When a bicycle opens the doors to the future: the delivery ceremonies of the project "A bike for school"

In recent months, in several districts of Tamil Nadu – including Pudukkottai, Thanjavur, Sivagangai, Trichy and Dindigu l – Interlife ETS celebrated an important milestone of its “ Bike to School ” project, with a series of handover ceremonies during which hundreds of girls from vulnerable backgrounds received bicycles to reach school safely.

A concrete gesture, an opportunity for growth

The choice to donate bicycles was born from the need to guarantee girls a means of transport that allows them to reach school safely, limiting the risks associated with long and potentially dangerous routes.

In rural areas of India, in fact, many girls are forced to walk for miles, exposed to harassment or kidnapping to reach school, and the bicycle represents for them a symbol of emancipation.

During each ceremony, in the presence of civil and religious authorities and project partners, each girl received her own bicycle. Smiling faces, eyes full of emotion: these moments testified to the profound impact of the gesture, and the feeling of freedom and confidence in one's own means.

Interlife ETS and the support of partners

The project was conceived and implemented by Interlife ETS, in close collaboration on the field with several local partners and with the decisive support of the Mediolanum Foundation, the Lions Club and the Bechildren Association .

Fondazione Mediolanum, in particular, has doubled its donations, allowing it to go from 250 to 500 donated bicycles by December 2024.

Numbers and future prospects

The “ A bike for school ” project does not stop at mere distribution: so far it has benefited 400 girls between the ages of 11 and 15 in various districts of Tamil Nadu .

In addition to the bike, each girl received a maintenance kit and participated in training sessions to learn how to repair small breakdowns, thus creating autonomy and awareness.

The phases planned until 2026 include: parent training, raising awareness in villages on the value of girls' education, and activities in schools to prevent harassment and gender-based violence.

These steps are essential to ensure a sustainable impact, well beyond the simple act of delivery.

Looking forward: the change has already begun

The project " A bike for school " is part of a participatory development model, based on vulnerability criteria (families in poverty, risk of dropping out of school, exposure to gender violence) and aims to trace a virtuous path of emancipation.

The girls who received a bicycle also received a clear message: the community believes in them. Thanks to this tool, they will be able to access education, build a solid future and inspire other girls on their journey.

If you want to be part of the change… you can!

You can donate a bicycle and ensure safety, self-determination and a future for a girl child in Tamil Nadu.

Find out all the information and support the project on our website.

Let's not stop there: continue to follow Interlife ETS for updates on training, monitoring and upcoming distributions.

Every bicycle is a starting point: together, let's pedal towards a fairer world.