20-year-old Jackline Leonard only learned to ride a bike two years ago, but now her whole life revolves around bicycles. As a graduate of Velafrica’s «Bikepreneur» program, she works as a bike mechanic in Arusha, Tanzania, and dreams of starting her own spare-parts business. In the interview, she takes us on a journey through her life with bicycles.
Jackline, how did you choose to become a bike mechanic?
I completed Secondary School in November 2023 and was selected to join a college to study accounting in the Singida Region. Unfortunately, due to financial challenges, I was unable to continue with my studies. Luckily, a relative pointed me to the «Bikepreneur» program. What impressed me most was that it was not only about bicycle mechanics, but also entrepreneurship, and it included an exit plan that offered a clear opportunity for employment after completion. That motivated me to apply immediately.
What was your connection to bicycles before joining the program?
In fact, I only learned to bike after joining the «Bikepreneur» program and got my first bike around the same time. But now, cycling gives me the greatest sense of freedom, and I ride my bicycle to explore new communities and meet people whenever I get the chance. I also started collecting unused bicycle spare parts and turning them into home and office decorations. So, my whole life now revolves around bicycles!
How did the bike mechanic training change your life?
The «Bikepreneur» program completely transformed my life — not only mine, but also my family’s. Personally, it changed my mindset, especially in problem-solving, time management, and technical skills in bicycle mechanics. Economically, the program enabled me to support my family in meaningful ways. I helped my mother start her tailoring business, allowing her to move from working at home to having her own workspace. I was also able to contribute to my younger brother’s school fees, which had been difficult to pay consistently before.
What were your prospects after completing the program?
During the training, we were asked to choose our preferred path after graduation; either entrepreneurship or employment as a bike mechanic. I chose to become a bike mechanic, because it is what I felt most confident and passionate about after completing the program. So I became a bike mechanic at ABC Impact, where I support the «Bike to School» program through bicycle maintenance. My responsibilities include repairing bicycles, managing spare-parts stock, conducting bicycle awareness sessions, and advising the team using my mechanical knowledge.
How do the students react when you reach their school?
The students are always very happy to see a bike mechanic. Those who already have bicycles quickly come to explain any issues they are facing. The most common issues I repair include gear problems, brake repairs, worn-out tires, damaged saddles, and drivetrain maintenance. I also advise people regularly not to overload their bikes.
The students are also very interested in learning how to repair their own bicycles. Even parents ask if their children can learn basic maintenance skills, especially because when a bicycle breaks down far from school, it becomes difficult without a mechanic nearby. So being able to share my knowledge is very rewarding for me.
What kind of challenges do you face in your daily work?
One of the biggest challenges is running out of spare parts during maintenance. It can be frustrating when students are ready to ride their bicycles, but repairs cannot be completed due to a lack of parts. Another challenge is transportation, especially in rural areas where regular transport is unavailable. Sometimes we have to use cargo motorcycles to travel between schools, which is not always safe.
What would you like to learn or do next?
I would like to improve my skills in wheel alignment, shock absorber repair, and hydraulic brake systems, among others. The bicycle industry continues to innovate, and I want to grow with it. In the future, I plan to start my own bicycle spare-parts business. I also want to continue collecting unused bicycle parts and turning them into decorative items for homes and offices, combining my mechanical skills with my creative passion.
Interview by Calvin Exaud (ABC Impact) and Bettina Wyler (Velafrica)
About the «Bikepreneur» vocational training
«Bikepreneur» is a short-term vocational training program for young people in Tanzania. In addition to bicycle mechanics, the curriculum also includes business founding and management as well as innovation. During the ten-month, free program, young people receive a solid foundation for a quick entry into the job market.
