Joy Center BEC feedback received!

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February 11th, 2009

Hello again, Ginny

How are things proceeding? I am very curious about how the people receive the used equipment.
Your candid thoughts and feedback would be welcomed.

Sincerely,
Steve

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February 12th, 2009

Hi Steve,

Many of the first 30 bikes will go to Joy Centre kids--centre is at the far northern corner of town and most attend schools and church that are at quite a distance, so this is truly wonderful for them--to feel like somebody and be able to get to sports and other community activities--WOW!!!

Of course the Joy Centre kids are absolutely out of this world THRILLED to have a working bike of any kind. Will take more pictures and let you know how it goes as the bikes find their way out into the community. Muriel has also had a brilliant idea about donating a bike to raffle off for each of two elementary schools. This came about when she found out one of them, where some of our kids go, have about 1,050 students and only 2 toilets!!! The proceeds from the raffle are supposed to fund the construction of some additional eco-friendly toilets.

All is well and wonderful! Best to all of you--
Ginny, on behalf of the Joy Centre BEC

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March 21st, 2009

Hi, Ginny,
How are things going at the Joy Centre? I got a nice email from Joelle a while back.

How are things proceeding with the container of bikes? How is fixing, distribution etc going.
Again your candid thoughts are welcome.

Kind regards,
Steve

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March 22nd, 2009

Hi Steve,

Joy Centre BEC has refurbished about 50 bikes, maybe more, and just ran an ad in the local free paper that goes out to the whole region. People are storming the doors! They have an order for 30 bikes from one of the farms, and when I was there recently 5 or 6 men came from General Suppliers on their lunch hour. Most people will be using the 'lay-by' system, but Muriel will make an agreement for these guys with their employer to have their payments deducted from their salaries.

The container has been nicely painted to match the JOY Centre and a very nice metal shade roof has been added along the small door side, with a brick floor laid under it. They bought chain and locks to secure all the saleable bikes outside in their yard so they can be seen but will be safe. The dogs are even doing their watchdog duty!

The sign isn't up on the container yet, but that doesn't seem to be a problem--the word has gotten around. They are still tweaking the prices to see how to balance that with special sales, etc., but everybody agrees the bikes are reasonable.

Last week Muriel and Seun (their financial guy) and I went to the bank to see about opening a separate BEC account and I will help the five workers set up their own accounts. Both Seun and Muriel are eager to learn about the business end of things. It is so satisfying to see it all happening--to watch those kids becoming more confident, etc., etc. Of course the income won't be enough to begin to support them fully (food and utilities are always looming issues), but it is a help.

THANK YOU AGAIN FOR ALL YOU'VE DONE!!! Things like THIS are where it's at! When they named it the Bicycle ENABLING Network they had it right!!! I think it is now the most visible, sensible, important example of the correct way to provide aid in Otjiwarongo. So many of the dollars that are pumped in here just go astray and primarily support further dependence.

Hugs to all of you from everyone here who has benefitted, Ginny

p.s. Pictures are: parking the container, singing thanks to the drivers, the BEN team (instructor Danny, Muriel, Seun, Doreen, David, Hans & Eden). Will send more current ones soon...