PROJECTS: BICYCLE EMPOWERMENT CENTRESThrough a partnership with a Canadian organisation, Bicycles for Humanity, BEN Namibia developed a new bicycle distribution model, the Bicycle Empowerment Centre (BEC). A BEC is a shipping container loaded with around 300 bicycles, spare parts and tools. BECs are delivered to the community based organisations that BEN Namibia works with and run as bicycle workshops.
Bicycles for Humanity helps its chapters in developed countries to organise bicycle collections and to raise money for the shipping. Each chapter is connected to a particular project, so that they know exactly where their container and bicycles will end up, and BEN Namibia provides feedback and reports on each project.
In December 2006, the prototype BEC was opened in:
Okathitu (Anglican HIV/AIDS home based care)In 2007, four BECs were delivered to the following communities:
Katutura (FHS-Family Hope Services)
Oshakati (DEEP-Disability Economic Empowerment Project)
Oshakati (TKMOAMS)
Tsumeb (TOV)In 2008, four BECs were opened in:
Okalongo (Catholic AIDS Action)
Ondangwa (Lifeline/Childline)
Nkurenkuru (HIV/AIDS Committee)
Rundu (House of Love)In 2009, thirteen BECs were opened in:
Divundu (Makveto/Mike's Bikes sister shop programme)
Gobabis (Catholic AIDS Action)
Okakarara (Steps for Children) Katutura (King's Daughters)
Keetmanshoop (Disability Resource Centre) Mile 10 (Catholic AIDS Action)
Nyangana (Catholic AIDS Action)
Okatana (Catholic AIDS Action)
Opuwo (Red Cross)
Otjiwarongo (Joy Centre)
Rehoboth (Catholic AIDS Action)
Singalamwe (Catholic AIDS Action)
Walvis Bay (Multi-Purpose Centre)Background
Through dialogue between BEN Namibia and a group of like-minded Canadians, Bicycles for Humanity was born and as the chapter network grew and shipped more containers, so did the opportunities to expand the BEC programme.
BEN Namibia began its bicycle distribution programme by importing second hand, donated bicycles from overseas partners, refurbishing them in our Windhoek warehouse and distributing them to our partners throughout Namibia. We soon realised, however, that our partners needed better access to tools, spare parts and the skills to keep their bicycles maintained. Distributing small quantities of bicycles in a vast country like Namibia is also expensive and time-consuming.