Bicycles Bring Safety and Convenience to EduNations Students in Gbenekoro

Published Sat, Dec 14, 2024
Written by Dana Kaltenberger

Students in Gbenekoro, Sierra Leone, have recently received much-needed bicycles, providing them with safe and reliable transportation to school. One of the ongoing challenges faced by students across all EduNations communities is the lack of access to transportation, especially for those who live several miles away from their schools. Some students walk as far as five miles each way, while others walk three or four miles daily. For many, this long-distance trek can be exhausting and discouraging, leading some to give up on their education entirely.

Walking to school over such long distances every day poses two major challenges. First, students often arrive late to school. By the time they make the journey, they may miss the first or even second sessions, which seriously impacts their learning. Arriving tired from the long walk, they often find it hard to focus in class. This results in lower academic performance and limits their ability to fully benefit from their education.

Second, the early morning walks present significant safety risks. Many students leave their homes before sunrise in an effort to arrive on time. At this early hour, they are exposed to the dangers of snake bites and other encounters with harmful wildlife.

Thanks to the generous support of EduNations’ leaders, donors, and partners, these risks have been reduced through the introduction of the bicycle project. Students who have received bicycles are overjoyed, as they no longer have to endure long, exhausting walks. They now arrive at school early, well-rested, and ready to focus on their studies. This initiative has brought significant improvement to the lives of EduNations students.

The students express their heartfelt thanks to the leadership of EduNations, along with the donors and partners who made this possible. They are now appealing for continued support to extend this project, ensuring that all students who live far from school will have access to bicycles, allowing them to experience the benefits that come with reliable transportation.