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It has been a while since our last blog post so we thought we would update you on our recent activities. The majority of the group (all but Kevin, Sophia, Muyambi, and Abhay) returned to the states on August 6TH. After we gave out bicycles to the two villages the group split up. Half of us traveled to Murchison Falls and through the National Park . We saw elephants, giraffes, and wild boar. The other half stayed behind in Gulu to help organize some of the documents in the office.
The group reunited in Masindi from where we traveled to Kampala the following morning. After spending a day in Kampala we decided we needed to take a day to celebrate the successful implementation of the pilot phase of the project. A river raft company picked us up in Kampala and took us to Jinja, a vibrant city an hour away. In Jinja we were given life vests and helmets to safeguard us from the class five rapids of the NIle. The river trip lasted all day and provided plenty of thrills and was immensely enjoyed by everyone. It concluded with a BBQ by a cliff with a great view of the Nile.
After a weekend in Kabale, our small group has made our way back to Gulu for a couple of days. We had some meetings lined up, but had no idea that the day would turn out to be extremely busy with several tasks to complete and issues to discuss. We first met with President Museivini’s special advisor in the northern region, who showed a keen interest in our project and wanted to know more details since seeing a short piece in the local newspaper last week. He emphasized that our project should continue to remain politically and religiously independent to remain credible and unbiased within the communities we work in. Having a contact of his stature on board with us is very useful for BAP’s long term goals.
Our second meeting of the day was with the Senior Development Officer of Amuru district, who had certified us as a CBO a couple of weeks ago. He talked about monitoring requirements as part of his district wide role, and how his office could provide us with support on a regular basis. He expressed his gratitude from the bicycle distribution based on his information in the local communities. BAP will be required to submit to his office a short monthly progress report, and a more comprehensive quarterly evaluation.
Lastly, along with two of our consultants here in Gulu, we received updated on various aspects of the project over the past week since the distribution of the bicycles. Some of the issues we faced include potential security concerns at the office during night time, beneficiaries moving out of the village, and reliable bicycle maintenance. We are currently working on developing a similar microenterprise structure for one bicycle mechanic in each village to facilitate smooth access of bicycle maintenance. Tomorrow will be another busy day, as we make our way back to the village to get first hand feedback from beneficiaries and have our consultants sign BAP contracts.
Before the end of the week, all the remaining BAPers will head to their respective destinations, but we hope to post again soon.
-Kevin and Abhay
Wednesday, August 12, 2009
Saturday, August 1, 2009
Saturday, August 1st- Recovery Day
Reflecting back on our time here in Gulu over the past week, it is really crazy to see all that we have accomplished. When we arrived last Friday, many of us had no idea all the work that needed to be done before actually delivering the bicycles to the villages. We became a Community Based Organization (CBO) by meeting with various Local Chairpersons, writing a constitution and various other documents. We opened a bank account, found a building that is our BAP office in the village of Nwoya, and created an organizational structure for our BAP as a whole. At one point we were concerned that we would not even be able to deliver all the bicycles this week while here. All of us really came together to get everything done that needed to be done, and now the people of Nwoya and Lulyango are reaping the benefits of our hard work. Thank you to everyone for their support of our project to help us achieve our goals. Thank you from all 15 of us and thank you from the hundreds of people from both communities.
An update for today, Saturday, we are doing various tasks that need to be completed before we deliver the next batch of 50 bicycles to Lulyango tomorrow. We certainly learned a lot yesterday while we handed out the bikes. We are preparing the bikes with our painted logo and number on them today, so that we don’t have to do so tomorrow. We are also preparing all the paperwork today, so that we don’t have to take time to do so while the people are waiting tomorrow.
Over the past few days, Janice and I have delivered 5 suitcases of donations (school supplies, books, sneakers and craft supplies) to various Watoto schools (see watoto.org for more info about Watoto) and to a local church that we have connected with . Everyone is incredibly grateful for the donations; thank you to everyone who contributed from back home.
-Kylie
An update for today, Saturday, we are doing various tasks that need to be completed before we deliver the next batch of 50 bicycles to Lulyango tomorrow. We certainly learned a lot yesterday while we handed out the bikes. We are preparing the bikes with our painted logo and number on them today, so that we don’t have to do so tomorrow. We are also preparing all the paperwork today, so that we don’t have to take time to do so while the people are waiting tomorrow.
Over the past few days, Janice and I have delivered 5 suitcases of donations (school supplies, books, sneakers and craft supplies) to various Watoto schools (see watoto.org for more info about Watoto) and to a local church that we have connected with . Everyone is incredibly grateful for the donations; thank you to everyone who contributed from back home.
-Kylie
Friday, July 31st- Bike Distribution Day 1!
