Most adults in North America know the “grandpa joke” about having to walk two miles each day – uphill – in the snow just to get to school, meant to shame youngsters into not complaining about how good they have it.

If you are a student at the Kenenday Secondary School in Sierra Leone, this joke hits a little too close to home. The students come from seven surrounding communities that rely on the school, and trekking more than two miles a day to attend class is often a normal part of life.

That is why these students were all smiles recently when World Hope International – Canade delivered 60 bicycles to students at Kenenday, which not only eased their commutes but also is improving their energy levels and allowing them to focus more on their studies.

The long distances these students cover each day have a significant impact on their energy levels, leaving them with little strength to focus on their studies after school. With these bicycles, their daily commute will be made easier, ensuring they have more time and energy to dedicate to their education. 
We are optimistic that this support will lead to improved academic performance among these children.

The students and their families are deeply grateful for this life-changing support. One of the students expressed her joy by saying, “I used to walk two hours to get to school and return home late and tired every day. Now I can go to school faster and still have time to study in the evening. This bicycle is a blessing.”

We are thankful for generous donors in Canada who made this gift possible for these students in Sierra Leone.

You can help fund projects like these that empower women and children, give them access to education, protect them from predators and improve their health through donations to The Hope Fund.