The average time taken to get to school in Switzerland is just 12 minutes. In rural regions of Sub-Saharan Africa, the situation is quite different as children often spend up to two hours walking to school and are exposed to numerous dangers. This is where our «Bike to School» program helps.
Children and young people from very poor backgrounds, who have long and dangerous journeys to school, can obtain a bike either at a reduced price. To date, over 4000 students in Madagascar, Tanzania and South Africa have benefited from the «Bike to School» program. We plan to add 2000 more children and young people by 2023.
A bike offers many advantages
Our surveys in Tanzania demonstrate that bikes offer many benefits to school children:
- Saving time: By using a bicycle, students save up to two hours of travel time every day.
- Learning and family work: The time saved can be spent on further learning or helping the family. This improves the likelihood of the children successfully completing school.
- Safety: Using a bike makes students feel safer on the journey and less fearful of assault. This is particularly true for girls.
- Improved school performance: Students are more likely to arrive on time and not miss classes. A long walk is very tiring so when using a bike, they arrive at school less tired and able to concentrate.
- Sharing is caring: The bike can be used by other family members. On average, every Velafrica bicycle is used by three to five people.
- Helps the family budget: Families can save money previously spent on bus journeys.
In the video, our project partners in Tanzania, students and teachers talk about the impact of the program on the local level.
Flying Mechanics for remote schools
Bicycles need maintenance and repairs. For this reason, remote schools in the «Bike to School» program are visited regularly by Flying Mechanics. A flat tyre, a broken chain, or worn brake pads – these bike defects should not slow young people down. Repairs are co-financed through the «Bike to School» program and so avoid impact on a family’s budget.
