Sierra Leone struggles with education access due to long distances and inadequate transportation. Addressing this, the Village Bicycle Project partnered with EducAid to provide bicycles to underserved students. This programme aimed to enhance education access in three different communities in Sierra Leone.
Following the latest shipment of bicycles from Re-Cycle, bikes were distributed to 60 students across three schools; Educaid’s Rolan, Maronka, and Ritapri community school.
John Alpha Kamara, known as JAK from the Village Bicycle Project, facilitated training on bicycle maintenance and safety. Through hands-on workshops and practical demonstrations, JAK equipped students with the necessary skills to maintain and care for their bicycles effectively. By teaching them how to diagnose and fix common issues, JAK empowered the students to keep their bikes in optimal condition, ensuring their longevity and sustainability.
The provision of bicycles significantly reduced students’ travel time to school, leading to improved academic performance and increased attendance rates. Access to bicycles empowered students, fostering independence and self-reliance.
This initiative demonstrates the transformative impact of addressing transportation barriers on education access in Sierra Leone. By providing bicycles to students in Educaid’s Rolan, Maronka, and Ritapri community schools, the project not only improved academic outcomes but also empowered students to pursue their educational goals.