Two entries about this big day:
“T.I.U.” (This Is Uganda). Often thought of as derogatory, this statment has pushed many close to the edge while still managing to bring out the best in us. This project had “impossible” written all over it when a young, but ambitious Ugandan boy dreamt up the idea of giving bicycles to people in one of the most war torn locations on the globe. Even as we sat around a table in Gulu, Uganda, with a list of tasks needing to be accomplished, there was still an air of doubt as the first set of tasks were assigned.
It is now August 1st and as I sit in my room, 50 individuals (actually 51…funny story) are planning a more efficient future with their new bicycles. As I woke up yesterday morning, I picked up my phone to realize that I still had an hour of sleep left. I was excited. I tried to fight off the butterflies in my stomach as I got ready, contemplating the plan for the day. When it was finally time for us to leave, plans had changed considerably in the mad last minute rush. After another bumpy ride (one I’m sure previous bloggers have already described with impeccable detail) we arrived in Nwoya, the first of two villages to distribute bicycles.
There was clearly a sense of anxiety as the people listened to Kevin as he gave out instructions as to how the proceedings would go. As our list of chosen applicants was brought out, there was a great silence that was only to be broken by the sounds of Kylie and Sofia playing with children nearby. One by one the names were called and one by one the people stood u and made their triumphant walk over to the check in station. The process was going so well, I wanted to giggle. Our cleverly created list (by Kevin, Alyson, Erika and JD aka Steel) which used many calculated formulas to find the perfect candidates was working. And then disaster struck… “Betty A. please come up!” and with this, two Betty’s stood up with huge grins on their faces. Confusion broke out as we tried to figure out who the correct Betty was after realizing the more detailed list (with ages, etc…) was locked in the great Muyambi’s room back at the hotel. So what do we do? We gave them both bikes… because at BAP, we share our love!
After the check-ins we arranged for the participants to undergo a credit management seminar and a bicycle repair workshop before they received the bicycles. With the first 25 bikes, Baker (our great driver) had brilliantly engineered our BAP symbol stencil and painted it on. Even though it was pouring, this didn’t faze the villagers as they proudly collected their brand new bikes and wheeled off. While some yelled at the top of their lungs and emphatically warrior danced their way to their bikes, others merely smiled, thanked us and rolled their bikes away. Although drenched and beaten up, seeing those faces light up as they grabbed their bikes made it all worthwhile. The only thing I regret is not following Sophia’s lead and learning the local language so I could thank them for giving me a chance to make a difference for these amazing people. And as I prepare for another long day of bike giving tomorrow, I cant help but think T.I.U; where lives are changed and where the impossible is made possible.
-Odeke
Friday marked the first day of bicycle distribution. We began the morning by securing the necessary funds from the bank to purchase the bicycles from the distributor. With our lunches packed and forms printed, we departed in the van towards the village of Corner Nwoya. We arrived after approximately an hour and a half drive and were welcomed by the villagers who were awaiting our arrival.
We explained to the people that our decision of what households received a bicycle was difficult, but that if the beneficiaries are honest and remember to make their payments, we will be able to purchase more bicycles for those whom have applied. After reading the list of people who had been granted a bicycle, the workshops began at which the bicycle recipients were educated on the basics of microfinance and bicycle repair. Just when it seemed that the spirits of the villagers could not be any more gleeful, Muyambi arrived with the first batch of bicycles, which were immediately unloaded and their serial numbers recorded. The quality of a few of the bicycles was unsatisfactory due to faulty breaks and unexplained dents; however, a bicycle mechanic was at hand to assist with repairs.
The BAP logo and numbers were painted onto the bicycles with use of a stencil while Muyambi left to retrieve the other twenty five bicycles. While waiting, BAPers played with children, interviewed villagers and continued to make sure the quality of the bicycles were satisfactory. Despite being a dry season in Uganda, the clouds began to blanket the sky and shower rain upon us. The weather climaxed just as Muyambi returned with the last of the bicycles, which truly captured the spirit and mentality of BAP and its members; with stinging rain pouring from the sky and chilling wind stealing our warmth, the BAPers marched towards to the truck to unload the bicycles and make them ready for distribution. No challenge, be it weather, horrendous roads, or frustrating bureaucracy, could ever dissever ourselves from the goal of alleviating poverty and making better the lives of those displaced by war.
It seemed that the unpleasant weather grew tired of our high spirits and began to depart just as we officially handed over the bicycles. Hands were clapping, people cheering, tears disguised by the remaining streams of rain, while BAP’s purpose began to take a concrete form. We left the village wet and shivering, packed in a van on the same uncomfortable road, but unfazed by any displeasure. Our project had truly taken flight. The emotion of bringing an idea through months of hard work and planning to an object of reality served as our warmth and comfort for the long and bumpy drive back to the hotel.
