The Father’s Bicycle and the Son’s Dream

 

Adeladius Makwega – Musoma, MARA, TANZANIA

 

It was July 16, 2026. The previous day, there had been a thrilling FIFA World Cup football match between Argentina and England. England had been leading by one goal until the 84th minute. Then Argentina woke up from their sleep and rose like a patient recovering from deep anesthesia.

 

In the 85th minute, Enzo Fernandez found the back of England’s net, and five minutes later, another goal was scored in the 90+2 minute by Lautaro Martinez. With that victory, Argentina qualified for the final.

The discussion at the office was all about this match. Some people said England had made serious mistakes, while others argued that England only knew how to play football on television and through propaganda.

 

During the discussion, one colleague joined in and said:

 

“Friends, there is a neighbour’s child who has been selected to join Form Five at Tosamaganga Secondary School. The school is very far away, and the transport costs for going and returning are very high.”

 

Another colleague responded:

 

“Tosamaganga is a good school. Beyond just studying, when a child goes far away from home, they learn many new things. That experience itself is also a valuable education.”

 

At that moment, Mr. Leonard Lameck Mkaruka said:

 

“Friends, I agree with you that travelling and experiencing different places is very important because it teaches us many things. When my late father was still a young man, he once visited the NPF offices in 1977, an institution that later became NSSF, the Social Security Fund.

 

While at that institution, my father was served by a senior officer who had a disability. At that very moment, my father realized that people with disabilities could also study, work, and hold important positions in society. The most important thing is to create a supportive environment that allows them to access education.”

The discussion became even more interesting. Mr. Mkaruka continued:

 

“You know, today bicycles for people with disabilities are available, but in the past, it was extremely difficult to get one. I remember my father ordered my bicycle in 1978 when I was in Standard One, on the day he returned from the NPF offices.

 

I started my studies at Kotwo Primary School, which was then in Tarime District and is now in Rorya District, Mara Region. However, the bicycle arrived in 1982 when I was already in Standard Five, at the same school.”

 

The colleagues asked him:

 

“Leonard Lameck Mkaruka, how did you manage to go to school with your disability before you received the bicycle?”

 

He replied:

 

“From 1978 to 1982, my late father, Lameck Mkaruka, who worked as an agricultural officer, hired a two-wheel bicycle from a villager. That person had the responsibility of carrying me every day to and from school between my home in Kiterere Village and the school, a distance of 10 kilometres.”

 

The colleagues said:

 

“Indeed, travelling teaches us many things.”

Mr. Mkaruka continued:

 

“You know, my father bought that bicycle for 1600 Tanzanian shillings, which was a very large amount of money at that time. I used that bicycle from 1982 until I reached college. I stopped using it only after I bought my own three-wheeled vehicle (bajaji).”

The colleagues asked him:

“I believe your father must have been very proud and happy.”

 

His answer was:

“Unfortunately, my father passed away in 1988 when I was in Form Four at Musoma Secondary School. He never even had the opportunity to enjoy my salary. But if he were alive today, this would certainly not even be a matter of discussion.”

 

Later, a leader entered the office, and the discussion ended immediately.

 

What Does This Story Teach Us?

This story carries powerful lessons, especially for the world of people with disabilities, but also for society as a whole.

 

First: Disability is Not the End of Success

The experience of Leonard’s father meeting a senior officer with a disability completely changed his perception.

Lesson:
People with disabilities have the ability to study, work, and hold important positions in society. The greatest barrier is not disability itself, but society’s attitudes and beliefs.

Second: Supportive Environments Create Opportunities

Leonard’s father ensured that his son reached school every day, even when it required hiring someone to carry him for a distance of 10 kilometres.

Lesson:
When people with disabilities receive proper support, including accessible infrastructure, assistive devices, and transportation, they can achieve their dreams. Inclusive education is extremely important.

Third: Determination and Patience Bring Success

From being carried on a hired bicycle to eventually owning his own bajaji, Leonard’s journey represents a story of achievement.

Lesson:
Success does not come easily. It requires patience, determination, and support from family and society. Disability does not prevent a person from becoming independent.

Fourth: The Role of Family Is Very Important

Leonard’s father sacrificed everything to ensure that his child received an education.

Lesson:
Family can be the foundation of success for a person with a disability. The love and investment of parents can transform a person’s life.

Fifth: Society’s Attitudes Must Change

The office discussion shows how people can learn from real-life experiences.

Lesson:
Society should stop underestimating the abilities of people with disabilities. Instead, it should provide equal opportunities and support.

Sixth: “Travelling Is Learning” – A Wider Meaning

This statement means more than simply moving from one place to another.

Lesson:
Life experiences are powerful teachers. Meeting different people, such as the disabled senior officer who inspired Leonard’s father, can completely change someone’s thinking and direction in life.

Dear reader, are you there? Remember:

“The Father’s Bicycle and the Son’s Dream.”

I wish you a wonderful day.

makwadeladius@gmail.com
0717649357