World Bicycle Relief is pleased to announce the distribution of 220 bicycles to students in Eritrea

Oct. 9, 2015 - PRLog -- World Bicycle Relief is pleased to announce the distribution of 220 bicycles to students in Eritrea on October 13^th. The distribution is a collaboration between Team Africa Rising, The National Eritrean Cycling Federation, the Eritrean Ministry of Culture and Sport, the Ministry of Education and the UNDP. Funded by the 9^th annual 50 Mile Ride for Rwanda, the bicycles will make it easier for students to get to and from school, covering the long distances in a shorter period of time with the goal of increasing attendance and academic performance.

The 50 Mile Ride for Rwanda is an annual fundraising ride in the US that supports education and economic development in Rwanda and other African nations. The late wife of the founder of the event was a schoolteacher in the US for many years and was passionate about education. For the past three years, the 50 Mile Ride for Rwanda has chosen World Bicycle Relief as one of its beneficiaries. Team Africa Rising is also a beneficiary of the 50 Mile Ride for Rwanda.

“Our annual 50 Mile Ride fundraising event attracts over 1000 riders each year. Why?  Because participants and sponsors alike believe in the Power of Bicycles to change lives. With proceeds from this year’s event, we're providing 220 bicycles to students in Eritrea - helping to educate the next generation,” said 50 Mile Ride for Rwanda Founder, Doug Grant.

Team MTN-Qhubeka p/b Samsung rider Daniel Teklehaimanot, the reigning Eritrean time trial champion, enthusiastically supports the work of World Bicycle Relief and Qhubeka and recognizes the dramatic and positive impact a bicycle can make on a student struggling with long distances to get to school.

“I really appreciate the work of World Bicycle Relief and Qhubeka. The charity is a good help for a lot of people in rural communities. I'm happy to be able to support them through my performances and it makes me extremely happy to see that bikes are going to be distributed in Eritrea for the first time,” said Daniel Teklehaimanot.

“World Bicycle Relief is honored to be chosen as a beneficiary by 50 Mile Ride for Rwanda and humbled by the collective efforts of the participants to fundraise on behalf of students in Eritrea. Thanks to the incredible efforts of participants of the 50 Mile Ride for Rwanda, World Bicycle Relief will deliver 220 rugged, reliable bicycles to students who struggle to get to school everyday, often waking before dawn to walk long distances. These bikes will have an immediate, positive impact on students and help them stay in school and improve both attendance and academic performance,” said Charles Coustan, Executive Director of World Bicycle Relief.

Anthony Fitzhenry, Founder of Qhubeka, World Bicycle Relief’s program in South Africa, will be attending the bicycle distribution and celebration.

About World Bicycle Relief

Founded in 2005, World Bicycle Relief is dedicated to mobilizing people through The Power of Bicycles®. World Bicycle Relief accomplishes its mission by designing, manufacturing and distributing high quality bicycles that withstand the challenging terrain and conditions in rural, developing areas. Entrepreneurs use the bike to increase productivity and profits. Students attend class more regularly and their academic performances improve. And, health care workers visit more patients in less time, providing better, more consistent care. World Bicycle Relief also promotes local economies and long-term sustainability by assembling bicycles locally and training over 1,000 field mechanics.  To date, World Bicycle Relief has delivered over 250,000 bicycles.

For more information, please visit: www.worldbicyclerelief.org/Follow us @PowerOfBicycles and Like us at facebook.com/worldbicyclerelief

World Bicycle Relief Media Contact:

Brooke Slezak

brooke@brookeslezak.com

press@worldbicyclerelief.org

Mobile: 917.689.6024