The Jolly Riders Foundation, a Gambian-based UK charitable organisation has donated 5,000 bicycles to Gambian students across the country from April 2006 to date.
This was confirmed and disclosed by the Coordinator of the Jolly Riders Foundation in The Gambia, Mr. Babucarr Boyo Touray, at a ceremony held at the Jolly Riders Headquarters in Gunjur last Thursday.
Addressing hundreds of people at the occasion, Mr. Touray said that they have so far donated 5,000 bicycles to Gambian students to help them trek to school.
He disclosed that there are over 10,000 more bicycles to come, noting that they only need the support and collaboration of the people. He thanked the government for their support, urging them to continue their usual support.
He called on the schools and parents to support in the maintenance of the bicycles.
Mr. Babucarr Suwareh and Madame Cole, Regional Directors of Region 5 and 6, respectively said that the benefits derived from the bicycles in making access to school for the poor students in their regions cannot be measured.
"Bicycles have immensely improved the punctuality and regularity of students as well as the academic standards as the students will arrive in school early and get set for their classes very comfortably," he stated.
For his part, the Chairman of the Jolly Riders Foundation in The Gambia, Mr. Barry Wright expressed delight at the gesture and the high turnout of the people in witnessing the presentation ceremony.
He advised principals not to allow students to move out with their bicycles in group so as to avoid accidents on the busy roads.
The Director of the Jolly Riders Educational Centre, Mr. Saidu Gbla said their project is designed to support education in The Gambia.
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