Lotus Pedals - Help Cambodian Girls Get to School!

With the start of the new academic year in January, Lotus Outreach Cambodia worked to give as many bicycles as possible to girls who live far from the nearest school. Bicycles ensure students can get to school safely and on time. This month, 225 bicycles together with pumps, locks, repair kits and helmets have been distributed to underprivileged girls from 4 schools in remote districts of Siem Reap Province and NGO students in Siem Reap City and Phnom Penh Capital. 

Pea is a student at Bayon Primary School Project, one of our partners in Siem Reap. Her family lives in a protected area, in which they are not entitled to ownership of the land nor are they allowed to do any business. Her family’s only income is her father’s wage as a construction worker, which is not regular. 

This year Pea is going to grade 7 which is 4 km from her home. It is already challenging for her parents to put food on the table and to keep Pea and her two siblings in school, let alone get her a bicycle. Her father used to get up early to take Pea to school on his old motorbike before heading to work and she either got a lift back home or waited for almost an hour for her father to leave work and pick her up. 

Now, with a bicycle that gives her freedom and reliable transportation to and from school, Pea is determined to study hard to become a teacher and educate the young generation so they won't be trapped in poverty.  "This gift means so much to me. I now can travel to and from school by myself. I am very grateful. I will take good care of the bike." 

Thank you for being a part of our global community. Your support ensures access to education and empowerment for the most vulnerable through LO’s simple, innovative solutions. We couldn't have made it possible without your generous and ongoing support.