Disclaimer: This map is provided to facilitate the general location of the EAA supported projects. EAA does not have an official position regarding boundaries of or
disputed boundaries between countries.
Breaking Educational Barriers with Bicycles: Beauty’s Journey to Class
By Christabel Mundike, Communications, Zambia
In the remote Muchila zone of the Namwala District, long distances to school continue to pose a significant barrier for many children, especially girls. Yet, for 12-year-old Beauty, a Grade 5 student at the Kabwe Primary School, this challenge has been turned into an opportunity for transformation, thanks to a simple yet powerful intervention - a bicycle.
Beauty used to walk 4 kilometers each way to school. The long and exhausting trek often left her feeling drained, and she arrived late to class and struggled to focus on her studies. Coming from a vulnerable household, Beauty was at high risk of dropping out of school - a reality many rural children often face due to poverty and the distance to educational facilities.
"My school is very far from my village," Beauty shared. "The long walk made me tired, and I would often reach school late, missing some classes. I couldn’t concentrate well in class, and my performance was poor."
Beauty was among the beneficiaries who were offered the opportunity for education based on her vulnerability and high risk of dropping out of school. The bicycle she received has not only shortened her daily journey but has also restored her energy and hope for the future.
“This bicycle will help me cover the long distance to school. Even when I go back home, I will still have the energy to study and do my homework because I won’t be tired,” she said with a smile.
For Beauty, the bicycle is more than just a means of transport—it’s a ticket to her dream of becoming a teacher.
The impact of the bicycles under the EVE project extends beyond individual learners like Beauty. By reducing school dropout rates and addressing systemic barriers to education, the project is fostering a culture of learning and opportunity in vulnerable communities. The initiative is set to retain 7,000 at-risk learners in quality primary education by the end of 2025, ensuring that children can stay in school and build brighter futures.
For many families in rural Namwala, the challenges of keeping children in school are compounded by poverty. Parents often ask their children to stay home to help with chores or farming, perpetuating the cycle of poverty and limiting educational opportunities. However, partnerships and targeted interventions such as providing bicycles are helping to break this cycle.
With each pedal, Beauty and others like her are moving closer to a future filled with hope, opportunity, and the promise of a brighter tomorrow. Through partnerships and impactful initiatives, Education Above All’s Educate A Child and World Vision Zambia continue to work to transform lives—one bicycle at a time.
Disclaimer: The author first published this blog in February 2025 on the World Vision Zambia website. Click here to read the original post.
"Humanity will not overcome the immense challenges we face unless we ensure that children get the quality education that equips them to play their part in the modern world." -- HH Sheikha Moza bint Nasser
Our Impact
22million+
total beneficiaries
3.3million +
Youth Economically Empowered
2.6 million+
Skills training provided to teachers, school staff, and community members
May 04, 2025
