Thar Education Alliance, in collaboration with Indigo Textile, UNDP (SDG Unit), and the District Education Department Tharparkar, distributed 80 bicycles at Government High School Malanhore Veena to deserving female students facing transportation challenges hindering their attendance.
Speaking at the event, the Chief Executive Officer of Thar Education Alliance expressed concern over the current situation where over 0.3 million children in Thar are not attending school. He emphasized that in many areas, the number of female students is particularly high due to schools being far from their villages and other issues. Providing bicycles to these 80 deserving female students is not just a trial activity but a strategic move to combat these challenges. The initiative aims to break societal norms and ensure consistent attendance in schools.
Various individuals from different sectors attended the event, including district education officials, civil society representatives, activists, journalists, and members of the local community.
Shivani, representing the Thar Education Alliance, stated that acknowledging the urgency of the situation, TEA and Indigo Textile have joined forces to address this pressing issue collaboratively. Through the “Pedaling towards Education” project, they aim to empower girls and foster a culture of learning in Tharparkar.
Assistant Commissioner Mithi, Riaz Ali Shaikh, highlighted the significant challenge posed by out-of-school children in Tharparkar. However, he mentioned that the government is actively working on reforms and policies to address this issue. He praised the efforts of the Thar Education Alliance, noting that their initiative signifies progress towards achieving SDG4.
Krishan Sharma, a professional in the development sector, emphasized that empowering girls leads to self-reliance and inclusion in decision-making processes. He highlighted that this initiative not only increases enrollment but also addresses retention issues, particularly among post-primary girls.
District Education Officer Narsingh Bheel, along with DSP Waqas Durani, Sushil Malani, HM Satram Das, Ex-HM Ramchand Shivani, and other members of the local community, participated in the activity. They expressed their support for the initiative, recognizing the importance of providing bicycles to female students from five different schools in Malanhore Veena.
Female students who received the bicycles expressed their gratitude, stating that learning how to ride a cycle has empowered them and instilled confidence. They pledged to continue their education with dedication. Additionally, the community emphasized the need for transportation for girls commuting from other areas.
