Training the Force

Bicycle maintenance is paramount to the success of our programs. World Bicycle Relief has developed a Field Mechanics Training Program to accompany bicycle distribution; this ensures that bicycle owners have access to local, qualified maintenance and repair service. Mechanics are trained in bicycle assembly, maintenance and repair as well as basic business, marketing and management skills. Each trained mechanic receives a set of high quality bicycle tools, a uniform, and marketing materials; some mechanics work with microlenders to establish businesses and purchase a stock of spare parts. World Bicycle Relief has trained over 800 local field mechanics in Zambia, Zimbabwe, Kenya and Uganda.

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Mary the Mechanic

Mary, a World Bicycle Relief field mechanic working in Central Zambia shares with us about being a woman in a man's world of mechanics. "A lot of people admire my works, because in this village, it is something new for a female or maybe a lady to do bicycle servicing...Hence they bring a lot of bicycles to see or maybe to prove if at all I can really do it. To test me." When we asked Mary if this has been good for business, she laughed, "Very good." 

Meet Mary >

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Training Material

Download our Field Mechanics Bicycle Maintenance Manual to see a World Bicycle Relief Buffalo Bicycle from the inside out.

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Partner Appreciation

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"Before I was trained as a mechanic, I had no idea of what I was supposed to do in life. At 37 I did not know how to ride a bicycle, let alone repair it. Today look at me. I am able to take my children to a fee paying school and everybody in my community look at me as an expert in bicycle repairing. I have a ready market and am not worried about my future." - Elijah | Field Mechanic