EDUCATING GIRLS IS THE KEY TO ENDING POVERTY - If ever there was a silver bullet for poverty, this is it.

Poverty is cyclical. The best indicator of if a child will end up in poverty is if her parents live in poverty. But there is one secret weapon underused, or deliberately neglected, in most communities around the world that can break this cycle: the education of girls and women. Girls who complete their secondary education are six times less likely to be married as children. Even just completing primary education has enormous benefits.

In rural developing countries, the biggest barrier to education is often the physical act of getting to school. Tasked with many more domestic chores than boys, girls fall behind because of the cultural obstacles they face. In many areas where World Bicycle Relief works, it is common for girls to arrive at school late and tired if they arrive at all. Receiving a bicycle is a game-changer for a child. Instead of spending hours reaching or returning from school, they can tackle homework while its still light outside. As compared to cash transfers, the bicycle is an asset transfer that benefits not only the child, but also the whole family.

The most powerful bicycle is the one in the hands of the schoolgirl desperate to reach school safely and gain an education.

Thank you for Believing in the Power of Bicycles!