By Raksmey Var | Country Representative, Cambodia
In mid-January, Lotus Pedals gave away 15 bicycles (including pumps, locks, and repair kits) to seventh grade girls in our GATE program at Angkor Thom High School in Angkor Thom District, Siem Reap Province. These Lotus Pedals recipients live 2-5 kilometers from school. A bicycle provides them with crucial access to education. Education = Empowerment!
The girls also received scholarships through GATE. A scholarship covers other resources they need for education like study materials, school uniforms, tuition money, and rice. With a bicycle and a scholarship, we remove the obstacles that stand in the way of a girl not only receiving an education, but thriving in her studies.
This giveaway happened to coincide with a Board of Directors and staff team visit to Lotus Outreach Cambodia (LOCAM). The group came to visit the young women, children and families that this work supports, and were able to experience the bike giveaway first-hand!
After the giveaway, the group was invited to the home of one of our scholars who lives about five kilometers from school. Sreyhang is 14 years old and in seventh grade. She is the eldest daughter of three children. Before receiving the bike, Sreyhang usually asked for a lift to school on her friend's bike. Sometimes, when her friend didn't go to school, she had to either walk or miss school entirely.
“This bicycle means a lot to me. I am so happy that I no longer have to rely on my friend to get to school anymore. I will study hard and I want to be a scientist," Sreyhang shared with a big smile.
Thank you to all the donors for giving new hope to a young girl so full of potential!
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