Bicycle Against Poverty (BAP) Project

New Blog Location!

2011-08-10T19:36:00.000-07:00

Thank you for visiting the Bicycles Against Poverty Blog!

We have moved our blog to a new location. Please visit bicyclesagainstpoverty.org/blog.php to continue following our posts!

Thanks,

The BAP Team

Racing to Uganda!

2010-03-29T16:07:00.001-07:00

We have been holding an event on campus to have some fun, get in shape, and raise awareness. Starting March 22 and ending April 24. The event, called Racing to Uganda. The distance from Bucknell, in Lewisburg, PA to Uganda is around 7000 miles, and as a group, we hope that in the gym and around campus we can exercise our way to Uganda. Participants will log their trips to the gym, recording the number of miles they run, walk, or swim. The person who logs the the most times and the person that logs the longest distance will win prizes! People pay a five dollar registration fee and they receive a Bicycles Against Poverty wristband. On Saturday April 24, as finale to the Racing to Uganda, we will be holding a BAP Bike-A-Thon where teams of 4 to 5 people will sign up to be the last team standing. The longer they bike, the harder it will be!

The start of the spring semester at Bucknell

2010-02-11T10:07:00.000-08:00

Since coming back to school at the end of January, BAPers have been hard at work to make the semester great. Both the executive committee and the entire club has been meeting so far this semester. To start off the semester, the first weekend back, after our winter break, the executive committee met to hear and update of Muyambi's trips to Haiti and Uganda and begin work on the upcoming semester. The executive committee changed this semester after two of its leaders went abroad, Kevin and Nicole. Sarah will now serve as secretary, Erika and Emma will work together as Vice Presidents of Operations, Molly will continue as Vice President of Development, Kylie will continue to hold her position as Vice President of Communication, Muyambi will continue as President, and Dave will head up design for BAP. Looking long term, our next BAP project will be heading to Haiti. With the help of students from Brown University, we will be working on distributing bicycle carts. Muyambi also went to Uganda, distributing more bicycles, and this summer, students will be going back to expand further. The executive committee has been working on organizing behind the scenes, especially working within the guidelines of Bucknell to make sure that we do everything properly. They have been working on rewriting the constitution for ROTU and is seeking individuals to serve on the ROTU board of directors, moving forward with achieving 501 C 3 nonprofit status. Members of the executive committee have also been actively working on improving both the BAP website and are constructing the ROTU website. Executives will be heading to conferences this semester, including the Impact conference in Arkansas in March and the CGI conference in April.

The BAPers have also been holding larger group meetings to come up with events and plan out the rest of the semester. We held a retreat to hatch out many details and held a general interest meeting open to the public this week with great turnout. This semester, the development committee will be working on finding grants, continuing the constitution, and seeking a board of directors. The communications committee will be working on advertising our events, increasing awareness and publicity, and presenting to both churches and the Greek organizations on campus. They will also be working on the BAP newsletter. Operations will be mainly seeking to plan events on campus. BAP is currently selling Ugandan crafts in the Elaine Langone Center, including beautiful jewelry, bags, and t-shirts. BAP will also be planning a month-long event called Biking to Uganda. Students will donate money to participate, and after each workout, students will log the number of miles they biked or ran during their workout. We will track the groups progress on a map, hopefully biking the distance from Lewisburg to Gulu. The person who logged the most hours will win a prize at the end of the month. The event will culminate with a bike-a-thon, where teams will compete to be the last team standing as they continuously bike. As time progresses, the intensity will increase, making it harder to continue. We are also planning another event in the spring like last years Bands and Bikes. This year we will be co-hosting the event with the club, Micro-finance Initiative at Bucknell, or MIB. This year, the musical festival will be held in Smith quad on campus.

All in all, it looks to be a very exciting semester for Bicycles Against Poverty here at Bucknell.

How It All Happened

2010-01-13T09:37:00.000-08:00

Now that i am done with our BAP project implementation in the 3rd village of Kinene, i can take a moment to share with you how it all got done. I must say - i had underestimated the amount of work needed to make the implementation possible. Perhaps its because the last two villages we did, i had a team of about 14 people who clearly understood what we had to do. This time, there was only me for the most part to count on as well as our field officer.

Our first day of filling in applications began just like any other. Me rushing down the internet cafe to get all the paper work printed out ( i have understood why i do things last minute most of the times). Before heading to the printing place, i had already designated someone to deal with the food and i was constantly callig Alex, the field officer to also get some stuff ready before leaving.

African time became handy as we left at 10am although i had previously vowed to all the translators that we will leave by 8am and hence making them show up at about 740am. Anyways, we finally left for Kinene and given our driver was a young man, he didnt really care for the car that much. This showed in the way we flew over the pot holes that covered more than 95% of the road. In less than an two hours - can you imagine, we were greeting the local officials getting ready to give the opening speech to the community members that were eagerly waiting for us. Giving a bicycle at half the market price is a worth while deal to all - its almost like selling a Prado at half the price (trying to put this in terms that everyone can relate to).

My friend Kironde was assigned the cameraman duty and my brother Ivan was constantly moving to and fro to make sure all the translators were well fed. I on the other hand took the role of Sophia (photographing all the applicants with their applications). With the scotching sun mercilessly shooting rays at me, i humbly sat in a plastic chair contemplating why there is such inequality in this world we live in. Nen camera (look at the camera) and chet bot LC(go to the LC) are among the luo phrases i picked in my line of duty.

After 4-5 hours of interviewing 100 applicants, we were done for the day and i awaited the taxi ride to our beloved sunset hotel because that it sort of became my principle that i only eat when we were traveling back.

On arriving our sunset hotel, everyone departed to their respective homes while me and the rest of the boys headed for another duty - transcribing all the applicants information in the excel spread sheet.

The second day of applications ran pretty much like the first one and all that was left was to do the selection - paint the bicycle -pack them on the lorry - get all the beneficiaries to sign their forms and be done. I wish it all went as smoothly as imagined.

stay tuned for the details.
Muyambi

Extending BAP Coverage

2010-01-08T11:05:00.000-08:00

After careful consideration during one of our meetings about our BAP future plans, it was decided that this winter BAP should extend its services to another IDP camp/village of Kinene in Amuru district(originally part of Gulu). The two IDPs of Kona Nwoya and Lulyango that we initially implement our project are in the same sub-county as Kinene. In fact the local councils of Lulyango and Kona Nwoya are for the most part the same as those for Kinene. Kinene is located on the way to Lulyango and while implementing our pilot project, the people of kinene were not pleased when the say bicycles on a track being carried to Lulyango because they also disparately need them. Little did they know that their day would come so soon as five months later.

During my first day in Gulu, i met up with our project manager, Alex.We talked for hours about what has been going on with the program and also got a chance to take a look at the receipt book for the payments which apart from a few issues looked very good. The next day (Wednesday), we traveled to the two villages to solve some issues that Alex had raised.

Among the issues Alex was facing is one of our beneficiaries who claims that he lost his bicycle. On the contrary, there are several witnesses that say this is a lie saying that he sold it. Fortunate for us, our terms of agreement that this young man signed, carefully details what the consequences of selling the bicycle are. While i met with this young man, he mentioned that he will be able to pay back the full cost of the bicycle (after realizing that his lies were failing him) in installments of 50,000 shillings after which we will evaluate if he is worthy to be trusted again.

Another case is rather complicated. One gentleman who was supposed to pick up a bicycle for a relative on the distribution day is said to have picked up more than one bicycle using a false name. Again there are a number of witnesses in the community that claim that he had this bicycle. Some how he was able to take advantage of the rainy day chaos during the distribution and take two bicycles. This case is yet to be resolved this Sunday when we get to meet with all the BAP beneficiaries and identify what really happened.

It is great that the community understands that the success of our program depends on them. When a beneficiary does something wrong, community members are willing to say the truth because they want our program to continue so that they can benefit from it. Nonetheless, BAP learns from every issue that arises at any one point.
During our distribution in Kinene, all instances that can result in such issues will be avoided.

Other than the above two issues, the program is running very well. The payments are exceptionally going well and we hope it continues that way.

keep posted, more to come about the interviews we have done in Kinene.

Muyambi

HAITI TO UGANDA

2010-01-07T11:12:00.000-08:00

Its always interesting to take a pause and see how fast time goes when you are busy. Seems like i have been busy for the past few years that i have forgotten to notice how old i am getting. Anyways, i guess i never finished writing about my Haiti experience and here i go.

The last few days in Haiti were very busy as i tried to make sure that i had everything covered. Generally the deal is that we have to come up with an attractive design to attract the users of the current back-breaking cart. I traveled to Leogane on the second last day in Haiti and met with the directors of the NEGES foundation one of whom had just flown in from USA a few minutes before. They gave wonderful and constructive critism and advise on what i presented to them and they were willing to actually help in every way they can to make it come true.

Fortunately they pointed us to a member of their organisation, a trustworthy genetleman that agreed to acting as our field manager. The tasks ahead include developing a survey that our field manager can use to find out what obstacles are currently faced in the current mode of transportation. This small survey should also be useful in finding out what the size of our new innovative transportation cart should be. I am hoping both students at Bucknell and Brown would be helpful in making these designs possible.

On my last day, i hurried to the city very early in the morning to look for some gifts for my host family. They had been incredible at taking care of me given the few pounds i gained on the trip. As i jumped on the tap tap (taxi) that evening, i realized that my work in Haiti had just began and wished that it would continue until i get to see even the slightest change in the transportation system in the country. The chaos in the city center reminded me of Uganda and after successful securing all the gifts i found appropriate, i headed back to pack and get ready to fly to the USA where i would stay one day and the fly to Uganda.

In 4 hours i landed at JFK where Kevin saved me from the cold outside the airport. I constantly pondered whether it was really gobal warming that caused the great temperature difference between Haiti and USA or just one of those things well crafted by our creator.

After getting a days trip in NYC by Nicole and Kevin (who tried really hard to impress me with NY pizza), i found myself sitted on Emirates airline (enjoying ICE AGE) headed for Uganda. After a few days in the capital visiting family, i now sit in an internet cafe in Gulu where our BAP pilot project was implemented only a few months ago.

keep posted, more about the trip in the next post.
Muyambi

Haiti 20th-23rd

2009-12-23T10:26:00.000-08:00

At the moment i am sitted in the offices of an organization called Food for the Poor - an organization well know in Haiti for its work.

I am currently in this wonderful country checking on what you might refer to as project feasibility. Haiti is considered to be the poorest country in the southern hemisphere and many struggle to earn a living through means that are not necessarily friendly to their bodies. One of such ways is how people use wooden carts with car tyres to get commodities around the city. You would be amazed at how much people can carry on such a cart. Bicycles Against Poverty project is haiti is to devise means or perhaps try to adopt a bicycle cart that would be as useful as the current cart being used.

