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Manuela Spiga
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For those who know me well, you probably already know that my love for cycling runs deep. But here’s something you might not know. In 2024, I took on a bold new challenge: cycling from Phnom Penh, Cambodia, to Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam—a 2-day, cross-border ride with a powerful purpose.
This wasn’t just any ride. This ride was a step toward turning those dreams into reality.
It was a mission to support the dreams of two remarkable young women—one from Cambodia and one from Vietnam—who are determined to access university education and create lasting change in their communities. Through Saigon Children’s Charity and ISF, this ride was a step toward turning those dreams into reality.
The journey began in Phnom Penh, where we visited ISF and met the two girls receiving the scholarships. I was deeply moved by their stories, resilience, intelligence, and unwavering determination to pursue education, support their families, and uplift entire communities.
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Having worked in education for over 20 years, I’ve always known its power. But this experience gave me a new perspective. When you step outside your context and walk in someone else’s shoes—even briefly—you realize just how transformative access to education can be.
This year, I hope even more people will join the cause—whether by riding, donating, or spreading the word—as we prepare to cycle once again from Saigon to Phnom Penh to raise funds for more scholarships and support more futures. By believing in me and helping me reach the finish line (which I did!), every donor helped to invest in the future of two amazing young women. And I couldn’t be more grateful. Let’s keep the wheels turning—for access, for equity, and the future.