Youth for Happier and Greener Community!
By Tristan du Toi
Tristan is a 12 year old boy living in the Lakes community. He developed love and knowledge about cycling from his dad. He also learned how to fix bicycles and soon started helping his friends and neighbors. This is a great example about the young age connection with nature; skills and hobby development; and community sharing!
Can you tell us about yourself?
Tristan du Toi, South African, 12 years old, Dubai International Academy
Where the love for bikes come from?
From my dad. He is a cyclist since he was very young, competing from a young age. Now my whole family loves cycling for fun and for competitions.
How did you learn fixing bikes?
My dad has been fixing his own bikes since he was very young, he knows a lot about bicycles. He taught me very well through the years.
How did you decide to start helping people in the community to fix it?
My mother suggested that I start something for pocket money and we discuss fixing bikes in my community. Soon we advertise and that’s how it all started.
Are your friends proud of you? How the people in school see your initiative?
Some of my friends know about my entrepreneurship, I am not sure if it makes a difference for them. I hope that it inspires them to follow their passion and serve other people.
Since when have you been living in the UAE?
I was born in Dubai, that is 12 years I’ve been here.
Where do you live? Do you like the community and why?
The Lakes, I really like the community because there’s a lot of friends to play with.
How much are the charges for fixing the most common issues?
I do it as a learning experience for now. Normally I will charge the cost for the spare part I bought and my expenses like courier and then I will add a very little amount for my work.
