“What is the biggest gift you’ve ever been given?” wrote social media influencer Jessie Festa. “For me, it isn’t my iPhone, my laptop, or even my engagement ring. It’s my education. The thing is, education shouldn’t be a gift. It should be a fundamental right for all. But it isn’t. At least not for everyone.”

Luckily, our team of dedicated influencers was determined to help change that.

Over the past two months, VFF USA teamed up with three social media influencers—Kirsten Alana, Jessie Festa, and Lavina D’Souza—to raise awareness and funds for our Bikes for Change project.

In rural India, most high school students live 4-5 miles away from their schools. There are no school buses or public transportation available, so students have to commute every day on foot.

“The roads are dangerous and many even drop out as even if they make an effort, they’re tired by the end of day, due to commuting by foot,” wrote Lavina. 

This problem disproportionately affects girls, who are vulnerable to assault on the road between villages. Rather than expose them to these dangers, many families decide it is best to keep their daughters at home instead of sending them to school.

Fortunately, there is an easy solution: a bicycle.

On a bicycle, students can travel quickly and safely to class every day with enough energy to learn when they get there.

“It’s so much more than two wheels,” wrote Kirsten Alana. “It’s an education. It’s safety. And it opens the door to a lifetime of opportunities.”

On Facebook, Twitter, TikTok, and Instagram, the influencers sounded the call. All told, they raised $1,000: enough to purchase bicycles for 10 children!

The impact of these bicycles will reach far beyond these 10 children. An education is often the difference between remaining trapped in poverty and building a better life, and when kids from impoverished communities land good-paying jobs, the whole community benefits.

From all of us at VFF USA, we’d like to send a big, heart-felt thank you to our awesome influencers. Thanks for helping us spread the word!

Text by Kate McConaughy