Greenriders is an innovative organization with a mission that not only addresses environmental challenges but also empowers underprivileged youth in the process. With the goal of creating 50,000 delivery jobs in the next five years and transforming the delivery industry to operate on green, sustainable energy, Greenriders is already making significant strides. By the end of last year, they had already created 2,000 jobs and completed nearly a million deliveries.
We recently had the opportunity to speak with three interns—Karthick, Daniel, and Fowzan—who are all passionate about the organization's mission and have joined the team to contribute their expertise and make an impact.
Greenriders: Revolutionizing the Delivery Industry
At the core of Greenriders' mission is sustainability. The company uses electric bikes to complete deliveries, drastically reducing carbon emissions compared to traditional vehicles. These eco-friendly bikes are not just a great way to combat environmental issues but also a tool for empowering individuals.
What sets Greenriders apart is their focus on providing job opportunities to underprivileged youth. By offering training programs and skills development, Greenriders helps young people from marginalized communities access meaningful employment. The company is not just about deliveries; it’s about lifting people up, giving them the tools and opportunities they need to improve their lives.
The Internship Experience: Learning and Impact
For the interns, working at Greenriders is an opportunity to learn and contribute to a cause greater than themselves. Karthick, who joined the team as a mechanical engineer, was drawn to the organization’s focus on sustainability and youth empowerment. He shared, “I’ve always wanted to become a mechanical engineer and build electric vehicles, but it was always about personal gain. When I saw what Greenriders was doing, I realized I could work toward a purpose much bigger than just myself.”
Daniel, who hails from Cameroon, echoed the same sentiment. As a part of the research team, he’s helping to shape the future of Greenriders’ electric bikes. “What is coming next is going to change the game,” he said. “You haven’t yet seen everything. The future is exciting, and we are working on innovations that will make a real difference.”
Fowzan, who is working on developing a learner app for Greenriders, is focused on making the training process more engaging and accessible. “The training program for new riders can be long and monotonous, so I’m developing an app to make the learning process more interactive and fun,” Fowzan explained. “The goal is to gamify the training and make it more enjoyable for the riders.”
Real Stories of Impact
One of the most inspiring aspects of Greenriders’ work is the personal impact it has on its employees. Karthick shared the story of Lucolo, a rider who went from being unemployed to building his own business thanks to the opportunities provided by Greenriders. “There’s a stigma attached to delivery jobs, but Greenriders empowered Lucolo,” Karthick said. “He used the money he earned to invest in a camera and pursue his passion for photography.”
This transformation is at the heart of Greenriders' mission—to give people the tools, resources, and opportunities to change their lives for the better.
Overcoming Challenges and Looking to the Future
While Green Riders is making a significant impact, there are still challenges ahead. Fowzan highlighted that one of the key obstacles is the capital required to keep expanding and to ensure the safety of all riders. "As the fleet grows and the number of riders increases, it requires significant investment in new bikes and safety measures," he said.
However, despite these challenges, the team remains optimistic about the future. Daniel is excited about the potential of drone deliveries and other technological innovations. “The future of delivery is very promising,” he said. “As long as we keep human-centered design at the heart of everything we do, the possibilities are endless.”
Advice for the Next Generation
For young people looking to make a career in the delivery or sustainability industries, Karthick, Daniel, and Fowzan had some valuable advice. Karthick emphasized the importance of consistency, stating, “Even if you can only do a small amount of work every day, just keep going. Over time, those small efforts add up.”
Daniel, on the other hand, encouraged underprivileged youth to believe in themselves. “If you’re listening right now and you’re from a township or a marginalized community, don’t give up. Greenriders is here to offer you opportunities. Just show up and be yourself, and trust me, something good will come from it.”
Fowzan, reflecting on his own journey, advised young people to stay focused on their goals. “Wake up every day with a plan and do something that gets you closer to your goal,” he said. “Even if it’s just a small step, it’s still progress.”
Connecting with Greenriders
Greenriders is making a significant impact on both the environment and the communities they serve. To learn more about the organization and how you can get involved, visit their website or follow them on Instagram and LinkedIn.