass rate of 95.8%, continuing its tradition of academic excellence.
Barkly West High School: The pass rate rose from 69% to 73.7%, marking a 15% year-on-year improvement.
Boresetse Secondary School: The most substantial increase was seen here, with the pass rate jumping from 63% to 75.9%, an outstanding 15.7% improvement.
These results highlight the effectiveness of Qhubeka’s intervention, proving that access to reliable transportation can directly influence students’ ability to succeed in their studies.
The impact of Qhubeka’s bicycles
Anthony Fitzhenry, the founder of Qhubeka, emphasised the charity’s mission to enhance educational outcomes by addressing the mobility challenges faced by many students. In regions like Barkly West, where children often have to walk long distances to school, arriving late and exhausted can lead to absenteeism and poor academic performance.
By providing bicycles, Qhubeka ensures that students not only arrive at school on time but are also energised and ready to learn. The 2023 academic results from these schools are a clear indication that this initiative is working. As Fitzhenry noted, “A bicycle is more than just a means of transportation; it is a powerful tool for economic upliftment and academic success.”
Qhubeka is a charity dedicated to empowering communities in Africa by providing bicycles to those in need. Through its innovative programs, individuals can be provided with bicycles, gaining better access to education, healthcare and employment opportunities. In areas where poverty is prevalent, a bicycle can be a game-changer, enabling people to travel further, carry more goods and increase their productivity. For many, it represents a pathway to a better future.
The improved academic performance at Hoërskool Vaalrivier, Barkly West High School, and Boresetse Secondary School serves as a powerful reminder of how targeted interventions, like those provided by Qhubeka, can transform lives. With continued support and expansion, Qhubeka’s bicycle program holds the promise of even greater achievements in the years to come.
The following distinguished guests attended the bicycle handover:
• The Honorable Mayor Joyce Tshwanayagae
• Chief Whip Montesque Jacobs
• Special Programme Coordinator Jabavu Khechane
• Charmaine Konig and Edna Oosthuizen from Absa
• Cora de Kock from Wildeklawer
• Daan Potgieter, Chairman of Absa Wildeklawer Sport
• Dr. Thomas September, Absa Guest Speaker
