The Watamu Bicycle Brigade

Could you buy a kid a bike?

We are constantly looking to expand our Watamu Bicycle Brigade.

Any help you could possibly give in providing a few more £30 bikes for the kids would be greatly appreciated.

 

In Watamu, school begins at 7am and many of the children have a very long walk to get there.

In some instances this can be a trek for an hour or more.

 

The sun doesn't always shine in Watamu; in the rainy season the rain comes with a vengeance and a child gets very wet when walking for an hour.

They take their shoes off in the rain so as not to spoil them.

 

Can you imagine what it is like to see a child in a torrential downpour carrying their shoes?

In February 2006, several of our sponsored children received a bicycle from their sponsors. What a difference a bicycle can make....they proved to be an absolute godsend and made an unbelievable difference to the lives of their proud owners.

Three of the sponsored children lucky enough to receive a bicycle from their sponsor.

The bicycles were bought locally at a cost from about £30 each.

Seeing the enormous difference they made to the lives of their owners we decided to provide more bicycles and, through the generosity of many kind supporters, the Watamu Bicycle Brigade now numbers 150.

 

In allocating bikes priority is given to orphans and those having to travel furthest to school.

 

 

Roberta, one of the Friends from Ireland, travelled to Watamu in September 2006, to help on the new roof project. Prior to her visit Roberta managed to raise over 1000 euros which she used to purchase 30 Bicycles.

We have informed the local police of these new cyclists. They have arranged for an officer from the traffic police in Malindi, our next nearest town 25 miles away, to give the kids with bikes a few lessons in road safety.

Wendy and Mark Flanagan and their friends Paul and Jackie O'Connell contacted me prior to their visit to Kenya in Sept 2006 and they promised us 4 bikes.

By the time they were due to travel they had raised enough money to buy 18.

They hired a vehicle and travelled 3 hours to visit the school and present the bikes; a good time was had by all.

They Also attended our Charity Night and both couples also now sponsor children.

 

 

 

We are desperate to expand the Watamu Bicycle Brigade and if you can help please do not hesitate to get in touch. Contact