Cycling Through Bosnia for a Special Cause

Assalamu Alaikum wa Rahmatullahi wa Barakatuh

I'm Saeed Umar, and I'm embarking on an exciting journey – cycling across Bosnia to support the READ Foundation’s Special Needs Educational Hub for refugee students with disabilities.

From 1 August to 6 August 2024, I will tour Bosnia and spend three days cycling 150 miles with the Fajr Cycling Club. With Sarajevo as our base, we will explore various regions in Bosnia, including Srebrenica.

My goal is to raise money for the cause, and 100% of the proceeds will go towards the Special Needs Educational Hub. I will be covering my own travel expenses.

Why is this cause so important to me? 

The Special Needs Educational Hub will provide individualized supports for refugee students with disabilities in the Beqaa region in Lebanon. Refugees have limited rights in Lebanon and do not receive any government support, which leaves children with disabilities especially vulnerable. Refugee communities in the Beqaa region are particularly underserved due to their distance from major Lebanese cities. 

Supporting the Special Needs Educational Hub will ensure that refugee children with disabilities in this region can access quality education that meets their unique needs and are empowered in their communities. 

Let's make a difference together. Please contribute to my campaign and be part of something incredible!

Special Needs Educational Hub

The Special Needs Educational Hub is an 8-month project to provide individualized educational supports for 25 students who face specific learning challenges, including dyslexia and physical disabilities. The students will be supported by a team of specialists and certified educators for children with special needs, including special education teachers, speech therapists, and educational assistants. 

The Hub will allow students to develop their skills, knowledge, and self-confidence to feel empowered in their community. Ultimately, the Hub will also help prepare students to move into formal education or vocational training programs. 

About the READ Foundation

The READ Foundation is a global non-profit charity dedicated to sustainable education for underprivileged children and emergency education for refugees and internally displaced children. Since its establishment in 1994, the READ foundation has been combatting educational poverty and currently operates 424 schools in Pakistan, serving over 112,000 students with the support of 5,967 teachers.

In addition to providing free education to 13,785 orphan children, the READ Foundation has witnessed more than 189,527 boys and girls graduating from its schools over the past 27 years and excelling in further education and careers. Recent years have seen the READ Foundation extend its projects beyond Pakistan, reaching communities in need across Bangladesh, Lebanon, Syria, Turkey, and Yemen.

The READ Foundation firmly believes in the transformative power of education and views it as a catalyst not only for future opportunities and economic empowerment, but also for enhancing mental and physical well-being, fostering community cohesion, and promoting gender equality. While education remains the focal point of each project, the READ Foundation also addresses essential needs such as access to clean facilities, mental health programs and psychosocial support, medical care, and food provision.

About the Fajr Cycling Club

The Fajr Cycling Club is a global community that brings together avid cyclists from around the world for thrilling cycling tours across cities worldwide. These tours serve not only to foster a passion for cycling, but also to harness the combined endeavors of its diverse members in generating funds for charitable causes, thereby contributing to a positive impact on the global community. This year, the Fajr Cycling Club is fundraising for the READ Foundation’s Special Needs Educational Hub.