1000 NEW BIKES FOR ARUSHA PUPILS.

Karatu, over 1,000 pupils from remote areas in various primary schools of Arusha region now have a reason to smile, thanks to American tourists who provided them with bikes as a means of transport to and from school. A Grand Circle Foundation Project Manager Ms Sandra Vaughan, said here yesterday that the couple - Naomi and Mark Hughes have donated a total of 1,077 bicycles worth $100,000 (about Sh164 million) to several primary schools in northern Tanzania.

The Hughes are founders of Pets Providing Pedals Programme, where dog groomer, Naomi, grooms dogs in the US, and raises funds all year round to supply bikes to children in Tanzania. Tarangire, Ayatale, Rhotia and Bashay primary schools are the key beneficiaries of the donations.   Other benefiting institutions include Plaster House and Rift Valley Children centres.

Mark and Naomi Hughes are travelling throughout Tanzania on their 10th Overseas Adventure Trip facilitating their bike programme. The tourists have also built a primary school, provided textbooks, school desks, water tanks, solar lights, trees, and stationery worth Sh1.3 billion. Speaking at the official ceremony to thank Naomi, Arusha Mayor Gaudence Lyimo hailed efforts done by the Hughes family to help the children some of whom walk up to 10km a day to school.

“Pets Providing Pedals reached an amazing milestone this year. Remember it is one person – Naomi - grooming dogs and fund raising,” Ms Sandra says.

In 2011, Naomi distributed 201 bikes, while in 2012 she provided another 250.   Way back in 2013, she donated 300 bikes and this year another great donations of 280 bikes. Recently, Naomi together with her husband, Mark Hughes was at Tloma Primary School in Karatu to offer yet another 280 bicycles, to bring the total number to 1,077. 
Posted by Mmasi Irene