For years, getting children to school in Awal was a daily struggle. Dahna Awkh Qnidi, a parent and civil society activist, remembers the frustration of watching students face obstacles just to access their education. The only school bus, essential for transporting students across the 7-kilometer distance between their homes and the school, had fallen into disrepair. “Broken seats, worn-out tires, and constant mechanical failures made it unreliable and many days it didn’t run at all, leaving children with no way to reach school” she recalls.
The school serves students from across the community, and without the bus, young children were forced to walk long distances or rely on inconsistent transportation.
The issue reflected on the family households that were left uncapable of guaranteeing their children their right to attend school – “The distance was too far for young children to walk, and without the bus, many had no way to reach school on time.”
Education represents the foundation of a strong community and a pathway to the future. Parents were worried about their children’s safety and the risk of them falling behind in their studies. However, despite these challenges, the community remained hopeful that a solution would come.
Dahna, as a mother, feared for her children’s future and worried about the impact of missed school days. The community came together to voice their concerns and seek support, reaching the Mujtam3ay project. Implemented by CEFA and COOPI under the Italian Agency for Development Cooperation’s component of Baladiyati, the project responded to the urgent need for action.
Thanks to this intervention, the school bus was fully rehabilitated. New tires, repaired seats, replaced glass, and essential mechanical fixes made it safe and functional once again.
The impact was immediate. “The day we saw the bus return, fully repaired, was a moment of relief” Dahna shares. “We knew this would change everything for our children.”
With the bus back in service, students can finally travel to school safely and on time. “Before, there were constant delays—students would miss the first lessons or not make it at all” Dahna explains. “Now, the bus picks them up from their homes and brings them straight to school. It’s such a simple change, but it has transformed our daily lives.”
For Dahna and other families of Awal, the restoration of the school bus brought peace of mind, knowing their children could attend school safely and without unnecessary obstacles. For students, it meant a chance to learn, grow, and dream—without worrying about how they would get to class each day.
Thanks to the Baladiyati programme, the students of Awal can now take their journey to learning—one safe ride at a time.
This story was written by AICS based on content collected on ground by CEFA and COOPI
Photo credit: CEFA and COOPI
