A Week of Engagement and Exploration
Tuesday 14nd November 2023 to Tuesday 21st November 2023
Re-Cycle is delighted to announce the return of our team members, Georgia and Chris, from an impactful week-long visit to The Gambia. The purpose of their journey was to collaborate with our esteemed partners at Wonder Years of Excellence (WYCE) and gain firsthand insights into the transformative effects of our bicycle initiatives within local communities.
Throughout their illuminating visit, Georgia and Chris delved into the heart of the local experience, participating in mechanic training sessions and immersing themselves in the daily lives of the community members. The week was marked by eye-opening moments, underscoring the profound impact of our initiatives on the lives of the people we aim to support.
The journey commenced with a warm reception from the dedicated team at Wonder Years of Excellence, Malang and Ensa, upon landing in The Gambia. Engaging with the WYCE team provided our representatives with a deeper understanding of their mission and goals. The visit included vibrant local performances and a tour connecting with village elders, who expressed gratitude for the bicycles that have significantly improved their communities.
The team got the opportunity to visit schools participating in the WYCE Cycle to School program. This transformative initiative, addressing transportation barriers for students in need, collaborates with schools to identify and support students facing challenges in commuting to school. The primary objective is to provide bicycles to these students, enabling them to travel to and from school more efficiently. Chris and Georgia witnessed firsthand the transformative impact on students’ lives, interacting with teachers and coordinators who provided valuable insights into the successes and challenges of the program.
Throughout the week, Chris actively participated in training sessions with the WYCE mechanics, while Georgia collaborated with the WYCE team on administrative tasks, enhancing their IT capabilities.
The trip to visit WYCE strengthened Re-Cycle’s relationship and communication channels with the director of WYCE, Lamin, and the rest of the WYCE team. It provided Georgia and Chris with a clearer understanding of WYCE’s mission, goals, and operational structure. They provided hands-on training for mechanics to enhance their skills and improve the computer skills of the office staff. Additionally, areas for improvement and potential upgrades in the workshop were identified, where Re-Cycle can offer valuable assistance.
This collaborative effort between Re-Cycle and WYCE underscores our commitment to sustainable community development in The Gambia. By identifying key findings, we aim to fortify ongoing initiatives, ensuring a lasting and positive impact on the communities we are dedicated to serving.
To read more about our partnership with Wonder Years of Excellence (WYCE) in The Gambia CLICK HERE
