About the Project
The project consisted of purchasing and distributing bicycles to students, mostly girls.
Location
Munami Village, Namamali Ward, Kenya
Quick Project Stats
| Funding Date | April 2025 |
| Luena Investment | $1,400 |
| CBO Partner | Matungu Community Development Charity (MCDC) |
| Village | Munami |
| Country | Kenya |
| # of Children Impacted | 50 |
| Community Contribution | $125 from MCDC |
Lack of Transportation in Rural Areas Creates Barrier to Education Access
Access to education is a global challenge. In rural areas, it is even more challenging due to a lack of infrastructure and resources. Often, students have to travel long distances to reach school, which is not only time-consuming but also physically demanding. Many girls in remote areas are unable to attend school regularly due to the long distance required to walk to school, difficult terrain, and a lack of reliable public transportation. For young girls, their safety and autonomy can be at risk in the journey to school. In addition, students often arrive late to school, missing the beginning of lessons and falling behind. These challenges not only affect their academic performance but also their overall well-being.
Bicycles Improve Attendance, Achievement, and Safety
The donation from Luena Foundation was used to purchase 25 bicycles that are being used by 50 students, enabling them to travel to school safely, efficiently, and independently. These bicycles not only make it possible for students to get to school on time, but they also reduce the risk of girls being exposed to sexual exploitation, especially when they have to walk long distances alone. By addressing the transportation challenge for students, the initiative is increasing school attendance, promoting gender equality in education, and empowering girls with the opportunity to build a bright future.
Sixteen-year-old Gift Trizer is a high-achieving student with a passion for physics. With home quite far from school, she struggled to manage her chores and arrive at school on time each day. This is what Gift had to say regarding the impact of the bicycle on her academic performance: “In April this year the organization gave me a bicycle to cycle to school, and it has really reduced my commute time, helping me to arrive at school on time. Since I come from a remote area, getting to school on time was a problem, and my parents were unable to provide for my daily transport cost. I found it difficult to catch up with the dawn lessons; hence, it became very challenging to cope up with the already covered syllabus, and this led to a drop in my academic performance from an B to B-. After receiving the bicycle I am now at position 7 out of 253 students with a mean grade of B+ [68 points]. My performance has improved since I am able to catch up with the dawn lessons I used to miss before.” These bicycles will make a real difference in students’ lives, allowing them to access education and improve their opportunities.
Meet our Partner Community-Based Organization
Matungu Community Development Charity is committed to the promotion of people’s active participation in ameliorating their environment, livelihood, and health and, by extension, that of their communities.
To learn more about our partner organization, click here.
