A long walk to school is putting many Malawian girls at risk of dropping out, teenage pregnancy and child marriage.
The government and its partners are now turning to bicycles to shorten that journey and help vulnerable learners stay in the classroom.
Minister of Education, Science and Technology Bright Msaka launched the initiative at St. Anthony Community Day Secondary School in Zomba, where 13,500 Buffalo Utility S1 bicycles will be distributed to vulnerable learners across 17 districts.
The programme is being implemented by the government in partnership with World Bicycle Relief (WBR), CAMFED Malawi and the Children’s Investment Fund Foundation (CIFF).
Msaka said the bicycles will help remove mobility barriers that prevent many learners, especially girls in rural areas, from attending school regularly and completing their education.
He said long journeys to school contribute to lateness, absenteeism, fatigue and school dropout, while exposing girls to the risk of teenage pregnancy and child marriage.
World Bicycle Relief Country Managing Director Anthony Kinnaird said the bicycles are expected to improve school attendance, increase study time and make journeys to school safer for girls.
One of the beneficiaries, Joyce Dinesi, a Form Three student at St. Anthony Community Day Secondary School, said she walks about 10 kilometres to and from school every day.
She said receiving a bicycle will help her get to school on time, return home safely and have more time to focus on her studies.
