Every day, children in Uganda walk up to 15 kilometers round-trip to attend Geneva Global’s Speed School program, overcoming great distances to receive the education they deserve. Thanks to a generous donation of 200 bicycles from World Bicycle Relief (WBR), these long, challenging journeys are now made shorter and easier, enabling students to focus more on their studies and less on the road ahead. The ripple effects of this donation extend beyond the students, benefiting educators, community facilitators, and women’s self-help groups across rural Uganda.
Geneva Global’s Speed School program is designed to give out-of-school children a second opportunity at education by providing an accelerated curriculum that reintegrates them into the formal education system. Now, the 200 Buffalo bicycles provided by WBR are helping these learners reach school more easily and share the opportunity with others. “With the bicycles, our students can even carry siblings or friends to school,” says Rebecca Ecwou from Geneva Global Uganda, highlighting how this initiative fosters individual and communal advancement.
The journey to this impactful intervention began with a simple conversation about a critical need. Recognizing the profound impact bicycles could have on rural students’ access to education, Geneva Global partnered with WBR, a Global Impact Charity Alliance Member, to facilitate this transformative donation. After discussions and coordination, 200 heavy-duty Buffalo bicycles were donated to Geneva Global’s Speed School in October.
Empowering Students and Educators Alike
Of the 200 bicycles, 148 were allocated to Level 2 students in five districts—Oyam, Amuria, Kalaki, Namutumba, and Mayuge—where students travel as far as 8 kilometers one way. The distribution was designed to address both gender equity and practical needs, ensuring that 70% of recipients were girls who face unique challenges on the way to school. These bicycles empower students, enabling them to manage their education more effectively while supporting families who can now direct resources toward other essentials.
Beyond the students, 52 bicycles were distributed to Geneva Global’s Community-Based Facilitators (CBFs) and Reserve Facilitators. These facilitators, who provide critical support to multiple schools and VSLA (Village Savings and Loan Association) groups across scattered communities, had previously spent a significant portion of their income on transportation. With bicycles, facilitators now reach students and families more efficiently, enhancing attendance and participation while also bolstering community-based education initiatives.
Driving Change Across Communities
The reach of these bicycles extends into the broader community, benefiting women’s savings groups and other local initiatives. Community facilitators now support groups in financial inclusion, small business training, and education savings with greater ease and frequency. The bicycles also provide mobility for facilitators who monitor student attendance, ensuring that each child’s journey toward education is met with ongoing community support.
“Access to education should not be hindered by the obstacle of distance,” said Maureen Kolynyo, Regional Director of East Africa at World Bicycle Relief. “By partnering with Geneva Global, we are not just providing transportation—we are creating pathways to education, economic opportunity, and strengthened communities across Uganda.”
“This partnership with World Bicycle Relief is changing lives,” shared Rebecca Ecwou, Geneva Global Uganda Country Director. “What started as a way to get students to school has become a catalyst for education, community empowerment, and hope. With the addition of these bicycles, facilitators can work more effectively, students arrive at school energized and ready to learn, and communities grow stronger as a whole.”
A Shared Vision for the Future
The Geneva Global and World Bicycle Relief partnership is a powerful reminder of how an act of generosity can have far-reaching impacts. This donation of bicycles not only accelerates students’ educational journeys but also fosters sustainable development in Ugandan communities. As these bicycles travel thousands of miles each month, they carry with them the promise of brighter futures for children, families, and communities alike.
For further information on this initiative and to learn more about Geneva Global’s Speed School work in Uganda, please contact Rebecca Ecwou at [email protected].