Velokhaya Life Cycling Academy took another giant step towards the betterment of the lives of young people.
A multi-facet facility that will feed members was launched recently.
The facility, which is already under construction, will have a kitchen, a dining area and a vegetable garden.
It is expected to cater and feed more than 100 Velokhaya members who come from different townships daily.
The academy was established in 2003 to provide an afterschool cycling-based programme, and it also provides an educational programme consisting of curriculum support for subjects such as maths, science and life skills training.
Since its inception, the facility has continued to grow. Last year, it launched an online mentoring programme and the new facility, which has been built with the assistance of almost 500 Pick n Pay head office employees, is the latest addition to the academy.
Sipho Mona, Velokhaya general manager, said they are introducing a third sphere to the cyclists which is nutrition.
He said their cyclists come from different backgrounds which is why they decided to have a kitchen that will feed them.
“Children need to eat before getting educated and before training and this is going to help with that,” he said.
However, he said the kitchen is only meant for members of the academy.
Mona said the academy is doing all it can to uplift the community of Khayelitsha and he is happy that they are growing.
Pick n Pay’s director of transformation Suzzane Ackerman-Berman said they are thrilled to have helped transform Velokhaya.
She said they understand that it is hard to study and exercise when one is hungry.
“With this new structure and facility Velokhaya can implement the feeding scheme that will help further equip vulnerable young people in the community to succeed,” said Ackerman-Berman.