Schoolchildren in Afghanistan are educated through films transported by eRanger units. Photos Provided to China Daily

Since then, eRanger has carried out projects, mostly in 20 African countries, plus one in Asia and one in the Caribbean. The company has also signed a long-term agreement with UNICEF, the United Nations' children's fund.

The majority of manufacturing moved from Britain to eRanger's factory in South Africa in 2004 to better supply the local market.

"Also, we want to transfer skills and education to the local people," Norman explains.

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The motorcycle used in eRanger's ambulance is made in China, modeled on the Chongqing-based motorcycle maker Jialing's AG 200. Norman says the motorcycle supplier builds them to specification. Once the factory receives the bikes, it carries out further modifications.

"All the fabrication for the sidecar and motorcycle components is carried out in-house with the exception of rain covers, mattress and some plastic components. These items are subcontracted locally," Norman says, adding that the bikes are built to order, because some countries are left-hand drive and some are right-hand drive.

The company so far has only one operation in Asia, in Kabul, to help in increasing landmine awareness and HIV education.

Four eRanger units designed to carry education and presentation materials and two eRanger ambulances have been used in the Afghan capital since 2006. Norman says the idea is to educate young children about landmines, because thousands of mines still litter Afghanistan after decades of conflict in the country.

The education units are operated by No Strings International, a non-governmental organization (NGO) that uses puppet films to help educate children around the world.

More than 25,000 children in more than 300 schools have seen such educational films in Afghanistan. "In Afghanistan, landmines are a major threat to many children's lives and well-being," says Rosie Waller, program manager of No Strings International.

Waller says based on the good feedback from Afghanistan, her organization would like to extend the collaboration with eRanger in other parts of the world.

"For example, we have a natural disasters preparedness and safety program for children in Southeast Asia and are about to work with children in West Africa on messages around water, sanitation and hygiene," she says.