Not only are bicylces fun, they play a VERY important role in rural Zambia. It is especially difficult to complete a secondary education. Family dependence on the contribution of children in economic activities, the impact of HIV/AIDS on families, the increasing populations of orphans, the growing number of child-headed households and extreme levels of poverty have resulted in only 60% of Zambian children in primary school completing their secondary education.

Of special concern is the reduced school participation of girls, who have less opportunity for education than boys. A 1998 study showed that girls in Zambia spend more time on productive work than any group of adult men, including fuel and water collection, caring for younger siblings and support of household businesses.

While the scope of this problem is broad, one way identified to immediately increase school enrollment and the children’s health is safe, reliable transportation. It is not uncommon for a student to walk 12.4 miles to and from school – a four hour commute each day.

That's why we are so excited about teaming up with World Bicycle Relief. World Bicycle Relief is partnering with the Zambian Ministry of Education, local communities and relief organizations to distribute approximately 50,000 bicycles to improve educational, health and economic outcomes for children, teachers, community leaders and bicycle mechanics in 16 districts in Zambia identified as in critical need.

F.K. Day was recently interviewed on the local public TV station in Chicago:

Here are some other videos on the need being met by this project: