The Department of Transport has donated 40 bicycles to Nongeke Secondary School in Ward 20, Redoubt Location, to assist learners from distant villages in reaching school on time. The initiative is designed to address the challenges faced by students who travel long distances due to the lack of scholar transport in some areas.
A total of 40 students are set to benefit from the program, which aims to reduce absenteeism and late arrivals caused by lengthy commutes. However, 15 families from various villages within Ward 20 declined the bicycles, citing concerns over the safety of children using the main tar road.
Nongeke S.S.S, located in Ward 20, has limited scholar transport services that do not cover all villages, leaving many students to walk long distances. The Department of Transport stepped in to provide bicycles as a practical solution to this issue.
During the handover ceremony, the Ward Councillor expressed mixed views on the initiative. While acknowledging the benefits of helping learners arrive at school earlier, the Councillor also raised concerns about the potential dangers of children cycling on busy main roads, particularly tarred ones.
Despite these concerns, the donation has been welcomed by the school and community as a step toward improving access to education. The Department of Transport emphasized that the bicycles are intended to complement existing scholar transport services, ensuring that learners from remote villages are not left behind.
This initiative highlights the ongoing efforts to support education in rural areas, even as stakeholders work to address safety and logistical challenges. The bicycles are expected to make a significant difference in the daily lives of students, helping them reach school safely and on time.
