The 13 participants, all University students from the UK, met Honourable Minister Kapil Sibal on the 7th Sep’10 at his office in New Delh after completing their cycle Challenge Event.

Meeting the Minister was the ideal culmination to a gruelling 12 day bike cycle in aid of Childreach International, which saw the participants ride through the difficult terrain of Himachal Pradesh. Braving inclement weather, the volunteers cycled from Manali to Shimla to endorse the Government of India’s initiative on the ‘Right to Education’.

Congratulating the team on their tremendous achievement, Minister Sibal spoke of the need for charities to help implement and raise awareness of such important legislation:

“The Right to Education has been made a law, now it needs to be implemented through such efforts of young people and other stakeholders" - Minister Sibal

More than 60 years after Independence, the Indian government has cleared the Right to Education Bill. This bill makes free and compulsory education a fundamental right for all children between the ages of 6 and 14. The act also goes on to state that The National Commission for Elementary Education shall be constituted to monitor all aspects of elementary education including quality.

Taking a lead from the Millennium Development Goals (MDGs) as set by the UN Convention on Child Rights, Childreach International India partners with grassroots initiatives across the country supporting projects focusing on health, education, child rights and protection.

Mr Sibal congratulated the youngsters for the successful completion of their mission and wished them every success in future endeavours. Mr Sibal also endorsed the efforts being made by Childreach International to unlock the potential of children through innovative and meaningful initiatives.

“Childreach International India believes that every child should have the opportunity to reach his or her full potential in life”, says Naresh Chaudhary, Country Director, Childreach International India. “We have a series of Challenge Events planned, the next one being planned for the end of September 2010. Just as the UK students have brought the challenge to India, with the same spirit, Indian students will set forth to the Everest Base camp in Nepal to spread the message of Education. Thus, the Movement continues…” Naresh Choudhary, Country Director, Childreach International India.

The fundraising efforts made by the Cycle India particpants enable Childreach International to carry out it valuable work in countries like India. Dring their trip, the participants visited a project site to see how their fundraising efforts are making a real difference to the lives of hundreds of children.

"We are grateful to all of our volunteers for their support and dedication. Their hard work in cycling through India will continue to support our work in helping children attain their right to education." Firoz Patel, CEO Childreach International.

To Take part in a Challenge Event visit our website or email fundraising@childreach.org.uk

The Minster meets with Cycle India Challenge Event particpants

Minister Sibal meets with The Childreach International India staff. From left: KK Varma, head of Programes and Country Director Naresh Choudhary.