This project will provide 200 disadvantaged girls in Mid-Western Nepal who have long and risky commutes to school with safe bicycles for quick and secure transportation, while providing them with powerful mentorship that will break the cycle of violence and enhance their freedom and dignity. Communities will also be provided with awareness of the dangers of child marriage and the importance of girls' education. Shoes and school supplies will also be provided.
Mid-Western Nepal has low secondary school completion rates and high rates of child marriage and human trafficking. After studying this region, we found that 3 barriers to attending school facing girls are the long commute, harassment met along the way and a lack of school supplies. Some girls must walk 1.5 hrs each way (that's 3 hrs a day), others face violence on their path and don't feel safe. This project will not only benefit the 200 who receive the bikes, but more than 15,000 villagers.
Safe bikes, school supplies, shoes and training will be provided to 200 disadvantaged adolescent girls with long commutes in Mid-Western Nepal. Bikes will encourage girls to attend school, reduce travel time and increase their safety, independence and social status. Powerful monthly mentoring will be provided to the girls, promoting self esteem and autonomy which they will share with others. Parents and communities will also receive awareness on the benefits of the project and girls' education.
The project will make it easier for 200 girls to attend school, increasing their independence and confidence and breaking the cycle of gender-based violence and poverty. Girls will demand their education and parents will agree to provide it. Other impacts are reduced child marriage and human trafficking, and a general improvement of female health in the area. The whole village will flourish. After all, when you educate a girl, she becomes a positive catalyst for change that benefits everyone.
This project has provided additional documentation in a PDF file (projdoc.pdf).
