The Footscray Community Bike Hub held two special school holiday sessions to continue the work it does repairing recycled bikes for repurpose.
Facilitator Andrew Johnstone said the interactive workshops were a success.
“We had three kids on Tuesday and three on Wednesday, which both went really well,” he said.
“They signed up because they were interested in learning some skills and how to repair their own bikes and also to contribute to what we’re doing here in terms of fixing up bikes for refugees and new migrants.”
While fixing bikes which will be used by those in need, one of the kids was able to bring his own bike and learn how to fix it himself.
“We taught them how to repair a few things and worked on some donated bikes to help fix those up,” Mr Johnstone said
“They were able to complete two bikes that we were able to put on our donation list.”
Throughout the year, the bike hub has fostered a successful partnership with Footscray High School where the kids attend sessions every week to learn these skills, which Mr Johnstone said has been going well.
“I always talk to teachers who think it is a positive thing because these days a lot of young people don’t necessarily learn any practical practical skills,” he said.
“So just to have that different experience can be helpful and help understand why contributing to the broader community is helpful.
“It’s a real opportunity for social connection and belonging to part of a community.”
