Destinations and partners
Cameroon | Ghana | Liberia | Namibia | The Gambia
Cameroon
In June 2006, we loaded our first container in London. It went to a new bike project in Cameroon called EMMICAM.
Following delivery of the bikes they report: "The bicycles have all arrived in Cameroon and are being refurbished in the workshop. A Sunday 'cycling club' has been setup for children, teaching them how to ride bicycles safely".
The shipment was sponsored by Eagle Heights Birds of Prey Sanctuary in Kent who hope to send another container soon.
Ghana
The Asante Akim Multipurpose Community Telecentre seeks to improve rural transportation by providing bicycles to farmers on a need-to-use basis. Rural transportation for farmers is almost non-existent. |
All farmers walk long distances to their farms (an average of 4 to 6 miles) and carry their loads on their head |
The Village Bicycle Project is a very well-established project based in Accra that is now distributing bikes over a wide area of Ghana and runs excellent training programs. The Project has three program areas to improve access to bikes in Africa, working specifically in Ghana:
- sending donated bikes
- teaching bike maintenance
- providing improved tools for bike repairers
These three components work together to nurture sustainability for the bicycle as serious transport in the region. The centerpiece is their one-day maintenance and repair workshops. At the end of the class, everyone is eligible to buy a bicycle for half the normal price. These people have all gained improved mobility and some skills to sustain their bikes. Improved mobility means reduced poverty, because they have better access to their farms, jobs, markets, schools, and health care.
More information on their website
Liberia
Londor Enterprises has established a bike workshop to assist with the post-war national recovery programme, helping to bring some relief to the masses after 14 years of civil conflict.
More information on the Salesian's website
Namibia
The Bicycling Empowerment Network (BEN) Namibia, has started a network throughout the country, which sells bikes at low prices, provides an income for the shop managers, and ensures the bikes are well maintained. They are also raising money to get bikes to people who really can't afford to buy them. |
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The Gambia
GG Centre for Learning Skills was started by Lesley Gaye, originally from Chelmsford and now lives in Serrekunda. This project has now sadly ceased.
Last updated: 25 October 2007