Veronique is 19 years old and in her last year in school. Her bike takes her to school and helps her run errands… She admits she still walks if she feels too tired to pedal ! “Sometimes, I prefer walking…But the bike still helps me with some errands!”
Abel is an IT manger and a volunteer at the ONG Echo de la Jeunesse since 2013. Getting involved makes him feel useful and help youths. He coordinates the bike mecanic training, giving an opportunity to youths living 15 km away from school, to own a bike and learn how to fix it. “In the first class, we had a kid who had to walk 20 km to go to school and back. He was always trying to get our attention during the training. Since he recieved his bike, he’s always the first of his class!”
Running errands, buying medicine for the family, that’s what the bike facilitates in Enyoname Awougno’s life, shopkeeper in Nyitakpo.
Lloyd’s bike transformed the long walks he had to do into short rides. He now has the freedom to move wherever he wants and to save time and money by not paying taxis. “Now that I’ve got access to a bicycle, it is so much easier to come to work.”
Amé is a farmer and uses her bike to sell her products at the market et come from with groceries for her house. Her son also uses it to go to school and it becomes even more useful to get the hospital. “I use the bike to reach the marketplace, sometimes, and bring supplies home for my family like corn and fish.”
Jean realised the differences beetween North ans South after taking a class on underdeveloppement in 1970. During his travels, he discovered the different uses of bikes and the way people transformed them depending on their needs. “Understanding that we are wealthy compared to many, is something that touches your heart for life. It took a long time for us to realize this and, perhaps, it was already a little too late.”
His bike helps 14 year-old Agbamado get the water and mill the flour for his family. “The bike [also] helps me go to school.”
Atri Amévi is 13 years of age and in 6th grade. By getting her to school, her bike will help her reach her ambitious goal: “I want to become a woman minister [for my government]”.
36 year-old Egah, is in charge of logistics and finances for the NGO Echo de la Jeunesse. Through his work, he witnesses the daily impacts of bikes on the lives of the beneficiaires, such as better access to schools, water, and the marketplace… His mission : spread the smiles given by the bikes. “To combine the useful and pleasant and to triumph over space and time.”
Cecil is 21 years old and volunteers for Shape Lives Foundation. His goal to help other is achieved by repairing and selling the bikes. He recalls the most beautiful day of his life: when he received his very own bike. “I enjoy to help the less povided ones. If you don’t come by and don’t have money to pay, I help you repair, freely.”