Social Issue

In 1978 the Vicente Ferrer Foundation started its educational programme to raise awareness among the population of India about the importance of schooling. The problem encountered by the Foundation was the lack of a means of public transport to get around. Walking long distances to go to school, with temperatures between 25 and 30 degrees throughout the year causes fatigue and is a waste of time for children, leading to a high dropout rate. Women also frequently walk four to six kilometres a day to fetch water, buy corn or firewood for cooking, or grind this cereal.

Our Response

The project consists in the donation of 164 bicycles to 85 girls and 79 boys between the sixth and tenth grades. They live in isolated villages in the Madakasira region and did not have access to any means of transportation to go to school. If they had not had a bicycle, these students would have abandoned their studies.

Information has also been provided to students and parents for the proper use of bicycles and so that they can take care of their maintenance.

It has also been used to raise families’ awareness of the importance of education as an effective instrument to combat poverty.

Expected Social Impact

It is expected to benefit 164 students between 12 and 16 years old and, indirectly, their families by promoting social advancement through education.