World Bicycle Relief mobilises people through The Power of Bicycles. We envision a world where distance is no longer a barrier to independence, education and livelihood. We distribute specially-designed, locally assembled, rugged Buffalo Bicycles to children in sub-Saharan Africa to get to school.
In rural developing countries, the biggest barrier to education is often the physical act of getting to school. Tasked with many more domestic chores than boys, girls fall behind because of the cultural obstacles they face. In many areas, it is common for girls to arrive at school late and tired if they arrive at all. Getting a bicycle is a game-changer for a child. Instead of spending hours reaching or returning from school, they can tackle homework while it’s still light outside.
By providing bicycles to children, especially girls, we can empower them with knowledge and ultimately, change the course of their lives. Keeping girls in school has been shown to have a multiplier effect that can help break the cycle of poverty. Our projects have a sustained impact and aim to enable independence and access to livelihoods, rather than aid-dependency. Students are given the bicycles to keep once they have demonstrated sustained good attendance at school over a defined period.