Updates

Ride4Education 2023 Trust Report

Welcome:

The long harsh winter has started to fade away bringing with it the buds of a new spring. The winters ofCovid are now behind us and the spring of a new beginning has returned to our upside down world we now see. Things will certainly not be the same again but at least we have the hope of a new spring and all the opportunity it will bring in a landscape changed by the harsh winter. I guess what I am saying can be summed up simply in this simple thought.

A thought: “What we hold onto in this world is like dust whipped away with a swish of a hand”

So, letting go of the winter past and reaching for spring to come the Trust’s journey continues and I share with you some of the highlights below.

In The Hurt Box:

During the financial year ending in February 2023, Team Ride4Education has taken advantage of the limited opportunities to get out and about on the bike. Even with limited opportunities to ride and secure funding,this did not stop our efforts to raise what we could in funds to make a difference. This year saw the team take part in 2 events only, which we were greatly blessed to complete. It was an amazing feeling to be out racing again knowing that with each race someone is able to go to school or a school is able to provide facilities that will inspire those in its care. For this opportunity we give thanks and glory to God Almighty.

A Thought “Never lose a moment to appreciate that which you have got “

Looking ahead to 2023, we are certainly hopeful that we are able to pedal along a few more trails than we did in 2022. With that being said I was extremely pleased to have just ridden, even if it was just 2 races which I hope will make a massive impact to the school community it supports.

• Illovo Eston Classic– A race held at the beginning of spring and one the team looks forward to riding each year. As is always the case with this ride it is fast and slightly technical and surprisingly hot considering the cold crisp start. As with everything Covid, the effects of not being able to train and race as one did in the past certainly was felt. Having started well It was not long before one could see the engine driving the bike was lacking a few watts of sustained power. But at least we are out ridingin a place blessed with a beautiful land scape. In the end we crossed the line spent and noted what training lay ahead.

• Jackelberry Extreme- There are very few races which I have experienced that have a profound effect on a man’s sole. Having experienced the 248km one day event over the last 5 years and bonded with likeminded men and women who are on a mission to give unselfishly to the Ubuhle Christian School,drew the Team back again! To pass up this spiritual experience was not an option and is a privilege to ride. Conditions were warmer than the year before and this time no rain! This year was the 2ndtime we would traverse over the new tougher route and saw a new member of the team take on the challenge. This time with eyes wide open to the challenge of ascending iconic climbs like Freddy Kruger, Mad Kop, Pineapple and The Hill I Forgot About we took to the start line. However an interrupted training schedule due to illness and the pressure of making end meet played its part in making the day tough with many a dark whole to ride through. However our debutant did not suffer my fate and rode strong all day, oh the blessing of youth. But in the end, the ride was completed and despite the hurt of the day the thought that what we endured to see more kiddies go to school was worth every effort.

So, 2 race completed but we still managed to ride over 10 000km and ascend 51000m. Not to bad!

A Thought “No matter that dark place you are in, just keep riding”

Many Hands make light work:

It would be wrong for me not to give Kudos to my supporters. Without their support The Trust would not beable to complete our mission to make a difference. It has been a difficult few years for many companies and individuals and the Trust keeps close to our hearts those who could not contribute as a result of having to put back the pieces of a tough winter season.

With each pedal stroke, we make a contribution for a better future, thanks to this group of amazing companies and private donors for their continued support:

• Conversation Lab

• RBG Studios

• Our Private Donors

Thank you to all of you, as without your support, dreams of a better future will never materialize for those we are able to help..

Thought “remember a whole lot of little makes a big lot of much!”

What have we been doing

The School built on Faith:

It was once again agreed by The Trust to support Ubuhle Christian School in 2022. This “School of Faith” was established to serve the kids of the farming community of Bronkhorst Spruit. Due to the dedication of the management and staff of this “School of Faith” it continues to grow and provide quality education to its learners, thus requiring further expansion on their existing facilities. As was the case last year the Trust has once again agreed to get behind this school and support its need to expand its facilities. This year the school is looking to construct a much needed fence to secure the school facilities and kids attending the school too.

