Project description
The challenge
For many vulnerable children in rural Cambodia, getting to school is a daily challenge. Some live several kilometres away, with no public transport and families unable to afford a bicycle. The long journey can lead to late arrival, absence and ultimately dropout – with girls among those particularly at risk.
Our solution
At Champey Primary School, 100 vulnerable students have received new bicycles, selected through individual home visits based on factors such as distance to school, family income and dropout risk. To keep the bicycles on the road for years, the project also includes repair facilities, maintenance training and a train-the-trainer model, building practical skills and local ownership.
The impact
A bicycle can turn a long and exhausting journey into safe and reliable access to education – helping children attend school more regularly, arrive on time and stay in education. Our earlier bicycle project already showed an attendance improvement of more than 10%, and we will continue measuring attendance and retention at Champey.
Made possible by
The project is made possible through the generous support of the CIP Family Gives Back Programme. Teachers, families and students are actively involved, with each student and family committing to care for the bicycle. Teachers and older students are also trained in basic repairs – helping create local ownership and a solution designed to last.
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