With this project comes many challenges but hopefully we will successed in the midst of everything. Not so long ago, i ran into a man who was carrying the top part of the car on his cart. Which was basically a the whole frame of the car and obviosly without the engine, tyres and a few other things. One thing that they dont know is home much this weight affects their backs and life span in turn. Most of them are obviously concerned about earning the daily bread rather than looking in the future which is perfectly reasonable if you live in conditions as harsh as they do.

Anyway, we are hoping we will be able to develop a cart they they can adopt - one that is not back breaking but good enough to carry a good amount of weight besides, the more they carry the more they earn.

We might have to have some educational seminars on the issue because it will be impossible to change the way things are done unless people understand the consequences of how things are being done currently.

So, this is what we are up against - changing a tradition through which people make money - but hopefully giving them a better alternative

keep posted for developments
Muyambi

BAP - Far and Beyond

2009-11-25T21:59:00.000-08:00

Over the past few months after the guluwalk, we have been focusing a lot on the future of BAP and where we want to be in the next 5 years perhaps. Gathering support has been one of our strategies and to tell more people about BAP has been a huge priority.
We recently had a presentation for the Bucknell University trustees where we presented the past, present and future of BAP. From the comments we received, everything must have gone well and we intend to keep it that way.

We also had a presentation for a nearby church were we sold our merchandise from Uganda and also shared our experiences in Uganda. The congregation was amazing and we raised about $500 which is incredible.

Our dinner that was held at the victoria house was a success, all except two people showed up for the dinner. I did give a small speech about our summer project implementation and again the Bucknell community has continued to be extra supportive of our initiative.

In regards to our future, we are currently working on the creation of an umbrella organization called ROTU - Reaching Out to The Underprivileged. This organization will work towards the alleviation of poverty through projects targeted towards low income communities. BAP is one of such projects and more to come. We intend to include projects that cater toward education under a spread branch -BAP-cation "BAP Education" and perhaps health care under "BAP-care".

In order to expand our operations, we realize that costs will be inevitable and that we will need to be able to cover our operation costs. As a solution we are rigorously seeking high school and college students interested in expanding our projects to other countries to begin BAP chapters on their campus. We have seen some success in this areas so far but we still have a lot to do.

In Uganda, all is well. Two of our beneficiaries have been involved in car accidents, but nothing major. Their bicycles were replaced by the drivers responsible and so everything is in order. Payments are coming in well and in can not wait to get back in Uganda this christmas.

Keep posted for more to come

Muyambi

GULU WALK!

2009-10-15T17:40:00.000-07:00

Bicycles Against Poverty will be sponsoring the annual Gulu Walk on October 25th at 1pm starting at the KLARC U

The Gulu Walk raises awareness about the hundreds of thousands of night-commuting children in Northern Uganda who walked from their rural villages into the town of Gulu and other urban centers to sleep in relative safety and avoid abduction by the Lord’s Resistance Army (LRA) for use in the country’s 22-year war.

Starting at 1pm in the KLARC U, we will have performances by A Capella groups: Bison Chips, Beyond Unison and Voices of Praise gospel choir, along with complimentary light refreshments before the walk begins around 1:30pm. There will also be a slideshow of pictures of our trip this past summer and a showing of our documentary following the walk.

You can sign up in the LC mall the week of October 19th-23rd. You can also check out our Gulu Walk t-shirts!

First BAP Video

2009-10-06T06:48:00.000-07:00

We have finished our first ever BAP video. It provides a description of what we did in Uganda and what we hope to continue doing. In this day and age of booming media, videos are the best way to reach people of all ages. I would suggest sending this to everyone you know to spread the word on our behalf. There is more to come, as we reach more communities across the globe.

More steering committee!

2009-10-01T20:55:00.000-07:00

Tonight we had another steering committee meeting! We discussed:

Website editing
Research on Bicycle companies/ current bicycle projects
Finances
Gulu walk
Conferences
Posters
Update on Victoria House dinner:
Seeking corporate sponsors:
Searching for additional student grants
Continue steps toward acquiring NGO status
Have we secured any media for the Gulu Walk? Or made contact with the Daily Item?
Save the date for Gulu Walk and fundraising dinner on November 20th
Gulu walk advertisement
Organizations to present at like the Lions club and area ministerial association
Invitations for dinner
Fundraising letter
BAP at Cornell
General Uganda Update from Alex

BAP love

Committees

2009-09-24T16:58:00.000-07:00

Here is a general description of each of the BAP committees, though the job description of each will continue to evolve and be added to as the organization continues to expand.

Operations:
VP of Operations-Nicole
Generally, their role is to handle the logistics of BAP events and implementing ideas. The operations committee works with any offices on campus like RICs, BSG (except for the finances), and Transportation Services. They also handle the logistics for events working behind the scenes and taking care of the short term planning. They work to coordinate with other established college campus chapters like Brown University for example. Finally, they are responsible for contacting and connecting with people on the ground in Uganda.

Communications:
VP of Communications-Kylie
The Communications is the outreach and advertising branch of BAP, making sure that our events get out there. They are responsible for arranging presentations, making posters and flyers, sending message to the entire campus through the message center, and delivering invitations.

Development:
VP of Development- Molly
They work on longer-term projects, setting the foundation for the major events and fundraising projects sponsored by and benefitting BAP. They also are in charge of finding and applying for grants. Finally, they are working on establishing the legitimacy of the organization and branching out. Currently that is manifested in working for non-profit status.

Another successful Group Meeting!

2009-09-24T14:48:00.001-07:00

Tonight we met with the entire group, introducing our new members to the organization and the way the club is run, discussing the three committees and what we have planned in the upcoming months.

We have decided that every other Thursday we will meet with the entire group from 5 to 6 in the seventh street house! (Individual committee meetings will happen according to each group’s schedule. The steering committee will meet from 5 to 6 on the Thursdays we do not have the large group meetings.)

Here is what we discussed at today's meetings:

Before the group meeting we held a mini steering committee meeting discussing:
1. Our successful fundraising selling bags and necklaces brought home from Uganda
2. Changing our name with Bucknell University from Child Soul to BAP
3. Obtaining a used computer for the office in Uganda
4. The presentation today that was sort of a flop because of low attendance
5. The video we are creating about BAP to teach people a little about the organization and what we did this summer to use as an advertising tool.
6. The Fundraising dinners that will take Place in Lewisburg in November
7. The BAP constitution
8. The Board of Directors

At the larger group meeting we discussed:
1. Welcoming our new members and giving quick introductions
2. Introducing each Vice President and explaining what their committee does
3. Each committee updated us on what they have been up to. Communications is working on advertising. For example, they are making connections in the Lewisburg community and working on giving presentations to local clubs, churches, and organizations, scanning all of the articles about BAP, and developing the video. Development is working on obtaining our nonprofit organization status and our longer-term fundraising dinners. Operations is working on the logistics of all of our events on campus, specifically the Gulu walk.
4. We gave updates on the steering committee meetings to the larger group.
5. We discussed the upcoming conferences we will be participation in
6. The Gulu walk on October 25.
7. The to-do lists each community

Thanks to everyone who came!

Getting Organized

2009-09-17T16:19:00.000-07:00

Tonight in our steering committee meeting, planning for the upcoming semester really got rolling, here is an update of what we discussed:
1. Finishing the constitution for ROTU/BAP
2. Contacting possible board of directors and writing up letters to them and listing their responsibility
3. People’s responsibilities as committees and VPs.
4. The communication of BAPers outside webmail.
5. Finalizing the general BAP report.
6. Fundraising dinner
7. Paintings from Uganda
8. Raising public awareness: Daily Item, Bucknellian, and other local news?
9. Faculty Presentation
10. Rotary clubs/churches presentations
11. A new face for the Website
12. Gulu walk on the FRONT page on Bucknellian
13. Public Safety Bikes
14. T-shirt for the Gulu walk

In addition to this meeting, the individual committees met this week and are working on their separate tasks using the newly interested members from the Bucknell Campus. People from every year came out to our interest meeting last week and we are already seeing that they will be a ton of help!

BAP LOVE

Successful Presentation

2009-09-10T17:11:00.000-07:00

The presentation on the trip to Uganda was a huge success Tuesday night. We had an awesome turn out and a wonderful power point presentation describing what happened during the trip, what had to be done, and people experiences. Afterwards, the audience asked some great and informative questions. Tomorrow, we will begin to sell the beautiful crafts brought back from Uganda. Specifically, bags and jewelry made by the children who were forced to hide at night in order to be kept safe. We have also set the dates for some very exciting events in the upcoming months. The Gulu walk will take place on Sunday October 25 at 1 pm. We will also be hosting a screening of the movie Invisible Children on November 5 at 7:30 pm and a fundraising dinner on Saturday November 21.

Communication with BAP Project Manager Part 1

2009-09-08T10:48:00.000-07:00

I should have written this a while ago to tell you about whats happening with BAP now that we left Uganda. Ideally i am supposed to call our Project Manager (PM) regularly to get updates about how everything is progressing but due to the time difference does not make it as simple as it sounds and should be.

During my first call with PM, he informed me that over 300 people turned up at the office to get applications for the bicycles but he unfortunately had only 42 applications that we had left with him. It should be not problem given that i am returning to Uganda during winter break.
He also informed me that one of the official in lulyango (one of the villages) is not being as cooperative as we had hoped. The PM promised to talk to this official so that everything moves smoothly. Fortunately the second local council (LC) official of this area has been wonderful.

Out PM was also having trouble with his gmail email account but i helped him resolve the issue and he is ready to become internet savvy.
Apparently there is an incident where both a husband and a wife have BAP bicycles- something we tried really hard to avoid. So i guess we will have to ask everyone's family details for the application.

That is all i got from our PM, Alex Oryema, i will be back soon with more details from my second call with him. Please stay tuned, dont touch that dial Muyambi is on the mic.

BAP LOVE

BAP presentation at Bucknell University

2009-09-05T08:23:00.000-07:00

Mark your calendars for our Bicycles Against Poverty (BAP) presentation to learn more about who we are and what our project aims to do. We will report on our efforts this summer in Northern Uganda and what our plans are for the future.

Anyone interested in joining BAP efforts , come to learn more about how you can help us reach our goals.

Anyone else from the community is also welcome to learn more about what BAP is and how you, too can help us realize our dream of helping people in developing countries "cycle to prosperity".

We will be meeting at 8:15pm on Tuesday, September 8th in the LC Gallery Theatre (LC301)- on the third floor of the LC.

If you have any questions, feel free to contact muyambi@rotu.org or visit our website at www.rotu.org.

