Lotus Pedals - Help Cambodian Girls Get to School!

In 2022, we plan to award 311 bicycle scholarships. So far, 278 have been distributed; 48 were given to beneficiaries of our partner Bayon Pastry and Primary School in Siem Reap and 42 to our long-term partner Passerelles Numériques Cambodia (PNC). 60 were given in Kampot Province, 50 in Pursat Province, 60 in Kondal Province and 18 to a new partner in Phnom Penh—Enfants d'Asie Cambodge. 

The latest giveaway was in Takeo Province in May of 2022. 60 bicycles were given to students from 3 schools in very remote locations. The main source of income for people living in these areas is cutting bamboo to sell or weaving grass roof tiles for sale otherwise, many people migrate to the capital city in search of labor work. During the bike giveaway ceremony, we told the recipients about our CATALYST program that gives scholarships to girls to pursue their university degrees. We hoped to inspire them to stay in school through year 12 even through the daily challenges that they face in such a remote region. We could see many of the girls excited by the idea of attending college. 

After the bike giveaway ceremonies, we followed a few students home to see their living condition and travel the long roads they take to and from school each day. 

Sokleap is 13 years old, studying in 6^th grade. She has 2 younger brothers. Her father works in Phnom Penh driving a sand dredger, and her mother cuts bamboo to sell. Sokleap used to walk to school which took her 40 minutes. When it rained, she couldn't go because all of her belongings would get soaked. With a bicycle, Sokleap can get to school quickly and on time. "With this bicycle, I won't be late for school anymore, and even when it rains, I still can pedal to school. I am very delighted!” She says she aspires to be a primary school teacher! 

Sokleap’s school only goes through the sixth grade, after which the distance to the nearest secondary school is 10 kilometers. With the bicycle, we hope that Sokleap has the option to continue past 6th grade as well. 

Sreythorn is 14 years old, studying in 6^th grade. She is the youngest daughter of 4 children. She doesn't have a father and her mother weaves grass roof tiles to sell. Her elder siblings all dropped out at 9^th grade to help their mother earn a living. Sreythorn used to walk to school alone. She said: "I feel scared, so scared that someone would abuse me on the way. I don't know how long it takes me to get to school, but I just know that it takes very very long. I have to pack lunch from home to eat at school because my house is too far from school to come back for lunch; I only come home in the evening. Thank you very much for giving me a bicycle. It helps me to travel faster and feel safe. I am excited!” How far are you going to stay in school? She replied with a big smile on her face, "I am aspired to be a doctor, so I will finish high school and apply for scholarship from your organization to study at university." With her determined look, we believe that she will make it, especially since she's already planned to stay at her aunt's house when she has to go to study at 7^th grade at the nearest lower secondary school which is more than 10 kms from home. 

We couldn't have made this possible without your generous and ongoing support. We believe that together we can make a difference in many girls' lives, not just through high school but into college and professional life. Thank you so much!