By Shimona | Fundraising and Communications
In India, giving girls in rural areas a bicycle to travel to school can be a game changer. It reduces travel time and makes commuting easier, improves attendance and punctuality, and helps prevent dropouts when schools are far from home. It also increases safety by reducing the time girls spend walking alone on isolated roads, lowers physical strain in difficult weather conditions, and helps them reach school less tired so they can focus better on learning. Most importantly, a bicycle builds confidence and independence, supports continued education beyond primary school, and reduces the financial burden on families who may not be able to afford daily transport.
The Freedom on Wheels project helps remove these barriers by providing girls with bicycles. With this support, they can reach school on time, conserve energy for learning, and continue their education with dignity and hope. Below are three case studies that highlight how access to a bicycle can help children overcome daily challenges and stay on track with their education.
Swarali, a Class 5 student, comes from a financially vulnerable family and lives with her mother and younger brother. She lost her father two years ago due to cancer, and her mother works as a daily wage labourer to support the household. Her mother also suffers from seizures, which makes it difficult to manage regular work and household responsibilities. With no other income source, purchasing a bicycle was not possible. Swarali used to walk 3.5 km to school every day. Despite her challenges, she shows strong determination by saving small amounts of money in her bank account, often 10–20 from snack money, to support her future education. Through the Freedom on Wheels initiative, she received a bicycle on 26th January 2026, which has made her daily travel easier and safer. The support has not only improved her access to school but also strengthened her confidence and motivation to continue studying.
Namrata, a young schoolgirl, lives with her mother and faces significant financial hardship. She lost her father in an accident, and her mother works as a daily wage labourer to support the family. Her school is 4 km away, and she used to walk the entire distance every day. The long walk often left her exhausted, with sore feet and low energy, making it harder to concentrate on studies. After being identified for support by the Mann Deshi Foundation, Namrata received a bicycle, which has made her daily commute faster and far less tiring. She now feels more confident travelling to school and believes that this support has helped ease her burden and encouraged her to continue her education with renewed hope.
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By Shimona Chadha | Project Manager
By Anagha Kamath | With inputs from the KickStart Girls Team
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