Back at Bucknell

2009-09-01T08:54:00.000-07:00

Last week, the most of the BAP crew met at Bucknell for the first meeting since the trip to Uganda and the possibilities for Bicycles Against Poverty Seem endless. With the success of the trip to Uganda behind us, we started the fall semester by organizing, electing officials to govern. Unanimously electing Muyambi president, and designating a Vice President of Communications, Operations, Engineering, and Development as well as financial officer and a secretary in order to effectively run the club and be able to do as much as we can, as quickly as we can. In the works for this semester, we plan to work toward achieving non-profit status and NGO status, with the help of some lawyers in the BAP family. We also hope to branch out, spreading the BAP program to other colleges and Universities, reaching into the network of Bucknell Alumni, and incorporating alternate forms of micro-finance, including working with senior engineering majors to design their senior engineering projects for BAP under the umbrella of ROTU, or Reaching Out To the Under Privileged. Additionally, we had an unbelievable turnout at the BAP table at freshman orientation, and this semester fresh faces will help to propel us forward. Finally, the Uganda team put together a wonderful presentation about the trip that will be held in the LC on September 8 at 8pm.

Drawing comparisons on opportunities for the ultra-poor

2009-09-01T07:46:00.000-07:00

Just before starting work at Centre for Microfinance, I spent close to a month with fellow students from Bucknell University to implement Bicycles Against Poverty (BAP), a microenterprise Community Based Organization in Northern Uganda, not very far from the Sudanese border. This area has continued to remain behind several other regions of Sub-Saharan Africa in terms of economic and social development, which can be largely attributed to a civil war that has devastated the region since the mid 1980s. A brief introduction to the Ugandan Civil War, which is unofficially and slowly coming to an end, can be found here and here.

BAP mainly targets the ultra-poor community either currently living in government sponsored internally displaced people (IDP) camps or those returning to their native villages after having lived in these camps for a few years. As the overwhelming majority was composed of farming communities, bicycles would play an important role in transporting goods back to the village and the market, as well as for carrying water and during emergency medical situations in this area comprising of very poor infrastructure.

Institutional funding from the United States was used to set up a combined donor-microfinance model to provide bicycles at subsidized costs because it was realized that asking families earning less than half a dollar a day to pay the full amount for a new bicycle is unreasonable. After conducting baseline surveys of over 250 households, 100 individuals were identified to receive bicycles in two villages in Amuru district based on a selection rubric optimizing the ability to pay (ATP) and the desirability to obtain and effectively utilize a bicycle. Both these indices were developed from baseline data. The bicycles were given to the beneficiaries after conducting two workshops: one on bicycle service and maintenance, and another on credit and savings management.

The terms of the loan comprise a monthly 4,000 Ugandan Shillings (1 USD = 2050 UGX) payment over an 18-month period to cover the subsidized cost of the bicycle. Following the completion of the payment, full ownership of the bicycle will be transferred to the beneficiary, although he/she is not allowed to re-sell the bicycle within ten years after the bicycle was disbursed. This clause in the contract was necessary to ensure that beneficiaries do not think of the bicycles as a good they can sell in the open market, but as a source of income generation and productivity improvements.

One of the goals of this program was to encourage regular saving habits for the people, many of whom are habituated to spending most of their income from the harvest season right away, instead of saving for the lean season. It should be mentioned though, that there do exist some self help groups in these villages which collect between 1000-1500 UGX from individual members throughout the course of the year, which can be borrowed for unforeseen emergency situations.

Within a couple of days of receiving bicycles, several beneficiaries asked the program manager if they could repay the entire loan amount in the next month’s installment or pay 6,000 – 8,000 shillings to complete loan obligations sooner. There are a variety of possible explanations for this behavior – some beneficiaries would be willing to borrow from friends and family so their debt obligations with external agencies are minimal. Additionally, the bicycles were given during the harvest season, and thus the beneficiaries would use their increased seasonal income to pay off current loans immediately instead of getting into a regular habit of personal saving. Could a greater minimum monthly payment > 4000 UGX have changed this scenario? The baseline data would have suggested otherwise.

The important issue to be considered after reading about this project is asking what context specific income generating goods or services can be provided to the ultra-poor which will serve to increase their capacity to generate income one way or another. Be it bicycles, solar-cookers, treated bed nets, or livestock, improper implementation of the program in these scenarios can ultimately change the outcome of such interventions. With BAP, however, the primary objectives of the program look to be getting fulfilled.

Article by Abhay Agarwal

Last Bits of Excitement: Post from Monday, August 10

2009-08-12T10:55:00.000-07:00

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

Saturday, August 1st- Recovery Day

2009-08-01T05:41:00.000-07:00

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

Friday, July 31st- Bike Distribution Day 1!

2009-08-01T05:32:00.000-07:00

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

First Day of Surveying

2009-07-30T06:24:00.000-07:00

Blog entry for the 27th

Although this blog is a bit overdue, Monday was probably the most exciting and rewarding day we’ve had so far on the trip! Monday was our first day of surveying locals about our bicycle project. Although we had planned to leave early in the morning, last minute copying and errands put us a bit behind schedule. By 11 we were on our way. After 10 minutes or so of driving we noticed that the van was awfully quiet. Princess Odeke had been left behind! Oops! So after backtracking a bit, we finally on our way to Corner Nwoya. This is one of the two villages in Amuru district where we will be distributing bicycles. The ride to Nwoya was really interesting because it was our first trip outside of Gulu town. Gulu town is the center of the district, filled with people and businesses, while the outskirts of Gulu town are small huts in the middle of the bush. I personally had a rush of emotions while starring out the window. The land was so beautiful and the people appeared so independent and proud. But I couldn’t help but feel like I was living through a docu-drama. During the war, north of Gulu town was rebel territory and no one would have ventured to where we were driving. Driving through the bush, I couldn’t help but think of all the terror and heartache those around me had endured. Solomon, one of our faithful translators, was sitting next to me explaining how his family was forced to abandon their home in Amuru for sanctuary in Gulu town.
When we finally arrived in Nwoya, we were greeted by a few villagers seated under the “big tree”, the community gathering spot. I think we were all surprised by the village because Nwoya is located in one of the IDP camps. Although refugee and IDP camps are different, it never occurred to me that Nwoya would look like a concentrated village of huts rather than campsite of displaced persons. Most people have moved out of the IDP camps, so the village was not packed with huts, but a couple years ago it was probably overflowing. Within minutes, swarms of villagers arrived to investigate what all the commotion was about. Mzungus, (that’s what locals refer to us as) do not come on a regular occasion. Once the LC arrived, he introduced our group and thanked us for coming. Following the greetings Muyambi stood up and gave the villagers a brief description of who we are and what we hoped to accomplish. The villagers were very receptive to the project and asked many intelligent questions. One woman asked what will happen to the bike if a recipient dies before the 18 months are up. (18 months is the standard term for repayment if people pay 4,000 shillings a month). Unfortunately unexpected death is a reality that people here must plan for, something we never even considered. While Muyambi was speaking we also committed our first cultural offense. Since the launch of our project was so momentous, we had been filming and photographing the event. However the villagers became annoyed that they were being taped without their consent and before they even knew why we had come. The whole trip is a learning process, so although we felt ashamed in the moment, I’m glad the villagers spoke up shared their thoughts. At least we won’t make the same mistake twice. Once Muyambi was done speaking we divided the villagers into groups behind each translator. Every translator was paired up with two students, so we all got to participate in the surveying and application process. I think that surveying the villagers was definitely the most exciting and rewarding experience I have had so far. Although we have discussed and debated what is most helpful to locals, how a bicycle will affect their lives, it was not until we used a bottom-up strategy of surveying did we discover how impactful a bicycle will be. Many of the people we interviewed walked up to 6 miles every day to retrieve water. One lady I spoke with had diabetes and as a result had to travel to Gulu Hospital 2x a month for 30,000 shillings each trip—astronomically expensive for the average person. Although the surveys compiled a detailed analysis of each person, connecting with the people also gave us much insight into their lives. Learning their individual stories was not only interesting but also inspiring. The day was definitely a success but we did discover a few kinks in our surveys that we would have to work out. Some of the questions the translators did not understand and other questions were simply unnecessary. Monday was a pilot session to learn from so Tuesday would definitely run more smoothly.
When we arrived back at our hotel we found out perhaps the most exciting news of the day… we had officially become a CBO!!!! Molly and Abhay had stayed back to meet with Joe, a high government official in charge of CBOs and NGOs. After asking a few questions he approved our status, giving us his full support. Joe also gave some helpful suggestions to BAP. He explained that we must be careful to filter out the artificial need BAP might create. Although someone may not have a need for a bike, when bikes become available, everyone thinks he or she need one. He also told us to emphasize the multiplier effect that bikes will have on the community. Maintaining a close relationship between BAP and our partner villages will also be critical to the success of the project—working hand-in-hand with the LCs is a must. Lastly, he urged us to formulate some type of conflict management for problems that might arise in the future with beneficiaries and repayment.

All in all today was a major success, just one of many more to come ….

Nicole

Tuesday July 28

2009-07-30T05:55:00.000-07:00

Today is the second day of applications and surveys. The group split up into two- one going to the LC I of Nwoya and the other driving directly to village number 2, Luluyango. The ride was the same, bumpy and dusty, yet narrower. We drove through “the bush,” where the LRA used to hide. I’ve heard of the bush from all the documentaries and books we had to read, but seeing it now- tall grass that goes way past my head- I started imagining rebels lurking in there while we drove by. We finally got to Lulyango and had a conference with the village where the LCI and LCII introduced us to the people. The whole process was very much the same as the day before- children sat together behind the adults while the village officials sat on their low wooden chairs and benches and the rest were seated on a tarp on the ground. We did, however, learn from yesterday to wait for formal introduction before taking pictures. The rest of the day was just that- a learning experience. The conference ended with lots of claps and Acholi squealing. The squealing is a good sign. Katherine’s wedding, women would squeal and vibrate their tongues in celebration. It reminded me of the sound Red Indians would make, but unlike the Red Indians; the Acholi squeal was not a prelude to an attack. I realized the villagers were celebrating the fact that we were there for them.

So, we started the whole process. We had six translators and a separate station for English speakers. There weren’t as many English speakers as there in Nwoya, and each person was given a number to make sure that the first people in line were given priority over people who came later. Yesterday we came across some men pushing the women out of the lines, and so Janice suggested this number system to prevent that from happening again. The whole process was a lot less chaotic and more organized. We had a rotation system so everyone could explore the village, play with the kids, and observe the borehole. It took us four whole hours to go through everybody in the village with a 109 applications at the end of the day. But, what surprised me, was the patience these people ahd just for the opportunity to be considered for the bicycle program. No one complained about the wait. They just sat quietly on the ground- women tending to their children and men having conversation. They probably observed us muzungus too, while we observed them. But it was a very pleasant atmosphere. We had translators so we could interact with them, and sometimes no translation was needed at all. We all tried to learn a few words in Luo, such as “Apwoyo” for “thank you,” or “I tinini?” for “how are you;” and “ Nyingi nga?” for “what’s your name.” That put a smile on their faces- seeing that we were trying to learn their language although we were struggling with our pronunciation.