Making a difference for the little ones:

This year the Trust continued to work alongside ‘Focus on Ithemba’ and Dawning Education Trust to support 4 learners in the Early Childhood Development and Primary phase of education. The 4 learnerssupported by the Trust all reside in the ‘valley of a 1000 hills community’ and attend Waterfall College ECD and Primary School. The 4 learners have shown steady emotional, physical and academic progressthis year and are thriving at the school. It is really special to see how these learners are thriving and building a solid foundation for their future.

Never Give Up:

For the past 2 years two young ladies have received financial support from the Trust to continue their journey to become qualified Educators and make a dent in the educational universe. Both these young educators have endured many challenges which I believe will aid them in making a positive impact within the classroom, if it has not done so already. Both have achieved a great set of results and secured teaching posts for 2023 to complete their degrees. The passion they share for making a difference in the classroom and the love for what they do I believe will see many a learner benefit from what they have to give.

Bring on Project Shoes:

At the start of the 2023 academic year the Trust learnt of learners who attend school without the means to purchase school shoes. Rather than sit back and do nothing about it the trust agreed to “step” in and purchase all those attending the school with a new pair of school shoes. The delight on the faces of those who received their new shoes, brought a deep emotional response as we observed the profound effect a simple pair of school shoes had on each learner. No words can describe the joy and pride that was restored in each learner who could now walk with pride again.

Adopt a Squire:

What a privilege to be able to make a difference for 2 learners who given an opportunity will make a great impact not only to their families but also to the communities they will be called to serve one day. Both the learners come from challenging family and community situations and despite all that they face, turn into the wind of life and face it head on. For the trust it is an honor to have played a small role in securing the education for these 2 humble and grounded learners. We look forward to seeing a great set of results at the end of the academic year and will certainly keep our eye on thire progress into the future.

A Thought “Never take for granted that which you take for granted”

What’s on the cards for 2023:

A Thought: “ 5 loaves and 2 fish fed 10 000”

What adventures are we embarking on?

1. Contribute and work with like-minded partners to assist Ubuhle Christian School build essential school facilities and;

2. Provide funding for learners to continue their education journey to achieve their dreams and;

3. Complete 3 races in 2023 and;

4. Raise much needed funds to support our learners.

In closing, I am taking this moment to thank the Trustees for their continued support throughout the year as well as those individuals and companies who support The Trust each year to keep the vision of making a difference alive.

God Bless

Kevin J

Trustee for The Ride4Education Trust

Trustees: K Johnson, Neil Cairns, Mark Dane, Paul Price, Antonio Chessa

Ride4Education 2022 Trust Report

Welcome:

This year has been a year where walking in faith has once again been the order of the day. With Covid restrictions still present and overcoming civil unrest in Kwa- Zulu Natal it has certainly made this year a tough one to endure both mentally and physically. I guess it all can be summed up with this simple thought today which I share with you.

A thought: “Walk by Faith and not by sight”

Despite the challenges the Trusts journey this year continues and I share with you some of the highlights below.

In The Hurt Box:

During the financial year ending in February 2022, Team Ride4Education has taken advantage of the limited opportunities to get out and about on the bike. However, this did not stop our efforts to raise funds which have been put to good use to uplift educational institutions and ensure learners can continue to attend school. This year saw the team take part in one event only, which we were greatly blessed to complete considering the Covid-19 Lock down protocols and the civil unrest that devastated the Kwa Zulu Natal economy. It was an amazing feeling to be out racing when one considered what could have been earlier in the year. For this opportunity we give thanks to God Almighty for his provision and travelling mercies.

A Thought “Never lose a moment to appreciate that which you have got“

We are certainly hopeful that the 2022 year will see the Team able to complete a few more races. With that being said I was extremely pleased to have just ridden 1 race which makes a massive impact to the school community it supports.

