The International Bicycle Project, supported by the China Foundation for Rural Development (CFRD), distributed bicycles to 1,000 students from nine community schools in Madhesh Province on Monday.

The CFRD said in a statement that the initiative benefits 504 students from five schools in Bara and 496 students from four schools in Parsa.

Zou Zhiqiang, director of CFRD’s Nepal office, said the organisation, in collaboration with Hello Inc., has been running the International Love Bicycle Project since 2021. By the end of 2024, the project has donated 6,024 bicycles to Laos and Cambodia. Nepal became the third recipient country, with 1,000 bicycles distributed in 2024 and another 1,000 planned for donation in 2025.

“The project is not just about providing bicycles; it’s about empowering students to dream bigger and achieve more,” said Zou.

Wang Xin, deputy chief of mission and counsellor at the Chinese Embassy in Nepal, said the initiative would greatly benefit children by reducing their travel time to school while promoting green and low-carbon travel. “I hope the children will carry love and hope, strive for academic excellence, and achieve their career aspirations to serve their country,” he said.

Imtiyaz Alam, deputy mayor of Birgunj Municipality, commended the initiative, expressing gratitude on behalf of the municipality and the community. “This support will ensure students can attend classes more regularly and punctually, enhancing academic performance and overall learning outcomes. It will also foster independence and self-reliance while easing the financial burden on families who might otherwise need to arrange alternative transportation,” he said.

Zhou Jian, head of public relations at Hello Ride, said the event was part of the company’s corporate social responsibility efforts. “This support not only delivers love and care but also symbolises our commitment to improving lives and advancing public welfare,” he said.

The global community has widely praised the International Bicycle Project. In November 2022, it was recognised as one of the Global Best Poverty Reduction Practices, a distinction reviewed by prominent organisations, including United Nations agencies and the World Bank.