New local drop-off points for 'School Bikes for Africa' scheme

Two new drop-off points in Westmeath have been established for a Rotary Club initiative in which people donate old bikes for prison inmates to refurbish so that they can then be used by schoolchildren in Africa.

The drop-off points at Westmeath County Council's Athlone and Mullingar civic amenity centres were launched by the local authority's Cathaoirleach, Frankie Keena, earlier this month.

Athlone's Rotary Club has been involved in developing the 'School Bikes for Africa' initiative over the last eight years.

It began when Kiltoom resident and Rotary member Ethel Gavin was Governor of Loughan House open prison in Cavan. Ethel was contacted by fellow Rotarian Ciaran Mannion with the idea of having the bikes repaired by Loughan inmates, and she jumped at the opportunity.

The refurbished bikes are sent for use in parts of Africa such as The Gambia where they can be life-changing for children who have to walk long distances to school, often without adequate food or water.

A drop-off point for the bikes was announced at the Galway County Council Recycling Centre in Poolboy, Ballinasloe, last year.

Now bikes can also be left at the Athlone or Mullingar civic amenity centres, where they will be transported on to Loughan House for refurbishment before being shipped to Africa.

"We are delighted to have the opportunity to support Rotary Ireland in getting this wonderful scheme running in both our civic amenity centres in Westmeath," said Cllr Frankie Keena.

"This scheme encourages people to dig out those old bikes lying around in sheds and put them to good use, supporting children in Africa.

"A bike makes such a difference to a child trying to get to school. I would encourage everyone to have a look in their sheds and, if they have an unwanted bike, donate it to this worthy cause."

Jason Dempsey, representing Rotary Ireland, said that it was "very pleased Westmeath County Council have assisted us to get this wonderful project off the ground here in Athlone and Mullingar."

He pointed out that the initiative had benefits for the climate; for the prison inmates who worked on the bikes; and for the African children whose educational opportunities would increase as a result of having their own transport.