While we were finishing up a few more people, Kevin, Erika, Odeke, and Colin started playing with all the kids together. They did “Simon says…” and tag with about fifty kids of all ages surrounding them. It was an adorable sight- another instance where we really didn’t need words to communicate, but silly actions that Simon tells you to do.

As this eruption of giggles and cheers was going on in front of me, in the distance, in the direction of the borehole, I could see some women and little girls line up jerry cans in front of the pump while a young girl pushed down on the lever on the other side. When the cans were filled, they put them on their heads.

Sophia

Tuesday, quick update

2009-07-28T09:17:00.000-07:00

Greetings from Uganda. The students will undoubtedly have more to post, but I wanted to let folks know that the last two days have been spent in two remote villages about one and a half hours from Gulu town center. There we have been surveying residents, many who had been displaced because of the long years of fighting, to get a sense of the current condition and need for transportation. In each village we processed around 100 applications from people who wanted to benefit from the Bicycles Against Poverty program. We hope to provide bikes at half the actual cost to around 50% of the applicants. Each person who receives a bike will pay back about $2 to $3 a month to enable us to buy more bikes. This is where the real work of the group began and while it has been challenging at times, I think the volunteers are in good spirits and feeling excited about the opportunity to make a real difference in the lives of these families. Many of the villagers are farmers and must trek along very rutted dusty roads in the bush to get to markets, their own gardens, or to hospitals and social services.

I'll let others write more about that, but I wanted to share with you an encounter I had this morning before leaving Gulu town. I was followed into a stationery store by a young man named Justin who asked to speak to me. After he helped me buy some pens and clip boards and find a place to have an official BAP stamp made, he handed me a piece of paper. On it was neatly written his situation. After asking God to bless me, he asked for help. Justin had arrived in Gulu the night before from one of the Internally Displaced Persons camps with his sister who was very ill. She is 19 and suffering from HIV/AIDS. While his grandmother was to come to Gulu today to pay for the hospital stay, Justin had no money. He and his sister had not eaten. The hospitals provide what treatment they can, but it is up to the patient's family to provide food here. He asked if I would buy some beans at the local market for him and his sister in exchange for his help. He was very sincere and clearly worried about his sister who had been coughing up blood. During our walking, he explained that he had been captured by the rebel army and was living in the bush as a child soldier when he escaped about 5 years ago. The commander of his unit came looking for him in his village and when he was not found, his parents and brothers were killed to send a message to Justin. His sister and grandmother are his only remaining relatives. I was really moved by this individual's story and left him with 10,000 Ugandan shillings. It's less than $5 for us but clearly a big sum for him. What really breaks my heart is that I know his story, but it is just one of many such tragic tales. There are thousands of other stories like it here in northern Uganda. It will take a long, long time for the legacy of a useless war to be removed from the shoulders of people here who carry these experiences each day.

I am so proud of our students who have undertaken this work. Other people have questioned why they would spend money and sacrifice their summer time to come to a place that seems forsaken by so many. But like me, they can not help but be moved by the suffereing and the resiliency of Ugandans. We hope our work will make some some difference in the lives of a few people like Justin.

Janice Butler

July 28th

2009-07-28T02:15:00.000-07:00

July 28th hello
Hello, hello hello! It’s unbelievable how quickly this trip is flying by, especially considering that we are subject to “Africa time”. In order to get the most out of today, we decided to divide and conquer. And conquer we did. The “to do’s” of the day included such things as organizing the applications and surveys, photocopying the applications and surveys, devising a way to pick who receives a bicycle, and checking out Gulu University. While everything was important in its own way, the most pressing and challenging task to tackle was that of developing criteria to choose our recipients from the candidate pool. Alyson, Erika, Kevin, and JD brilliantly devised a method of quantitatively selecting what we believe to be an ideal candidate for our pilot program—someone with great need, but still the ability to make a payment of 4,000 UGX each month (roughly $2). Believe it or not that hardworking group created a mathematical formula to help find the best candidates. Data about income, wealth (in terms of livestock), number of dependents, and distance to work and water were all included. It was extremely impressive, especially since the method was presented using graphs and equations. Although this “plug & chug” way of finding our recipients will be a very useful tool in the future, the grueling process of entering the data had to be performed first. House upon hours of time and effort went into organizing the information. Eventually the brunt of the work was done, and now, with a tweaking to the formula and some subjective input, tomorrow, the candidates will be selected. It is our hope to distribute the bikes to Corner Nwoya this Friday and to Lulyango on Saturday. Personally, I hope this schedule works out, considering I will have to leave Friday afternoon for Sudan and want to see the smiles on the villagers’ faces as they receive their shiny new bikes. I must say I’m sad to separate from the group. We have been through a lot and I am proud of our group for getting things organized, working together, and communicating. This is not to say we haven’t had our share of hang-ups, frustrations, and doubts, especially after we first arrived in Gulu. But our focus and dedication will be able to help 100 individuals and their families, friends and neighbors in the very near future. That is certainly an accomplishment.

BAP LOVE <3
Megan Elaine Vodzak

Sunday, July 26

2009-07-27T00:14:00.000-07:00

Today was an extremely productive day. Muyambi got two out of the three signatures we need from the local commissioners of the Amoro district where we want our project to be based. This gives us the right to finally visit the community, tell them about our project, and have surveys and applications filled in. I can’t stress how vital this step is to all that we need to do here. We are going to get a thorough feel of how we can best help the villages we are in contact with and see what adjustments need to be made in our plan.

Another great contribution to the project was the meeting with Mark who aided us in completing our CBO paperwork as well as suggesting existing CBO’s that we would work with if approval of our application is delayed. We also can’t forget how helpful Alex has been through all of this, giving us a great idea of what’s actually going to happen on the ground and providing us with valuable insight into the local situation. BAP’s contacts have been incredibly helpful. Their knowledge of the area and the communities we plan to work with ensure that we are accepted by the people we are trying to assist and that our transition into their lives goes as smoothly as possible. It gives me great confidence to know that they support what we’re doing here in Uganda and are willing to give time and energy to help our project. I feel as though the more local support we have the more likely we are to succeed and it is very reassuring to know that BAP isn’t a top down organization, but instead receives and depends on the input of people who know all about the current situation.

The most memorable part of the day for me was the meeting with Steven, a new friend that Kevin, Colin, and John made at the wedding we attended yesterday. Steven had been a night commuter, one of the children we have up till now only read about. He, like many others, had been forced to make a nightly commute into town in order to avoid abduction by the rebels. His story was extremely touching, delivering a harsh yet welcome reality to an account that had been intangible to us until now. Steven took us to the place where he and the other children used to sleep. The compound is now serving as a place of counseling for former abductees as well as working on a program to educate people in order to prevent sexual violence. I’m sure we all appreciated Steven’s openness in telling his story and introducing us to his difficult past. Although it may have been hard for him to talk about I’m really glad he did. He is an amazing person and I hope we are able to stay in contact with him throughout our trip.

Although the end of the day was a bit longer then we had all initially wanted, the slight amount of sleep that we gave up to have our student only meeting was well worth it. I feel as though we are finally on the same page, tensions have been released, and we are able to be more confident about our plan of attack. The group dynamic is working out very well and I think everyone feels closer. I hope that the lines of communication stay open and together we can succeed.

- Erika

Saturday, July 25th

2009-07-27T00:03:00.001-07:00

While our goal over the next week is to dispense 100 bikes, we also have an overarching mission to become an NGO. In order to be an NGO we first have to become a community based organization (CBO). The latter half of our day was devoted to BAP work, including a majority of work to become a CBO. This included writing a constitution, mission statement, vision, member list, etc. We also worked more on the survey that we will hand out; the application for the bicycles applicants; and the terms of agreement. Overall, we’re very excited to be forming the steps to become an organization and putting out skills to work by writing and organizing “real-world” documents. We feel productive and proud to be forming our own organization. By become an NGO, the process will become more efficient and our work will make a greater impact. This motivates us and gives us a push to do more work and further expand the project for the future.

Doing the document work didn’t start until mid-day (and went into early morning!) because before we worked, we went to a Ugandan wedding! We woke up bright and early to go to Lucy’s wedding. Lucy is a member of the church that we are going to work with (Pastor from last night) and one of the women that Muyambi was in contact with during the year. We learned the true definition of African time, for the schedule of events was delayed a few hours. Ugandan weddings differ from American weddings in that they last all day- from 8am to 6pm on. We arrived around 10 am and immediately set off to be helpful in any way necessary. A few of us decorated the cars that were used to pick up the bride and groom, while others did vegetable prep work- peeling 100+ potatoes, chopping onions, etc. But none of us felt inclined to assist with the cleaning of the cow stomach lining! :) It was a great way for us to connect one-on-one with the women and men. During and after the prep work, many wedding guests sung and danced in the church. The enthusiasm with dancing and singing was amazing to say the least. The joy and happiness gave us energy to strut our “muzungu” dance moves. All the clapping, singing, and dancing (while certainly exhausting) kept a lasting smile. After a few hours, we left got lunch and returned to see that the bride still hadn’t arrived. After the bride arrived in her decorated car and the ceremony kicked off. Two hours later, we left to do our BAP work and the wedding continued.

- Molly

Friday - Arrival in Gulu!

2009-07-25T08:10:00.000-07:00

Hey everyone! Today we journeyed from Kampala to Gulu so we can start on the more specific aspects of the BAP project. The ride took us about 4-5 hours, not nearly as bad as the trips most of us have endured in the last few days. The highlights of the drive were probably the views of the Nile and a few baboons hanging out in the road.

After we arrived in Gulu, sorted out our lodging, and ate, we split up into groups to explore Gulu and find important landmarks such as an internet café, Gulu University, and the Invisible Children headquarters. After some free time, we all went to meet with a local pastor, who talked about the past and current situations within Gulu. As he described the nightly commute of many children into Gulu, it hit me that we finally actually here. Prior to that moment I was merely seeing Gulu as another Ugandan city; comparing its roads, markets, and atmosphere with that of Kampala and Kabale. However, as the Pastor spoke about the children’s commute and the atrocities committed against many local adults and children, I was finally able to really imagine these events in their proper setting. The streets we walked to get to this church were exactly the same as those that the children followed in order to arrive at a safe sleeping place for the night.

After all of our preparations through movies, books, discussion, and independent research, we were finally in the city we had learned so much about and surrounded by the people we wanted so desperately to help recover from the horrible circumstances they were victim to. This realization has really enhanced my desire to get out into the community, interact with the locals, hear their stories, and get this project going!

