http://tourdafrique.com/what-we-do/foundation/about-the-foundation
Why I am supporting the TDA Foundation
I am cycling through Africa. The Foundation was set up by the Tour as an integral part of their business model to enable epic cycling trips but give something back to the places they cycle through. Part of my reason for choosing this tour is that they have this philosophy.
My connection to TDA Foundation
Simply that I am cycling on the Tour! Bikes will be presented to beneficiaries of the Foundation along the way and I am looking forward to attending some of these ceremonies as we cycle through.
Who they are and what they do
The TDA Foundation donates bikes to Community Health Workers (CHWs) and Traditional Birth Attendants (TBAs) along the TDA’s 12,000 km route from Cairo to Cape Town. The TDA travels the same route every year and the Foundation have developed a network of local contacts to help them identify rural health centers that need bicycles and can help them distribute the bikes. All bikes are purchased locally so the economic impact of the purchase also helps local businesses.
In addition to donating bicycles, currently TDA Foundation support a number of other cycling related initiatives in countries along the TDA and other tour routes.
The issue: the Life of a CHW or TBA
The catchment area of an Rural African Hospital is 25 to 50 kms. Can you imagine walking 25 kms to get to a clinic when you are sick or pregnant? Or waiting for days for a health worker to be able to reach you?
CHWs and TBAs are trained volunteers who work with the Rural Health Center and do outreach within the catchment area. They live in the communities they serve so they know the issues and geography of the area. They bring medicine to the sick, assist in safe births at home and provide health education services in the community. The are the front line of health care and they are a vital part of the African health care system.
Every health improvement depends on a network to distribute information and medicine. CHWs and TBAs are the primary network for distribution in Africa. Want to get vaccines out to immunize children? Distribute HIV drugs or condoms? Inform people about a Cholera outbreak and educate them on safe drinking water habits? These things are done in rural Africa by CHWs and TBAs. And a simple bicycle makes them 5 times more effective.
How donations will help
Your donations will help buy bikes! The cost of donating one bike is $120, but contributions can be made in any amount. Please follow the link at the top left of this site to make a donation.
More information
Please follow the link at the top of this page.
Ready to sponsor? https://ruthdobson.wordpress.com/360-2/
Find out about Compassion for Migrant Children: https://ruthdobson.wordpress.com/fundraising-why-these-organisations/compassion-for…grant-children/
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