• Jackelberry Extreme- There are very few races which I have experienced that have a profound effect on a man’s sole. Having experienced the 232km one day event over the last 4 years and bonded with likeminded men and women who are on a mission to give unselfishly to the Ubuhle Christian School, drew the Team back again! To pass up this spiritual experience was not an option and is a privilege to ride. Conditions were chilly but not wet like in 2020. This year saw the introduction of a new tougher route which would see the team traverse over some iconic climbs like Freddy Kruger, Mad Kop, Pineapple and The Hill I Forgot About. Thankfully, the interrupted training leading up to the event did not cause too much suffering, but our suffering on the bike just means more learners can go to school. Completing an event such as this teaches one a few things about oneself as one works through the dark moments of the day.

So, 1 race completed but we still managed to ride over 10 000km and ascend 51000m. Not to bad considering all we have faced to date.

A Thought “what ever life throws at you, JUST RIDE THE CONDITIONS and see it through”

Many Hands make light work:

It would be wrong for me not to give Kudos to my supporters. Without their support The Trust would not be able to complete our mission to make a difference. In light of this the Trust would like to welcome Avellini Brothers to the team. It is awesome to have you guys on board and look forward to building our partnership of making a difference into the future.

With each pedal stroke, we make a contribution for a better future, thanks to this group of amazing companies and private donors for their continued support:

Conversation Lab
Avellini Brothers
Naviganti Financial Planning
RBG Studios
PE Price and Co Attorneys
Our Private Donors

Thank you to all of you, as with out your support, dreams of a better future will never materialize for those we are able to help..

Thought “remember a whole lot of little makes a big lot of much!”

What have we been doing:

The School built on Faith:

It was once again agreed by The Trust to support Ubuhle Christian School in 2021. This “School of Faith” was established to serve the kids of the farming community of Bronkhorst Spruit. Due to the dedication of the management and staff of this “School of Faith” it continues to grow and provide quality education to its learners, thus requiring further expansion on their existing facilities. As was the case in 2021 the Trust has once again agreed to get behind this school and support its need to expand its facilities. This year the school is looking to construct a much needed school hall so as to have a venue large enough to host a number of initiatives instituted by the school and hold those all-important school activities too.

An Investment into our Educator:

The Trust is always on a mission to make a difference. In our search we approached Focus on Ithemba, a group of people who have a big heart for making a difference to the little learners starting out on their educational journey. We are super stoked to walk along side such awesome people and work together to make a positive impact in education. With that been said the Trust grabbed the opportunity to invest in upskilling educators, who teach kiddies within the Inanda community. The Trust provided the funds for these educators to attend a Business Management and 1^st Aid Course hosted at the Focus on Ithemba facilities.

Making a difference for the little ones:

This year the Trust continued to work alongside ‘Focus on Ithemba’ and Dawning Education Trust to support 4 learners in the Early Childhood Development and Primary phase of education. The 4 learners supported by the Trust all reside in the ‘valley of a 1000 hills community’ and attend Waterfall College ECD and Primary School. The 4 learners have shown steady emotional, physical and academic progress this year and are thriving at the school.

A single contribution makes the World of Difference:

At the close of 2019 the Trust was approached by a private donor who wished to support the work of the Trust in ensuring learners can reach their dreams through an education. With this contribution the 2 learners continue their journey along the road of reaching their dreams. Both these learners have made steady progress this year and I look forward to seeing them go from strength to strength.

Never Give Up:

Last year, 2020 saw two young ladies receive financial support from the Trust to continue their journey to become qualified Educators and make a dent in the educational universe. Both these young educators have endured many challenges which I believe will aid them in making a positive impact within the classroom, if it has not done so already. Both have shot the lights out in terms of their studies and the impact they have each made in the class room. It is certainly a privilege to work with both these awesome individuals and I look forward to seeing how the 2022 academic year unfolds for the both of them.

A Thought “it is not the length of time taken to complete your goal but whether you did”

What’s on the cards for 2022:

A Thought: “no matter the weather you face rather be riding it than sitting on the fence”