-Alyson

Second day in Kampala

2009-07-23T19:52:00.000-07:00

Today we had a very busy and exciting day. The morning started off with a great breakfast consisting of fresh fruit, eggs, and jam. We then traveled to the Watoto children's village. The place was very well kept and there were lots of volunteers already their. After a short time at the children’s home we traveled to the outskirts of Kampala to the Watoto village for children who are old enough to walk. We all had a great time playing with the children who were clearly very lucky to have the chance to live in their.
The afternoon consisted of a great authentic Ugandan meal in Kampala, a tour of several local churches, and an evening visit at Mother Susan's orphan home. Mother Susan was an extremely special person who radiated love and warmth. During the evening she took us into her home, cooked us a great meal, and introduced us to the children. We all played various games including football (soccer), ring around the rosy, tag, and drums with dancing. During the evening we came to understand how much our efforts mean to some of the people here. They appreciate the voice and the caring we can give to them. However I feel like we received more then we gave. The children's energy, love for life and mama Susan's compassion invigorated us as we get ready to leave for Gulu tomorrow morning.

First Day in Kampala

2009-07-22T13:14:00.000-07:00

We had a busy day changing money and running errands today. We also visited the Sanyu Babies Home, an orphanage for newborns to age 4. The program is well run and can accommodate up to 50 little ones, but it is sad that so many youngsters have been abandoned. Some are left on the street for authorities or good Samaritans to find. The highlight of the day was a great performance of African dancing and song from different parts of Uganda with a terrific buffet dinner tonight at the Ndere Center. On the way to the dance performance, we experienced Kampala's rush hour traffic first hand, increasing our commute time by an additional hour!

Unfortunately, we haven't found it easy to get an internet connection. Therefore we may not be able to blog as often as we like. However, parents should rest easy. Everyone is fine. In case of emergency, you can call this mobile phone service to reach someone in the group: 011 256 784 047069

Wednesday, 7/22

2009-07-22T02:31:00.000-07:00

We're here and we're safe. Had a great breakfast this morning and are headed out to change money, visit a babies home, and will see the African national dance troupe at a performance this evening. Will post again soon with an international phone number to contact us in case of emergencies. - Janice Butler

Boom daddy!

2009-07-14T12:33:00.000-07:00

Hey everyone! So far in Kabale we have:
- have been guided by our personal guru/hero/prophet/idol/champ (depends who you ask)
- visited a health clinic, AIDS clinic, Community Hospital, and Government Hospital
- went to 2 community outreach meetings; 1 for HIV education and testing and 1 specifically for 200+ people who are HIV positive
- got a sneak peak into an indigenous lake culture
- Colin and JD have excelled at African dancing and performed for various African audiences
- JD and Colin, with Nicole’s financial support, won an auction at a Rotary banquet and won a plaque which reads, “Of the things we say think or do: Is it the truth? Is it fair to all concerned? Will it build goodwill and better friendship? Is it beneficial to all concerned?”
- Nicole fell in a sewer
- visited the subcounty parliament of Bukinda
- went to church
- stayed in cottages on a private island
- met the most amazing man in the world named William (our cook)
- mastered blackjack
- watched a bunch of groups perform African dances
- Megan has perfected her strategy for attracting swarms of children
- adapted duck, duck, goose to Ugandan terms (chicken, chicken, goat)
- played lots of games ranging from cat’s cradle to coloring with Isaac Newton and Joe Joe
- have discovered all of JD’s identities (6 and counting . . .)
- celebrated Erika’s 22nd birthday with the whole Anguyo family
- hiked up a mountain in inappropriate/slippery shoes
- all while simultaneously working on documents to evaluate Kihefo and planning a nutrition rehabilitation clinic

Next, we plan to:
- finish our documents
- community outreach meeting with HIV positive women
- making a presentation to the local Rotary
- spending 3 days reflecting on Lake Bunyoni
- go out on the town with Warren and Felix
- drinking local sorghum beer out of a calabash
- and venture back to Kampala to meet up with the rest of BAP!

For the most part, we have been working on a full evaluation of Kihefo’s activities and collecting all of the necessary documentation to help them in the future and to apply for grants for the nutrition center. Sorry we haven’t posted in awhile but we’ve had several power outages and we’ve been very busy!

- Nicole, Erika, Megan, Alyson, Colin, and Karl

Getting Closer and Closer

2009-07-13T13:54:00.000-07:00

Once upon a time, it seemed like ages to the time we begin BAP project. But right now, its just a week to Uganda. Abhay keeps me updated on the remaining days because its on his gmail status. I am currently preparing for my ILTM presentation for Wednesday and i can not wait to be done so that i can only think about BAP.

It seems like the BAPers in Uganda are having too much fun to keep us updated regularly. I hope their parents dont freak out if there is nothing posted on the blog for a few days. The interesting thing is that the current BAPers are in Kabale, which is the next to Rukungiri-my home village. I havent been there in years, i only wish i was there with them so i could visit my home town.

We had our second meeting with Kevin, Abhay, Janice and DeeAnn. We talked extensively on how to transfer funds to Uganda for bicycle purchase and the sort. We also talked about the survey and i thank Abhay among others who have put alot of time in editing the BAP survey. This is a great tool because we can use it in any country we decide to work in.

Please keep in touch with us as we travel far and beyond.

Muyambi

Flight, Kampala, and Kabale

2009-07-08T03:46:00.001-07:00

Journey to Uganda

Our journey to Uganda began with a brutal 15 hour plane flight including a short stop in Rome, landing us in the lovely city of Addis Ababa, Ethiopia. Although our stay was relatively short we managed to get a pretty good view of the culture, including a mosque, ferris wheel, and an introduction to the lovely local cuisine. The views in Addis are phenomenal! After that, we hopped back on the plane for our final leg of the journey. Although the flight was an emotional roller coaster, our excitement never dwindled. As we walked off the plane with our luggage in hand, we realized that the BAP project was no longer just a dream.

To Kampala and beyond

Despite our well founded skepticism about our loose agenda, we were all relatively surprised by being greeted at the airport with a car waiting and safely and quickly transported us to one of the classiest hotels in town. We were also surprised to see that Kampala is a very busy city with lots of businesses, crazy driving, and hustle and bustle. We had a lovely buffet dinner and did a bit of exploring of Kampala’s night scene.

Bright and early, we woke up this morning for an excruciating, yet scenic 8 hour roller coaster to Kabale. After a lot of unbelievably big bumps, honking, and throwing up children, we arrived in Kabale. Many of us agree that the bus ride was the first real culture shock that we experienced. The bus was hot, dusty, and tightly packed. However, it seemed as if it was a typical Ugandan experience that we were part of. Seeing the way in which parents treated their children, vendors soliciting their products, and the interaction between the various passengers was fascinating and somewhat emotionally painful. One of the most moving experiences of the day was witnessing a 4 or 5 year old girl who had been kicked out of her seat for an adult to sit down. Sitting on the floor in the back of the bus, the young girl experienced motion sickness and began to throw up. No one really reacted to her being sick; all her father did was hand her a piece of cloth. He did not even clean her off or help her until our guide talked to him about it. Witnessing this was a situation that we could all relate to. These and other events caused deep reflection and conversation among the BAP members at dinner.

When we arrived in Kabale, Dr Geoffrey Anguyo met us at the station to lead us back to his mansion of a house. After meeting his wife and children, we were served an amazing local meal. The hospitality we have experienced was absolutely amazing. After unpacking and resting, we ate dinner and reflected on our day. As we are typing up this blog, the power was turned off- our first experience with another regular occurrence in Uganda. We can’t wait to see what other experiences await us tomorrow!

Give me a "B"! Give me an "icycle"! What does that spell?!

2009-07-04T20:54:00.000-07:00

Guess where we (Megan, Alyson, Erika, and Colin)are? DC!!! After a looonnngg day of traveling from Jersey and a long week of packing potentially useless stuff, we are finally here! Somehow the trip took over 10 hours for some of us. However, there were lots of great times:

10. Erika forgetting how to tell time ("fourteen o'clock...").
9. Erika and Alyson going on a wild bathroom chase.
8. Learning how to count to 10 in Swahili and already forgetting.
7. Megan using her spy skills to track down a Dunkin Donuts to satisfy her Coffee Coolatta craving.
6. Alyson having a 2 hour staring contest with a baby.
5. Seeing the beautiful fireworks at our nation's capital, with a giant tree blocking the entire thing.
4. Megan making funny noises at a baby for 2 hours.
3. The pizza guy finding us at our bus stop and checking in on how our pizza was.
2. Colin throwing a pizza across an EXTREMELY crowded bus.
1. Colin hitting his head on a trash can.

So sorry about the blogging that is only funny to us, but its pretty late and its been a very long day. Even though we are very sleepy, we are also sooo excited to leave for Uganda tomorrow! Erika is anxious, Megan is eager, Colin is fluffy, and Alyson is typing the wrong words rather aggressively. On a serious note, we truly are looking forward to the next couple of weeks and finally reaching the destination that we have long been preparing for. Now its time for a few hours of sleep before that 15 hour plane ride, a visit to Ethiopia, and Snakes on a Plane Sudoku.

Good night BAPers!

48 HOURS!!!

2009-07-03T07:28:00.000-07:00

Hey everyone! So as our official blog coordinator (haha), I figured perhaps I should give this whole blogging thing a try.

First, I want to express my reaction to the How It Ends event. I don’t want to bore everyone since Erika gave a really good summary and Colin eloquently expresses his feelings about the event below. So the main thing I want to talk about is how impressed I was with the NUMBER of people who came to this event. Almost 2,000 people took 2 days of their life (plus travel), paid a $60 registration fee, and journeyed to the capital. I mean, that wasn’t that much of a hike for us BAPers in NJ, but some people came across the country for this event! So many people came from California that they had to lobby with their reps in a park because they couldn’t all fit in an office. In addition, the 3 guys from Invisible Children updated everyone on the Rescue event that we talked about attending. 100,000 people in 100 cities around the world participated in this event! There were people that skipped their prom, camped out for 6 days, and traveled the country in order to attend this event. The event in D.C. that we attended was called How It Ends, and I was inspired that so many people around the world are dedicated to seeing the end of this war. To me, this dedication is what is going to help end the war and initiate recovery through aid projects such as BAP (yay!), support for the people in Uganda, Sudan, and the Congo, and legislative acts such as the LRA Disarmament and Northern Uganda Recovery Act of 2009.

Next . . . the first group of us are leaving for Uganda in less than 48 hours! YAY! Haha so clearly I am VERY excited for this opportunity. However, I haven’t really had time to think about it all that much. For a few weeks after graduation, I just kind of hung out at home and the beach. Then, I decided to take a roadtrip to Philly, NH, and Boston. This was a bit of a crazy trip with 15 hours total by myself in the car, visiting various friends, a job interview, lots of rain, a beer tasting event, AND 2 job offers! Anyways, I headed back home for 1 day and then went to D.C. for the How It Ends event. Upon my return home, I had various friends come to visit me leading up to my birthday/graduation party! This past week Megan has been hanging out in NJ with me and we have just been frantically trying to get everything together for the trip. In addition, I have been trying to find a place to live in New Hampshire since I start an AmeriCorps VISTA position with the American Red Cross and Community Health Institute about 3 days after I return from Uganda! So yea, it’s been a pretty crazy month or so.

