Schools are located among the local communities of the JONG project area through the 8th grade, but to attend high school, children must travel much longer distances. Low caste girls who travel by foot to more distant high schools are frequently the victims of sexual assault. As a result, the girls in the JONG project area do not continue past the 8th grade because of the danger. That is, unless they receive a bicycle.
Bicycles keep girls safe, and on my last visit to the JONG villages on Southern India, this was their most passionate plea – bicycles so their girls can continue school. Bicycles were recently distributed to girls in our villages, and these girls are now pursuing their dreams without fear.