Re-Cycle sends a Container of Bicycles to Sierra Leone
Re-Cycle is thrilled to announce the successful shipment and arrival of its container to Sierra Leone on 21 August 2023. After several years the charity has successfully reestablished its partnership with Sierra Leone.
Loaded with over 500 bicycles, and a substantial quantity of spare parts, the delivery to Lunsar in the country’s Northern Province marks the start of a new partnership between Re-Cycle and Village Bicycle Project (VBP) in Sierra Leone.
Around 70% of the bicycles will be made available for purchase at an affordable rate through VBP’s network of bike shops which will not only provide affordable transportation options for local people but will also contribute to local economies, generating income and sustaining livelihoods.
Over 150 of the bicycles from this shipment will support cycle to school projects in collaboration with schools across Sierra Leone. This initiative is set to empower students with a free means of transport to increase access to education and foster a brighter future.
Charlotte Ward, Director of Re-Cycle. said:
“We are so pleased to have VBP, Sierra Leone as a new partner in 2023. Their fantastic work supports so many rural communities, enabling them to have access to affordable, sustainable transport and Re-Cycle is very excited to play a key role in their work. We are looking forward to developing this partnership over the coming years”.
The spare parts and tools included in the shipment will facilitate mechanic training programs, equipping individuals with valuable skills to maintain and repair their bicycles. In addition, they will empower budding mechanics to establish their own businesses, enabling entrepreneurship and self-reliance.
Village Bicycle Project (VBP) aims to empower communities by strengthening bicycle culture. Their development projects focus mainly on the prevention and relief of poverty, especially for women and girls. By working in rural areas, they are also focusing on communities that are most in need, who often are not supported by development programs due to the remote locations.
Want to read more about our new partner in Sierra Leone? Click Here