Finally, what I have thought about regarding our trip. I fully agree with Molly that the entire BAP project and the fact that I am going to Uganda has not seemed real even though I have been a part of BAP since September. I’m actually still not sure if it has hit me that I will be in Africa in just a few days. However, I am soo excited to see this amazing project implemented and get to know the people of this region!

Well sorry that was long and rambling but I was a little rushed since I still have to pack and write my profile so Muyambi doesn’t hurt me when we see each other in Uganda! See you all soon!!

BAP love,
Alyson

Anticipation

2009-07-02T13:10:00.000-07:00

Neither am I as expressive as Colin, nor am I as succinct as Nicole in my blogging. Nevertheless, I’ve always enjoyed writing and poetry, despite becoming an engineer now, and I had actually written my personal statement to Bucknell in verse. Please note that I am in a habit of usually writing long sentences. Erika, I will remember to bring ear plugs.

Even after graduating, I still feel very much part of Bucknell since I returned to campus almost a month ago and this is very much home for me now since the past 4 years. My parents came from India for graduation and we traveled around the country for 26 days. I went to New York, DC, Lewisburg, Atlanta, Houston, Vegas, San Francisco and Yosemite National Park. Coincidentally, 26 is the same number of days I get to spend in Uganda and the vicinity. But both these travels will be diametrically opposite.

Most of us don’t desire too much uncertainty in life, and I usually fall into that category. But inspite of all the planning our entire group put in over the past year, a lot remains to be determined. Indians have always had an interesting connection since Idi Amin’s days, when he asked all the Indians to vacate the country within 90 days, and I’ve been reading a lot about that. Nicole, I am ready to make the plunge and attempt to create change as well, and hopefully our families will learn to be okay with that. I wish I was able to make it to DC for ‘How it ends’, but I wasn’t able to because of my small business consulting job. Although to make up for that, I did bump into Meghan a couple of weeks ago at a friend’s Masters Thesis defense, and it was an ‘Oh Heyy’ moment for sure.

I see Muyambi and Kevin every now and then on campus when we sit together to make plans for the applications and the survey, and operationalizing this project has been more difficult than I had imagined. We discuss how we want people to pay back these loans, and whether the bicyles will benefit them enough for them to pay it all back because we want this project to be sustainable. Strangely, even though a monthly repayment amount of 5000 Ugandan shillings is only a number to us on an application form we are designing, it might mean the world to the man or woman at the receiving end of this loan. I’m really glad to be putting in time and effort into the application forms and survey, because finally things are coming together for me. I will probably doing similar work for the next year or so, because I am headed to work for a microfinance research organization in India (Center for Microfinance) doing project management and field work for them right after Sophia and I finish exploring central and eastern Africa.

Janice, Dee Ann, John, and Professor Wooden have been fantastic with their comments and help. Even though this is entirely a student project, their assistance has been invaluable.

All the people leaving in a couple of days – good luck!! Can’t wait to see you all

-Abhay Agarwal

How It Ends: Lobbying in Washington DC

2009-07-01T07:33:00.000-07:00

A war spanning over two decades; relentless bloodshed and abduction; child soldiers and sex slaves; this is the strife that seems anything but finite. When madness ensues and apathy brews, the ongoing misery of Uganda and its surrounding regions can seem doomed to forever dither in its chaos.

How can it end? This is the question that was addressed at the Washington DC Convention Center the morning of June 22nd. Nearly two thousand people, mostly college and High School students, gathered to listen to speakers and share ideas. The ultimate goal of the gathering was to lobby for a bill regarding United States support in the removal of Joseph Kony and his Lord’s Resistance Army. Students from around the country met with their respective Senate or Representative offices to beseech support for the bill that would ultimately sow the seeds of peace in Uganda.

The lobbying was concluded with a massive rally in front of the White House accompanied with music and speakers. A strange antithesis was woven between the glee of those enjoying the rally and the sobering reality of child soldiers, war and poverty. It seemed almost a sin to indulge joy when so many are without it, but thus is the woe of human solidarity. When questions spin about absurd answers and prayers left unanswered, by what means can suffering be alleviated? Why, genuine human solidarity, of course. With hands made to hold and arms made to lift, like a cross we will carry one another through shallow and through deep. But yes, solidarity will blow woe like wind; however, joy too will permeate to those who do not feel it. The rally, therefore, did not mark an antithesis of worlds but rather a splash rippling joy across the Atlantic to grief stricken homes of Uganda; for what greater rebellion can exist than to love in an unloving world.

-Colin Thomas

How It Ends

2009-06-29T11:45:00.000-07:00

Hello!

I just wanted to give a little summary of the “How It Ends” event some of us BAPers (Colin, Barb, Alyson, and I) attended last week and a bit of my reaction to it. The event was held June 22 and 23^rd in DC. It was sponsored by Invisible Children, Resolve Uganda, and Enough. The first day was filled with speakers and panels as well as break out sessions and on the second day the 2000 attendees were split up by state and district and sent out to lobby for the Lord’s Resistance Army Disarmament and Northern Uganda Recovery Act of 2009. The act would basically require President Obama to come up with a plan for apprehending Joseph Kony and therefore stopping the violence that East Central Africa has suffered from the hands of the LRA. Along with this military assistance the act would require financial support for transitional justice and economic recovery in the region.

Overall the event was wonderful. We learned a lot more about the conflict from representatives of the Ugandan government, our own government, and of course the organizations sponsoring the event. It was incredible knowing that people from 46 different states had gathered to show their support for one common cause. (My hero Luis Ocampo the chief prosecutor of the ICC was there!) My favorite panel was called “The Future of Development” in which Dan Pallota (the author of Uncharitable) spoke about the future of non-profits. He argued that there is no reason they have to remain small, with constant fears of rising overhead, not using the tools available in capitalism. Spending money on things like marketing and salaries is necessary in order for an organization to grow and become strong enough to make a difference. The panelists also spoke about successful careers in non-profits which I found personally inspiring since my personal career goals seem to be consistently in the non-profit sector while popular discourse (and in particular that of my family and friends) seems to limit their ideas of success to profits.

I don’t mean to be negative, but there were some aspects of the event about which I had my doubts. I know that at an event like this it doesn’t make sense to create doubt about whether or not the actions you are taking are the right ones, but I couldn’t help but wonder. For example, those speaking on behalf of the Ugandan government made it seem as though all their actions had the Acholi people in mind and that they were doing their best to stop the conflict and bring the people home. Yet, while listening to them speak, I couldn’t help but think back to the facts I read in Sverker Finnstrom’s book. For example in Ch. 5 he points out that high ranking army officers have taken the abandoned land of those forced to live in camps and established their own big farms on it. In Chapter 4 he talks about using the camps as a way to control the people. He also addresses the reduction of the crisis to one that is strictly humanitarian in nature, ignoring the political aspect. I know that it is difficult to admit that a group whose modus operandi is abducting children and committing murder has a legitimate political agenda behind its actions. Nevertheless, the book makes it seem that the people of Northern Uganda are unhappy with the unequal distribution of development in their country, the way they are being treated in camps, and the overall lack of representation. I do not mean to legitimize the actions of the LRA, but behind their atrocities there seems to be a political agenda that deserves to be addressed. I can’t help but hope that by supporting this legislation we are not giving Museveni a free ride to ignore the needs of the Acholi people for another 23 years. I also hope the financial aid is put to good use and does not contribute to dependence on international aid.

Ok. Sorry if that was a little bit intense. Hopefully the other attendees of the event have more lighthearted thoughts about it. My basic feeling right now is anticipation. No matter how much I read and get swept up in the stories of Uganda nothing can compare to actually being there and seeing it for myself. I can’t wait for the discomfort of being immersed into a new culture (as well as the discomfort of thousands of mosquitoes and sun burn). I’m excited to prove to people that what we are doing is not stupid or dangerous, but brave and necessary. My biggest hope is that the positive impact we have on the life of one person we meet is a fraction of that which they will have on ours.

I can’t wait for our adventure!

Erika

Ps. Sorry guys, I snore. and also sorry if this gets posted 80 times, I'm terrible at blogging

T-3 days?

2009-06-29T08:08:00.000-07:00

Hi all,

First off, Muyambi, please don't kill me for not writing sooner! I wish I had a good reason but I've just been running around trying to tie all those loose ends before I leave. That's right, I basically leave in 3 days because Colin, Erika, Alyson, John and I all leave from DC on the 5th!!!! So I'm going to spend a long weekend with my friends in DC and then hop right on the plane. It is absolutely crazy that the time has come when all the planning becomes a reality. The BAP project always seemed like an adventure in the distant future, but to all of our surprise, its finally here! I have to say for the past few weeks I've been worrying a bit about all the possible dangers, things that could go wrong. My mom is starting to freak out a bit, she keeps saying she can't make another one of me haha. Actually her whole family is a little nervous for us because many many years ago her dad was in Uganda when Idi Amin was in power. My grandpa was taking pictures of a dung hut and all of the sudden was bombarded by gunman and arrested. Turns out that under the dung hut was actually a secret military base. My grandma had to travel all the way to Uganda just to get my grandpa out. So I guess they all have some reason to worry. However the more I think about the trip, the more I think about Abhay's comment at that meeting we had when we discussed our parent's concerns. Abhay, if you remember, you said you explained to your mom that if we want things to change, we can't wait for someone else to do it. Abhay, I think you were exactly right. Going to Gulu is a risk but it’s one that we need to take in order to make a change. So after all that thinking, worrying, and planning, I am ready and bursting with excitement!

Can't wait to see you all soon!
Nicole

Jambo, habari?

