World Bicycle Relief empowers African children via bicycles

World Bicycle Relief, founded in 2005 in response to the December 2004 tsunami in the Indian Ocean by SRAM Corporation and Trek Bicycle, empowers people in areas of extreme poverty and those suffering in the wake of natural disasters with the gift of transportation.

According to worldbicyclerelief.org, "Simple, sustainable transportation is an essential element in disaster assistance and poverty relief. Bicycles fulfill basic needs by providing access to healthcare, education and economic development. Bicycles empower individuals, their families, and their communities."

With the goal of providing independence and livelihood through "the power of bicycles", beginning this summer the Bicycles for Education Empowerment Program will provide children in rural Zambia with about 50,000 bicycles, increasing access to schools for children in areas where the HIV/AIDS infection rate is especially high and there is a high risk for extreme poverty.

Access to schools, "is an essential element in the fight to end the cycle of disease and poverty in Africa", according to worldbicyclerelief.org, especially for girls, who are not offered the same educational opportunities as boys in Zambia.

The commute to school for Zambian children is often long and difficult, with many children walking four hours a day with no parental supervision, putting them at risk for harassment, sexual abuse and poor nutrition.

World Bicycle Relief will distribute the 50,000 bicycles over three years, increasing school attendance by providing safe and sustainable transportation making it possible for children to get to school quickly and be safer while in transit.

Visit worldbicyclerelief.org to learn more about the Bicycles for Education Empowerment Program and donate a bicycle to a child in need.

Image via worldbicyclerelief.org