Every morning, Jackson rides his black Buffalo bicycle to meet the strict class timetable at Ayilo Secondary School in Adjumani, Uganda. He lives in one of the refugee settlements located far from the school, in a remote area where long distances and harsh terrain make it almost impossible to reach the school on time and attend classes regularly without a means of transportation.

“Previously, I had to leave home at dawn to attend the first lesson, which starts at exactly 8 am. Unfortunately, by the time I reached school, I would be shivering from the cold. This situation made me quite uncomfortable in class, and I couldn’t concentrate properly. However, with this new bicycle, even though I’ll still leave home early, it will generate enough warmth to keep me warm. Consequently, I won’t have to worry about the chilly weather any longer, allowing me to focus on my studies,” Jackson comments.

He is one of the over 300 students who received a bicycle, thanks to the collaboration between World Bicycle Relief and JRS. This initiative aims to provide bicycles for young women and men, from both the local and refugee communities, to address distance-to-school-related barriers to secondary education.

Pedalling towards inclusive education

Bicycles improve the safety of young people who travel long distances between their homes and schools. They also facilitate earlier arrival at school for girls in the morning and more time for homework in the evening. This issue is critical because girls disproportionately shoulder household chores. They are often expected to complete housework before attending school each morning and, in the evenings, take on tasks like cooking, cleaning, gathering firewood or water, and caring for younger siblings or elderly relatives. These responsibilities make balancing long commutes with studies difficult.

“In recent years, my daughter has repeatedly expressed dissatisfaction with her academic performance. She’s been facing numerous challenges, such as missing several lessons, returning home exhausted, and struggling to study effectively. However, the arrival of this bicycle represents a significant turning point in her life. This new means of transport symbolises hope, opportunity, and the potential for a brighter educational future for my daughter,” comments the parent of a girl studying at Nyumanzi Secondary School.

The number of girls participating in the project has grown. As part of a gender-responsive approach to education, over 180 young women are now using bicycles for their daily commute, challenging gender norms and traditional beliefs, including the deeply ingrained notion that riding a bike “breaks their virginity.”

According to Agnes Asiimwe, Project Director of JRS Adjumani, “with each pedal stroke, the buffalo bikes pave the way for a brighter and more inclusive future for these young learners, instilling in them the belief that education can transcend boundaries and adversity.”