In a heartening initiative aimed at improving access to education for tribal children in Uttara Kannada district, the ‘Vana Chethana’ training programme has launched a campaign to collect used bicycles in good condition. Spearheaded by Sahyadri Sanchaya, Mangaluru, and Vidyagama Trust, Surathkal, the programme aims to alleviate the daily commute hardships faced by these children.
Rakesh Bolar, a volunteer, highlighted that the initiative began by sourcing bicycles from friends, which were then refurbished to ensure they were in optimal condition for the rugged forest terrain. Dinesh Holla of Sahyadri Sanchaya emphasized the pressing need for bicycles, as some children currently trek up to six kilometers barefoot each way to attend school in remote areas.
The goal for this month is to collect approximately 50 bicycles, which will be distributed to primary school children based on the distances they travel daily. Currently, the focus is on benefiting students from five schools in Yellapur and Joida. Nine bicycles have already been distributed, with efforts ongoing to reach the target.
The campaign has utilized social media effectively to garner support, receiving positive responses from communities in Bengaluru and Mangaluru. Key figures such as Harsha D’Souza, Vivek Gowda, and others have been instrumental in spreading awareness and collecting donations.
Once the collection phase concludes, Vana Chethana members plan to organize a cycle rally from Ankola to Yellapur, promoting environmental conservation and healthy lifestyles among the tribal communities. Additionally, this year’s programme has introduced cultural activities like dance and drama training, enriching the educational experience for participating children.