Give a girl a bike: help her to go to school

In rural Maharashtra, girls were not attending school. When we had close interactions with the community we realized that it was due to the lack of safe transportation that girls were unable to travel to go to school. This led to our initiative, Freedom on Wheels.  

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.

From a Difficult Journey to a Path of Possibilities: Tanuja's Story

Tanuja, a 9th-grade student dreams of completing her education and building a better future for herself. She comes from a family of five siblings, where both her parents work as daily wage laborers to support the household. Despite financial hardships, Tanuja remained determined to continue her studies.

However, reaching school every day was a constant challenge. Without a bicycle, she had to walk for 8 kms and spent a significant amount of time and energy traveling to and from school. The long journey often left her tired, reducing the time and focus she could dedicate to her studies.

When the Mann Deshi Foundation team visited her school to identify girls facing barriers to education, Tanuja's need was recognized. Through the support of donors to the "Give a Girl a Bike: Help Her Go to School" project, she received a bicycle.

What may seem like a simple gift has had a transformative impact on Tanuja's life. She now reaches school on time every day, travels safely and comfortably, and saves valuable time that she can devote to studying. The bicycle has reduced the physical burden of her daily commute and renewed her confidence in pursuing her education.

"I can now go to school without worrying about the long journey. I have more time to study and I feel motivated to continue my education," shares Tanuja.

Today, Tanuja's bicycle is much more than a mode of transportation, it is a vehicle of opportunity, independence, and hope. Her story is a reminder that small interventions can remove major barriers and help girls stay in school, learn, and dream bigger.

We are grateful to all our supporters who make stories like Tanuja's possible. Your contribution is helping girls overcome challenges and continue their educational journey with confidence.

A Bicycle Bringing a Future in Healthcare Closer

At just 14 years old, Tanuja already knows that she wants to become a nurse dedicated to caring for others and supporting her family. A Class 9 student, Tanuja comes from a large family with five sisters and two brothers. With no farmland of their own, her parents depend on daily wage labor to provide for the family and keep their children in school.

For years, attending school required determination and endurance. Tanuja walked nearly 7 kilometers each way, spending valuable time and energy simply getting to class. The daily commute often left her exhausted before her studies even began.

Everything changed when the Mann Deshi Foundation identified her as a student facing barriers to education and provided her with a bicycle. Today, Tanuja's bicycle is helping her invest more time in learning and preparing for her future. With a faster and more reliable way to travel, she can focus better on her education and participate more actively in school life. What was once a tiring journey has become a smoother path toward achieving her ambitions.

"My dream is to become a nurse and support my parents," says Tanuja. "Receiving this bicycle has made it easier for me to continue my education and work towards that goal."

For Tanuja, the bicycle represents opportunity, independence, and a step closer to a career that will allow her to serve others while uplifting her family. Thanks to the generosity of supporters, girls like Tanuja are gaining the tools they need to stay in school and pursue their aspirations with confidence.

Knowing Someone Cares: Srushti's Journey to School

For Srushti, an eighth-grade student from a small settlement, going to school each day required determination. Living with her grandparents, Srushti faced challenges that many children her age should not have to worry about alone.

Every morning, she walked over 7 kilometers to school by herself. The long journey was not only physically demanding but also isolating. Despite these challenges, Srushti remained committed to her education and continued attending school regularly.

When the Mann Deshi Foundation team visited her school to identify girls facing barriers to education, they learned about Srushti's circumstances. The team visited her home, met her family, and understood the challenges she faced firsthand. Soon after, she received a bicycle.

For Srushti, the bicycle brought more than convenience, it brought a sense of encouragement. Knowing that someone had taken the time to understand her situation and support her educational journey gave her renewed confidence and motivation.

"Receiving the bicycle made me feel happy and valued," says Srushti. "I can now travel more easily and focus better on my studies."

Srushti also appreciates the way Mann Deshi Foundation reaches children in remote villages. By personally visiting communities, conducting surveys, and identifying students who genuinely need support, the organization ensures that assistance reaches those who might otherwise be overlooked.

Today, Srushti travels to school with greater ease and confidence. Her story highlights how meaningful support can remind a young girl that her education matters and that her community believes in her future.

Through the generosity of donors, girls like Srushti are not only receiving bicycles, they are receiving encouragement, recognition, and the confidence to continue learning and growing.

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