Zambia

Our second container of bikes is now implemented as a BEC ( Bicycle Empowerment Centre) in the small village of Chibobo in Zambia. There it  supports the Chibobo orphanage.You can learn more about the orphanage at the Help Ministiries web site.

The Chibobo BEC project started mid 2009 when B4H Melbourne were contacted by Warren Mills of the Mechanics For Chibobo/Serenje. The Mechanics continue to work to develop an automotive workshop in Chibobo and the nearby larger town of Serenje. These workshops are planned around a similar model as the BEC with locals trained and employed in what will become an economically stimulating, micro-financed small business providing training, employment and economic opportunities for the community.

On meeting with Warren Mills and Phil Stacey there was a clear fit between the organisations. The BEC will be established in Chibobo to support the orphanage with the training in bicycles mechanics indicating which of the trainees will be suited to the more complex automotive training as the larger project develops.

Our partner Bicycle Empowerment Network Namibia were looking to expand in to Zambia so it was very timely.

Bicycle collection began and the container filled with around 380 bikes and extensive engineering equipment shipped to Zambia mid 2010. The container also included a gantry hand winching system for getting the 40ft container off the back of the truck once it reached remote Chibobo.

We’ll keep you posted as the project develops. Both Phil from the Mechanics and Ylva Carasone from B4H Melbourne will be in Chibobo in September for the containers modification and implementation.