They call it African time – meaning that things happen when they’re meant to and that you have to be patient.
For those of us who grew up in the west, where things can come almost instantly, African time means waiting. And that your patience is tested.
Last week, African time ended and wait was over.
CONTAINER REACHES OKATANA
Finally, the container of donated second-hand bicycles from Huron County, Canada, reached its destination in Okatana, Namibia.
Smiles stretched across the faces of the first to crack the container doors open. They marveled at the bikes that towered above their heads.
CONTAINER TO ASSIST HOME-BASED CARE VOLUNTEERS
The container of bicycles will be transformed into a bicycle sale and repair centre. Proceeds generated from this bicycle workshop will benefit a group of Home-Based Care Volunteers. The volunteers regularly visit People Living with HIV/AIDS and offer support to people who are in bad health and facing the economic constraints of severe poverty. The volunteers also assist children who are living with a parent suffering from HIV/AIDS-related diseases or whose parent has died due to the disease.
CONTAINER TO PROVIDE JOBS
The project will also directly benefit five volunteers who were previously unemployed, as jobs and skills training will be provided. Aside from the income generated for their support group, the volunteers working in the shop will earn a salary and parts will be purchased to replace the ones that are used so the project can become a sustainable small business.
BICYCLES TO BETTER THE COMMUNITY
The entire area of Okatana will now have access to sustainable and economical transportation options. In this area of Namibia, which is generally flat and sandy, the bicycles will benefit those who, at one time, had no choice but to walk long distances to do daily chores – like collect firewood for cooking or water for drinking.
Other bicycles will be donated to children and other needy community members. In the months to come, you will meet some of the beneficiaries of these bicycles on this blog. Stay tuned.
