Pedalling Out Of Poverty

For some poor children in developing countries like Cambodia, the difference between getting an education or not may be as simple as a second-hand bicycle. A major factor influencing the high dropout rate between primary and secondary school is transport. Some of our bicycle recipients need to travel up to 10 km each way to the closest secondary school. Without access to basic transport, students are not able to get to school.

Costing sometimes as little as $50 to buy a reconditioned, second-hand bicycle, this simple means of transportation gives the child an ability to attend secondary school and continue his or her education, breaking the cycle of poverty. Pedalling out of Poverty provides a second-hand bicycle and lock to each selected child. Students are responsible for maintaining the bicycle in working condition. The Pedalling out of Poverty selection process is the same as the Student Scholarship project. If you’re interested in supporting this project in any way please let us know.

Progress

Since it began, the Pedalling out of Poverty program has distributed 111 bicycles.

Here are some of their stories:

When I didn’t have a bike from TLC, I was very difficult to go somewhere. I couldn’t do anything at that time because I didn’t have a bike and I felt very upset. My home life and school life become easier after I got a scholarship from TLC. I can go to government classes and private classes much easier than before.

I’m very happy that I can to school on time and I learn more that before. I’m very happy that my bike makes me comfortable. I think bike is very significant to make me happy.
Sidueng, 16 years old.

When I didn’t have a bike yet, it was very difficult for me. My family had only one bike to use for the whole family. Now I get a bike from TLC. When I couldn’t go to any where before, I felt very upset. My bike has changed my home life as it makes me easy to go somewhere. My bike has changed my school life as it helps to go to school on time and regularly.

My bike makes me feel very happy and excited and I think bike is very important for all children in rural area.

Sor, 16 years old.

When I didn’t have a bike, it was very hard to go far places. However, when I got a bike from TLC, I feel it is easier for me to go both near and far places. My bike has changed my life because I can use it for taking vegetable to sell and I can use it to collect the wood for cooking. It helps me when I go to school on time every day. Bike makes me so happy because I can go somewhere easily. I think that bike is important for children both in the cities and in the rural areas. It is better than walking.

Pet, 15 years old.