2009-06-28T11:06:00.000-07:00

Twenty one days and counting… I hope everyone else is as excited as I am to be heading to Uganda PRETTY SOON. I’ve been absolutely busy at work, which started on the 15th. And I’m trying to get as much training as I can (in a span of 5 weeks!!!) before I leave so I can return to the US still employed.
I’ve been talking about the trip at work nonstop, so I guess they’ll be happy to get rid of me for a good month until I come back with amazing stories and photos—my personal assignment for the trip. A lot of people have also been asking me about my summer plans, and I tell them Uganda is definitely the highlight. Here’s a typical convo:
Friend: So any plans for the summer aside from work?
Me: I’m going to Uganda for a month!
Friend: What for? Vacation?
Me: Have you heard of Bicycles Against Poverty?
Friend: Oh yea, that program started in *insert random non-African country*.
Not even close. But hey, I’m always glad to tell them all about it and what we’ll be doing there. And the convos always end with “oohs”, “aahs”, and “that’s awesome!”
Abhay and I are also planning the rest of our 10-day trip after BAP. Possible destinations: Rwanda and Tanzania. We’re hoping to visit other volunteer organizations or clinics at these places. So anyone who’s staying longer than the 3 planned weeks, you’re welcome to join us on our mini adventure. At the moment we’re looking up places to stay, ways of getting around, etc. Suggestions would also be great.
As for now, I’m getting myself ready for trip, mentally, emotionally, physically (immunizations!!!) and more –allys. I even bought a nice wood-bound travel journal to keep a record of this amazing experience. I haven’t written in it yet, and I figured I’d post my thoughts in this blog first before I get any more threatening emails from Muyambi (sorry for the delay!). But I never thought it’d be this hard to type up how I feel about leaving…or my expectations. I’ve never really been to Africa, although it’s always been my dream—I took French, for example, because it was the only language offered in high school that I could use in Africa. I’ve read, watched, and heard so many stories, but I still feel like it hasn’t prepared me enough for what’s to come. I’m hoping to meet a lot of wonderful people, hoping for the success of BAP so we can send more students in the future, expecting a lot of emotional encounters (and I’m telling you right now, I might be the first one to burst into tears), and hopefully some minor food adjustments (but if we do encounter the stomach flu or anything to that extent, Abhay, Janice, Megan and I have gone through worse…so we’ve got some veterans in the group). I just can’t wait to share this experience with my group, and come home and share the experience with everyone else. I can’t wait to be in a place so unfamiliar, so new, and call it home for a month. I just can’t wait…twenty-one days and counting.

Sophia

One Week Countdown Begins!

2009-06-27T19:25:00.000-07:00

Oh Heyyy!

So this is my first time blogging! Exciting, right? Even more exciting is the fact that I am one week away from being in Africa! Where the heck has all the time gone? Since the semester ended I have been quite busy with graduation (and graduation parties!), reunion weekend, driving to and staying in Dallas, TX (shout out to my best friend Angela <3), going to a wedding (congrats Erika and Nate!), visiting family, finishing my Bucknell research (FINALLY.), and volunteering at Vacation Bible School. My current location is the Poconos at a family gathering. This is the last time I will see my parents, siblings, etc. because I am off to stay with fellow BAP traveler Alyson in New Jersey for the week. (BTW - Happy Second Annual 21st Birthday, Miss Cobb!)
Not going home again means that I had to pack for the next nine week of my life. Pretty long time to be away from home and out of easy reach, but definitely well worth it. Where am I going for so long? Well, like I said, one week is being spent in Jersey. The following seven glorious weeks (starting July 5th) will be spent in Africa (Southern and Northern Uganda and then Southern Sudan). As for the final week (starting August 23rd), I will be staying with my big brother and his girlfriend in Baltimore. FABULOUS, I know. Actually, this is my second outstanding summer in a row - last year I was able to travel to Southern Sudan and Uganda with Dr. DeeAnn Reeder to conduct a preliminary survey of the bats of Southern Sudan and volunteer at an orphanage. Let's just say I fell in love with the area and am ECSTATIC to return.

Mucho amor <3

Megan Elaine

BAP in...Haiti?

2009-06-14T15:19:00.000-07:00

The below scenario is, hands down, the best part of my summer so far.
Setting: Molly is focused on her computer at her internship, concentrating very hard and plugging away on her research. All of a sudden her boss at Reverb, interrupts her train of thought and this is how the conversation goes...

Boss: Do you know a Muyambi...from Bucknell?
Molly: Yeah! He's one of my good friends!
Boss: Do you know about this uhhh...bicycle project in uhh...Haiti?
Molly: Oh, you mean Uganda?
Boss: No, uhhh, it says Haiti right here (Referring to the computer screen where there is a web page of the winners of the recent Clinton Global Initiative grants).

WHAAAAAAT...Molly proceeds to freak out.

hahaha gotta love Muyambi and his awesomely mysterious ways =) i guess we're going to Haiti next year? yeeah yeeeahhhh =)
love and miss you all,
molly

t minus 1120 hours!! wahoooo

2009-06-13T18:59:00.000-07:00

what up homeslices,
This is my FIRST post and I'm so excited! Sorry for not posting sooner, Muyambi =(...anywhooo...I just finished typing the minutes from the May 2, 2009 meeting (check out the below post from Kevin for the fun details!). So I got assigned minutes for my task in Uganda. Clearly I'm really good at that judging by the fact that it's taken me one month and 11 days to send out the minutes. At one point I even thought I lost them (eeek!!) but then realized they were in the folder I titled, "Important Things I Shouldn't Lose" (along with Kevin's receipt for the band equipment that I never gave to Muyambi...).

Enough of my rambling...This post to update about stuff that has happened since school ended. Let's see, I started reading Living With Bad Surroundings, which I'm really happy that we're reading since it gives a good (but intense) snapshot at the region that we're going to. I really need to post on BB...hmmm...I'll get around to that soon!

I'm (supposed to be) working with Abhay on the survey that we're going to send out. He hasn't sent me a draft (Abhay!!) so I'm about to get a little testy...I hope you're reading this but I'm guessing you're not haha. After he sends me a draft then I'll add in my $0.02 and then we'll send it to Professor Amanda Wooden, prof of environmental studies. She does extensive research with surveys and should be really helpful. We just want to get them out to her soon because she's currently in Kyrgyzstan and it'll take a while to get her feedback and THEN we gotta edit it and THEN we'll send it out, with enough time for people to fill them out before we arrive. so basically we're on a tight schedule. It's really exciting to actually be doing something now. Not that our work over the past year hasn't been "real" but it's kind of been abstract in my mind. Ya know, the money that we've raised, the times we tell people about the project, the timeline/budget for proposals, all of it's this abstract idea in my head. yeah, we're going to Uganda and lending bikes, but I don't think I've worked on something with that's as concrete as this survey. The answers to the survey will help us improve the project and make it better. pretty sweet but also some pressure.

Anywhoooo...T minus 1120 hours until some of us go to Uganda. some people are leaving earlier but it's roughly 1120 hours until me, Janice, Muyambi, Kevin and Abhay head out. wahoooo!!

I hope you all appreciate this super long post.
peace out kids,
molly

Final BAP meeting

2009-05-04T09:24:00.000-07:00

Hey everyone!

Yesterday we had our final meeting of the school year. We have a total of 14 people going on the trip; eleven students and three faculty members. We are all extremely excited for the trip but we have a lot of preparation to do first.
We discussed the immunizations we all need before we head off to Uganda including yellow fever and polo. We also began to assign roles for the trip. Everyone has their own responsibilities ranging from taking photographs to organizing bicycle distribution. Several members of the group will be flying to Uganda several weeks early to volunteer and set up a partner for the GlobeMed group on campus.
We hope to establish Bicycles against Poverty as a sustainable bicycle loan program in Uganda. If all goes well there could be future Bucknell trips to Africa.

Kevin

Clinton Global Initiative University -CGI U Press release

2009-05-04T08:27:00.000-07:00

Former President Clinton Announces Impact of Student and University Commitments to Action at Second
Clinton Global Initiative University (CGI U) Meeting

Grace Han, Molly Burke, Dick Muyambi, and Abhay Agarwal
of Bucknell University among CGI U commitment-makers

New York, NY – President Bill Clinton hosted the second Clinton Global Initiative University (CGI U) at The University of Texas at Austin February 13-15, 2009 and announced new projects that students and universities are undertaking to improve the world.

Grace Han, Molly Burke, Dick Muyambi, and Abhay Agarwal, all students at Bucknell University, have made a commitment titled “Bicycles Against Poverty” (BAP). The BAP project will be using the concept of bicycles to encourage group cooperation and to increase accessibility, and affordability of bicycles as a means of transport, and a tool for economic development for low income families in the district of Gulu, Uganda. This commitment proposes to empower the community of refugees and make significant contribution to the lives of the people of Gulu in particular through encouraging economic recovery in the district.

CGI U builds on the successful model of the Clinton Global Initiative Annual Meeting, which celebrates its fifth anniversary this year, to engage college students and administrators to make commitments to address global issues with practical, innovative solutions.

“Through Clinton Global Initiative University, students and universities have made more than 1,700 commitments that affect hundreds of thousands of lives and make a difference in their communities and worldwide,” President Clinton said. “Our meeting this year at The University of Texas at Austin displayed the power young people and institutions of higher education have to positively impact the global challenges we face.”

The CGI U Meeting, hosted by of Student Government at The University of Texas at Austin, convened nearly 1,000 college students and almost 70 university presidents, as well as leading non-profit organizations, social entrepreneurs, and youth leaders. Other attendees included NFL All-Star Nnamdi Asomugha, FSU Student-Athlete Myron Rolle, the Daily Show’s John Oliver, Matthew McConaughey, Natalie Portman, Luke Russert, and Morgan Spurlock.
The CGI U Meeting schedule consisted of several working sessions and discussions devoted to five focus areas: education, energy & climate change, global health, human rights & peace, and poverty alleviation. Over the course of the day, President Clinton announced several exemplary commitments made by both students and universities, descriptions of which are included below. Prior to attending the meeting, students and faculty submitted proposals on their plans to take action on these issues.
Commitments ranged from small actions with big impacts, such as installing energy-efficient light bulbs in low-income homes, to more ambitious projects such as rebuilding schools in war-stricken regions of Sudan. Students will carry out these projects over the coming months and years, and report back to CGI U on their progress and results.
President Clinton announced that as a result of commitments made by students in 2008 at the inaugural CGI U Meeting at Tulane University in New Orleans:

• More than 26,000 university students and 2,000 university faculty and staff became actively engaged in efforts to promote clean energy, mitigate climate change, alleviate poverty, improve global health, and promote human rights and peace.

• More than 74,000 members of the university community were reached by educational efforts and outreach about clean energy, environmental awareness, and sustainability.

• More than 3,800 new recycling containers were placed on college campuses and in the surrounding community.

• Students raised $260,000 for humanitarian relief, and more than 2,500 refugees received assistance.

• Students raised $375,000 to fund scholarships and collected more than $100,000 worth of educational resources including books, laptops, uniforms, and pencils for students in need.

• Students raised $354,000 to fund global health programs and have reached over 70,000 people with healthcare and social services.
To conclude CGI U, President Clinton was joined by CGI U Meeting attendees in a community service project at the Rosewood Park and Recreation Center in East Austin. They worked with students from The University of Texas at Austin to take part in a wide range of community service activities.
Students not in attendance at The University of Texas at Austin were able to follow the meeting live via webcast, and can make their own commitments online by visiting www.cgiu.org.

About the Clinton Global Initiative (CGI)
CGI is a project of the non-partisan Clinton Foundation that brings together a community of global leaders to identify and implement innovative solutions to the world’s most pressing challenges. Since 2005, CGI’s Annual Meetings have brought together more than 100 current and former heads of state, hundreds of leading global CEOs, heads of foundations and major philanthropists, directors of the most effective non-governmental organizations, and prominent members of the media. These CGI members have made nearly 1,200 commitments valued at $46 billion to address poverty alleviation, climate change, global health, education and other issues. These commitments have already impacted more than 200 million lives in 150 countries. Commitments made at the 2008 Annual Meeting are expected to impact almost 160 million people. CGI will celebrate its Fifth Anniversary Meeting from September 22-25, 2009 in New York City.

