Pedal for Prosperity

Mission Statement

To alleviate poverty through education by helping secondary school students to manage the long commutes through the provision of bicycles throughout the Dominican Republic.

Funded

$ 0

Bikes Distributed

Batyes Receiving Bikes

Why bicycles are needed

In the Batey villages of the Dominican Republic secondary schools are provided at a regional level, resulting in up to 18km 1-way commutes.
There is no bussing system, or other public transportation options.
Students are faced with a choice between a multi-hour walk, hitch-hiking and missing school. Bicycles offer a fast, safe, sustainable method of transportation.
Students who finish high school have a better chance to escape the cycle of poverty, harsh manual labor and child marriage in the sugar-cane field Batey villages.

The Bateyes

400+ Bateyes are home to around 500,000 sugar-cane cutters and their families across the Dominican Republic.
The Bateyes are scattered amongst the vast sugar-cane plantations accessible by primitive dirt roads. The topography is flat, but the roads become impassable in the
rains. Many do not have latrines, potable water is rare, and electricity virtually non- existent.
Elementary schools are relatively accessible to most Bateyes in community or in a
nearby community. Secondary education (grade 7-12) is a regional system without any form of transportation available.
Healthcare is provided by mobile clinics with volunteer mission medical teams when available, supported by local medical teams as they are able.

Project Impact

Boys and Girls grades 7 to 12 are encouraged and enabled to remain in school through graduation.
Recipients of bicycles commit to remaining in school, maintaining and securing their bicycle.
Local Rotarians and members of the medical outreach teams monitor compliance as well as assist with bicycle maintenance.
Bicycle recipients and their families are on the radar of local NGO support and medical personnel. This helps educate families and provide resources so the children can stay in school and avoid having to work the fields, care for siblings or be sold into marriage.

How can you support?

Donate to the project.
Help to source bicycles.
Help with shipping.