Africa - how we can help.

Do you know a community which would  benefit from bikes?

Could you use b4b to host your own your own event?

Would you be interested in holding your own  B4b inspired and lead event?

The b4b event on the 25 April 2010 raised money for bikes in the communities around Messumba.

Messumba is a small village in the district of Niassa, Mozambique, Africa.

About Messumba:

The village of Messumba is so small it is not on google maps! There is no direct road to Messumba, the final approach is made on foot, by boat or canoe across the river.

No mail can be sent directly, as there is no postal address, mail must be sent via Lichingua the nearest town.

There is limited and sporadic electricity.

In this part of Africa they speak Portugese.

In the village there is a small school, health centre and a basic, but busy Cathedral!

The chief is the head of the village.

How can we help? 

The word 'ADEPTOS' means 'supporter of the community.' 

It is the salaried ( £1000.00 pre anum) job of 'Adeptos' to support and encourage small communities.

They work with the Village Chiefs and Elders in the individual initiatives, from Health, Education, Sanitation and Agriculture. This helps communities to mobilize themselves and not simply wait for western aid.

This Bike4bikes event will help the work of Adeptos in this area by supplying them with bikes. Bikes allow them to be much more time efficient, their effectivness is vastly increased and as a result communities benefit.

There are 16 ADEPTOS working in the district of Niassa at the moment.

ADEPTOS cover 2, 3 and sometimes 4 parishes each. Each one is as big as a UK County.

They travel by bus and then walk the remainder or cycle if they are lucky enough to have a bike.

"Walking takes forever" says Bishop Mark, the co-ordinator of the adeptos in the district of Niassa. "BIKES would make a huge difference to the work of the ADEPTOS."

A single speed bike costs £75.  The bikes can be bought in the local community are  maintained by local artisans. 

If you know a community that could benefit from bikes in the way Messumba has please email mail@sandifriend.co.uk and we will see if b4b can help!