We are on Idea blob

2009-04-24T17:39:00.000-07:00

Every vote counts

2009-04-22T04:03:00.001-07:00

BAP can potentially win $10,000. The deciding factor is the number of votes.
Do take a moment to support this great cause by voting at:

http://www.ideablob.com/ideas/5067-Bicycles-Against-Poverty-BAP-">

The voting period is from 22nd to 30th. Do your part and God will take care of the rest.

Muyambi

Daily Item Article

2009-04-18T21:22:00.000-07:00

Check out the daily item article

http://www.dailyitem.com/archivesearch/local_story_108073540.html

BIKES AND BANDS AFRICAN DANCE PERFORMANCE

2009-04-18T20:35:00.000-07:00

Check out the African dance performance done for the Bicycles Against Poverty fundraiser in Hugnagel park. This was the first BANDS AND BIKES FESTIVAL...hopefully not the last one

BANDS AND BIKES AT HUFNAGEL PARK

2009-04-14T10:55:00.000-07:00

This Saturday the 18th of April, Bicycles Against Poverty is organizing one of a kind concert at Hufnagel park near Bull Run in Downtown Lewisburg. BAP members have seriously been working hard to put this together and i am excited for all the planned events. First, there is going to be bands playing. Most of the participating bands at made up of Bucknell students while others are by Bucknell professors. We also have lewisburg bands and musicians playing, for example Earl Pickens will be playing and i am sure you dont want to miss him.

We have also organized carnival games to both the old and the young. Children will be able to participate in games such as egg balancing, pie eating contest among others. We will also hold a bicycle auctioning going on where one can win a wonderful bicycle.

There will be African dance from Bucknell students which i bet will be a cultural shock and excitement for everyone that comes. Students will be shaking their bodies in an African manner you have never experienced before.

All parents are greatly encouraged to come with their children and those who have bicycles guess what! We are having a parade for the little ones and a prize will be awarded to the bicycle that is most decorated.

Hungry? We have you covered. There is going to be exciting food that you dont want to miss, besides, it will be very cheap and different.

SO COME WITH YOUR FAMILY AND HAVE FUN BECAUSE THERE IS SOMETHING FOR EVERYONE TO DO AND ENJOY.

Publication in the Bucknell SouthPaw Paper

2009-03-31T19:39:00.000-07:00

One of the students traveling to Uganda this summer wrote an article about Bicycles Against Poverty in the newly introduced Bucknell liberal student paper. I thought it would be cool to share it with you, so here it is.

Bicycles have traditionally been used primarily as a means of transportation only, and this outlook has often ignored some of the other benefits that this seemingly simple vehicle can provide, especially in economically backward regions, where automobiles and other more modern forms of transportation are not easily accessible, primarily due to lower incomes and lack of infrastructure development. Expanding the roles of bicycles in these communities is the primary intention of Bicycles Against Poverty (BAP).

Conceived of by Muyambi Muyambi, a class of 2011 Civil Engineering and Economics double major from Uganda, BAP explores a comprehensive development strategy in a northern part of Uganda called Gulu using bicycles. This will employ the means of microfinance to promote sustainable economic and community development by allowing sharing of bicycles in Gulu. Funding for the project has been obtained thus far by a variety of sources including the Walmart Foundation via the Clinton Global Initiative, 100 Projects for Peace (The Davis Foundation), as well through a variety of donors through campus wide fundraising efforts.

For Muyambi, the need for this project came about when he visited the Gulu region, which has been ravaged by Civil Wars over the years. Additionally, members from the largely rural community have to travel several miles a day to transport water from the source to their own homes. Basic infrastructure continues to be lacking in these communities and with the research in sustainable technologies around the world, especially in the United States, these technologies can be applied to such development initiatives. Examples of these technologies include leveraging the energy from the bicycles to power mobile phone chargers and employ in water filtration systems. These could also be used to power low intensity light bulbs, which can be used in homes where there are no electricity lines from the grid. The sharing aspect of the bicycles intends to improve trust within the community, which has diminished since the days of the war.

Development in several parts of Africa is being extended through such grassroots initiatives, and will provide an excellent platform for the Bucknell community to get involved. To implement the final stages of the project, along with selecting applicants and distributing bicycles, approximately twelve members representing Bucknell will be visiting Uganda for two weeks towards the end of the summer in July 2009. While in Uganda, the group will also be involved in organizing training workshops for the recipients of the program in maintenance and repair of bicycles, as well as how to make most effective use of the bicycle program that they will participate in. This is an integral part of the sustainability goal of BAP, as prior initiatives from other organizations have simple distributed bicycles and subsequently distanced themselves away from the project, leaving the recipients in an unfavorable situation.

Several partnerships with local organizations in Uganda have been established already, which will serve as liaisons between BAP and the community. With governments often ineffective in promoting inclusive development in several regions of Africa, projects such as BAP give invaluable experience to students and faculty members interested in issues of sustainable development outside of the classroom.

Abhay Agarwal ’09

Surprising Publicity by Local Action Network

2009-03-03T15:00:00.000-08:00

This is interesting. So, i was just googling, "bicycles against poverty" to see what comes up and i ran into a website publicizing one of our fund raisers that i did not know. I am suspecting that Molly- the organizer of the fund raiser contact this local news outlet. But i was really happy with what they did for us.

If you want, check out the link. Its http://www.localactionpa.org/events/fundraiser-for-bicycles-against-poverty-at-brass.-louis

But if you dont want to waste you time, here is what they wrote

This Saturday evening come show your support for a student-run microfinance bicycle project to benefit Northern Uganda. Dine and enjoy entertainment by Earl Pickens and Faculty Lounge.

Bucknell students are hosting a benefit dinner at the downtown Lewisburg restaurant Brasserie Louis this Saturday, February 21 at 7:30pm. The group is Bicycles Against Poverty (BAP) and is a microfinance bike project for Northern Uganda. All of the proceeds will go towards the project.

More Information:
Bicycles Against Poverty (BAP) is a microfinance bike project in which bicycles are made available to community members in Northern Uganda. BAP is a project started by students at Bucknell. With the help of a few grants to start the project, students plan to travel to Uganda this summer to implement the initiative.

The dinner includes salad, entrée (choice of salmon, pot roast, chicken, and a veggie option) and a dessert all for $30. Entertainment will be provided at 9pm by Earl Pickens and Faculty Lounge, a band comprised of faculty members at Susquehanna University.

All checks can be made out to Bicycles Against Poverty.

Email molly.burke@bucknell to sign up!

For more information about this project visit. http://www.bucknell.edu/x45249.xml and the project website is www.bicyclesagainstpoverty.org

Fund raising dinner at the Brasserie Louis

2009-03-02T12:40:00.000-08:00

I just wanted to share one of our successful stories of fund raising this semester. The BAP members here at Bucknell organized a fund raising dinner at the Brasserie Louis restaurant. BAP was working together with the Delta Upsilon (DU) members to make this possible. The owner of the Brasserie Louis was wonderful enough to let us work with him to make the dinner possible. The way it worked was simple. We were given a certain number of seats in the restaurant and we were supposed to fill them. In preparation we spent one of our weekend evenings writing letters to all professors on Bucknell campus to come to the dinner. It was enjoyable working with BAP members, trying to keep the work fun through jokes and talking to some writer about his study of Chinese ancient history. Anyway, we soon had everything in place and we designated people to take on different departments.

The next week we had tables in the Langone center (LC) trying to get some students to sign up as well. The prices for the dinner were $30 for professors and $25 for students. For days into business there were a few people signed up and the main organizer of the event was worried that it would not be successful. So, all measures had to be taken to get the word out. I got letters and worked door to door of the deans offices handing them letters and telling them to come. Meanwhile Molly was doing something similar-trying to get her friends to come the dinner.

The great part was that it was BAP advisor's -Janice birthday that Saturday. So, she invited her friends to come and celebrate her birthday at the restaurant. I also called a number of my friends and told them to come to the dinner.

Within a few days people had started signing up for the dinner and everything was looking nice.

Anyway, soon Saturday was here and we had the dinner. The wonderful part of it was that there were so many Civil engineering professors which gave me another reason to be proud of the professors in my major. Anyway, my technology support boss Bud also came. He is a great boss and a great person.
So, i enjoyed dinner with my friends and we later headed back to school.

Special thanks to those who made the dinner possible and everyone who attended

Muyambi

Bicyles Against Poverty (BAP) at CGI U

2009-03-01T14:42:00.000-08:00

So, i decided to post the video Grace managed to make while we were attending the Clinton Global Initiative University conference (CGI U, http://www.clintonglobalinitiative.org/NETCOMMUNITY/Page.aspx?pid=1871) in Austin, Texas. Just to tell you a little about the conference. It was the second time president Bill Clinton was hosting CGI U after the first one was done at Tulane University. The conference basically brings together students from so many universities to listen to inspirational speakers and fellow students. Its amazing how small this world is, while at the conference i met a two of my second years that i went to school together with in Norway. While i was busying making friends, one of my old friends came behind me and when i turned i could not believe it was David Sengh behind me. I had not seen for over 3 years, so you can imagine the joy of reunion. The other friend i met was Wanlapa Fon.

Anyways, at CGI U i got to meet and connect with some amazing and passionate students and i hope i will be able to work with most of them to develop our group commitment of bringing bicycles to Northern Uganda where people surely need them.
You can check out the project in detail at www.rotu.org or www.bicyclesagainstpovertry.org.

So, just to go in detail about the video i posted. I was setting at one of the plenaries before Bill Clinton spoke with a Mathew Mcconaughey and there was a video of me talking about Bicycles Against Poverty (BAP)which was done when i was attending CGI in Newyork last september. It was a surreal moment and Grace managed to get part of the footage from the screens. By the way, it was just not me and Grace Han at the conference, another two of my great and helpful friends joined me to publicize BAP, it was Molly Burke (i have been working with her ever since i stepped at Bucknell-wonderful girl i must say) and Abhay Agarwal (very passionate guy). I will post a number of pictures taken at the conference.
And guess what..Bucknell University surprised us with a cameraman at the conference who went around taking pictures of what we were doing..a few of my friends were not happy with the decision, but well, what can we do...Bucknell is great

Bicyles Against Poverty (BAP) at CGI U

2009-02-28T09:33:00.000-08:00

Bicyles Against Poverty BAP

2009-02-16T14:47:00.001-08:00

This blog is intended to bring together cycling fans that are interested in making a change with their passion to cycle. Our group, Bicycle Against Poverty also intends to use this blog to keep all BAP funs posted on the progress of our bicycle project. In case you want to know more about BAP.
Check out www.rotu.org