Over 200 Community Child protection Committee (CCPC) volunteers in Lunga-Lunga, Kwale County, have received bicycles to promote child protection and education for vulnerable children.
The bicycles were donated by World Bicycles Relief in partnership with Kids Care Kenya.
Regional Director of World Bicycle Relief in charge of East Africa Maureen Kolenyo said each volunteer will receive a bicycle to ensure they have reliable transportation to reach out to the communities.
“We are committed to partnering with various stakeholders to ensure community workers have reliable transportation for their grassroots efforts and support vulnerable children to improve their wellbeing and education,” he said.
Kolenyo mentioned that, in their commitment to sustainability, they have trained community members as mechanics and set up a nearby spare parts shop to facilitate maintenance in case of any breakdown.
She added that they will continue to empower community volunteers, enhancing their capacity to reach vulnerable children and families, even in the most remote villages.
Kids Care Kenya Executive Director George Baya noted that for years, CCPC volunteers have struggled with difficult terrain and vast distances, often relying on foot travel to respond to cases of child abuse, neglect and exploitation.
He said CCPC volunteers can now travel farther and respond more quickly, creating a stronger safety net for children throughout the county.
Baya said that cases of child abuse and discrimination against persons with disabilities, particularly children, remain widespread in Lunga-Lunga.
One of the volunteers Rebecca Mbithe from the Vanga Ward said the bicycles are more than just a means of transportation: They are a lifeline for the volunteers, enabling them to conduct regular visits, spread awareness of child rights, and respond swiftly to crises with a renewed sense of purpose and reach.
“The bicycles might be simple but for grassroots child protection volunteers they are a beacon of a powerful legacy of resilience, compassion and community-led action,” she said.
She added that cases of teen pregnancies, early marriages, and other violations against children have been increasing in the area largely due to limited awareness campaigns and the remote locations of many communities.
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The rights defender said that the bicycles will provide volunteers with the flexibility they need, thus reducing both the time and costs of reaching out to remote communities.
She added that the mobility equipment will also allow them to connect with families more efficiently and consistently.
Another Community Child Protection Committee member from Dzombo Ward Mohammed Salim said that the bicycles come as a tremendous relief after years of facing challenges on the ground.
He said that with villages scattered so widely apart, they used to spend more time travelling than actually engaging with communities and delivering essential services.
“Now, with these bicycles, we can focus our time and energy on what truly matters: Protecting our children and supporting families,” he said with gratitude.
Salim said that it would now be easier to attend monthly meetings, respond promptly to calls for assistance, and strengthen efforts in child protection and community development.
By Shaban Omar
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