-Colin Thomas
“T.I.U.” (This Is Uganda). Often thought of as derogatory, this statment has pushed many close to the edge while still managing to bring out the best in us. This project had “impossible” written all over it when a young, but ambitious Ugandan boy dreamt up the idea of giving bicycles to people in one of the most war torn locations on the globe. Even as we sat around a table in Gulu, Uganda, with a list of tasks needing to be accomplished, there was still an air of doubt as the first set of tasks were assigned.
It is now August 1st and as I sit in my room, 50 individuals (actually 51…funny story) are planning a more efficient future with their new bicycles. As I woke up yesterday morning, I picked up my phone to realize that I still had an hour of sleep left. I was excited. I tried to fight off the butterflies in my stomach as I got ready, contemplating the plan for the day. When it was finally time for us to leave, plans had changed considerably in the mad last minute rush. After another bumpy ride (one I’m sure previous bloggers have already described with impeccable detail) we arrived in Nwoya, the first of two villages to distribute bicycles.
There was clearly a sense of anxiety as the people listened to Kevin as he gave out instructions as to how the proceedings would go. As our list of chosen applicants was brought out, there was a great silence that was only to be broken by the sounds of Kylie and Sofia playing with children nearby. One by one the names were called and one by one the people stood u and made their triumphant walk over to the check in station. The process was going so well, I wanted to giggle. Our cleverly created list (by Kevin, Alyson, Erika and JD aka Steel) which used many calculated formulas to find the perfect candidates was working. And then disaster struck… “Betty A. please come up!” and with this, two Betty’s stood up with huge grins on their faces. Confusion broke out as we tried to figure out who the correct Betty was after realizing the more detailed list (with ages, etc…) was locked in the great Muyambi’s room back at the hotel. So what do we do? We gave them both bikes… because at BAP, we share our love!
After the check-ins we arranged for the participants to undergo a credit management seminar and a bicycle repair workshop before they received the bicycles. With the first 25 bikes, Baker (our great driver) had brilliantly engineered our BAP symbol stencil and painted it on. Even though it was pouring, this didn’t faze the villagers as they proudly collected their brand new bikes and wheeled off. While some yelled at the top of their lungs and emphatically warrior danced their way to their bikes, others merely smiled, thanked us and rolled their bikes away. Although drenched and beaten up, seeing those faces light up as they grabbed their bikes made it all worthwhile. The only thing I regret is not following Sophia’s lead and learning the local language so I could thank them for giving me a chance to make a difference for these amazing people. And as I prepare for another long day of bike giving tomorrow, I cant help but think T.I.U; where lives are changed and where the impossible is made possible.
-Odeke
Friday marked the first day of bicycle distribution. We began the morning by securing the necessary funds from the bank to purchase the bicycles from the distributor. With our lunches packed and forms printed, we departed in the van towards the village of Corner Nwoya. We arrived after approximately an hour and a half drive and were welcomed by the villagers who were awaiting our arrival.
We explained to the people that our decision of what households received a bicycle was difficult, but that if the beneficiaries are honest and remember to make their payments, we will be able to purchase more bicycles for those whom have applied. After reading the list of people who had been granted a bicycle, the workshops began at which the bicycle recipients were educated on the basics of microfinance and bicycle repair. Just when it seemed that the spirits of the villagers could not be any more gleeful, Muyambi arrived with the first batch of bicycles, which were immediately unloaded and their serial numbers recorded. The quality of a few of the bicycles was unsatisfactory due to faulty breaks and unexplained dents; however, a bicycle mechanic was at hand to assist with repairs.
The BAP logo and numbers were painted onto the bicycles with use of a stencil while Muyambi left to retrieve the other twenty five bicycles. While waiting, BAPers played with children, interviewed villagers and continued to make sure the quality of the bicycles were satisfactory. Despite being a dry season in Uganda, the clouds began to blanket the sky and shower rain upon us. The weather climaxed just as Muyambi returned with the last of the bicycles, which truly captured the spirit and mentality of BAP and its members; with stinging rain pouring from the sky and chilling wind stealing our warmth, the BAPers marched towards to the truck to unload the bicycles and make them ready for distribution. No challenge, be it weather, horrendous roads, or frustrating bureaucracy, could ever dissever ourselves from the goal of alleviating poverty and making better the lives of those displaced by war.
It seemed that the unpleasant weather grew tired of our high spirits and began to depart just as we officially handed over the bicycles. Hands were clapping, people cheering, tears disguised by the remaining streams of rain, while BAP’s purpose began to take a concrete form. We left the village wet and shivering, packed in a van on the same uncomfortable road, but unfazed by any displeasure. Our project had truly taken flight. The emotion of bringing an idea through months of hard work and planning to an object of reality served as our warmth and comfort for the long and bumpy drive back to the hotel.
-Colin Thomas
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