13-gauge spokes, front and rear respectively, with 18-gauge steel rims. The bicycles are assembled in three WBR facilities in Africa—one in Harare, Zimbabwe, one in Lusaka, Zambia, and one in Kisumu, Kenya—to lower costs, be close to the end-user, and to ensure local parts compatibility. Mechanic training To ensure ongoing maintenance of bicycles, World Bicycle Relief implemented a maintenance training program. WBR conducts trainings in groups of 5 - 20 - trainings consisting of a curriculum that encompasses bicycle maintenance, business principles and life skills. Additionally, mechanics are supplied with high quality bicycle tools and uniforms. Through February 2020, 2,300 mechanics have been trained and equipped to maintain bicycles in their communities in Zambia, Zimbabwe, Kenya and Uganda. Additionally, World Bicycle Relief is working with interested mechanics to establish their business with a supply of spare parts to help increase the parts supply in rural sub-Saharan Africa. Projects Bicycles For Educational Empowerment Program (BEEP) Launched in June 2009, the Bicycles for Educational Empowerment Program (BEEP) is an educational initiative in partnership with the Zambian Ministry of Education, community-based organizations and several international NGOs. Its goal is to provide 50,000 bicycles to school children and teachers in rural districts in Zambia in order to improve access to education by cutting down travel time. 70% of these bicycles are allocated to students, while 30% are for teachers, community leaders, and bicycle mechanics. 70% of student bicycles are allocated to girl students in recognition of their unique challenges in accessing education, such as having household chores, issues of safety, and prospects of early marriages. Early reports on the program show an increase in the percentage of children who complete their schooling to 88% in BEEP schools compared to the national average of 60%. Every recipient receives basic training about bicycle maintenance and safety, and signs a contract of commitment when receiving his or her bike. Project Zambia From 2006-2009, World Bicycle Relief partnered with RAPIDS (Reaching HIV/AIDS Affected People with Integrated Development and Support), a USAID-funded, World Vision-led coalition of relief organizations, to address the HIV/AIDS crisis in Zambia by providing 23,000 bicycles to community home-based care volunteers, disease prevention educators and vulnerable households. The bicycles provided allowed RAPIDS not only to serve greater numbers, it also facilitated a greater level of care given to those who were being served, since workers were able to have more frequent visits and also have more