Bicycles: A Lifeline for Orphan Care

MCV’s service area includes 38 villages covering a 70 sq. km. area! Two volunteers in each village help assure that more than 3000 orphans are identified, placed in supportive households, and receive the care and services they need to survive and thrive.

With the area so large and no other transport available, bicycles are the lifeline that keeps the volunteers connected to the MCV central office for technical assistance and training. More importantly, the bicycles are often used to transport orphans for medical care or to bring important items, such as bed nets, clothes, blankets, and other supplies to the villages.

The Malawian hard-track terrain takes its toll on the bikes, and all 76 bikes are in various stages of disrepair. To assure that the lifeline is maintained, MCV is undertaking to replace all 76 bikes. Each bike costs $75 for a total goal of $5700.

Many thanks on behalf of the 76 village volunteers and the 3000 orphans.