A Letter From Cycle Connect CEO, Molly Burke
To our community,
I want to let you know that I’m currently thinking about the Cycle Connect community all over the world; from our clients in the rural areas of Uganda, to our team working on the ground, and to our supporters who span globally. I hope that you and your family are staying safe and healthy during the COVID-19 pandemic.
COVID-19 has rapidly spread across the world, leaving no corner untouched, including Uganda. We know that vulnerable communities will suffer the most during this time. This is why at Cycle Connect we are responding fast by utilizing our existing operations to help communities be resilient in the fight against COVID-19.
As of mid-March, government restrictions shut down most forms of transportation, including public means, motorcycle taxis, and cars. Last mile communities are getting hit hard as a result-- even more isolated and left without basic resources.
That is why we are acting swiftly to get healthcare providers bicycles so that they can show up to work and treat vulnerable patients. When patients come for treatment for COVID-19 there must be healthcare workers in attendance and we’ll be ensuring that their presence is not interrupted in Northern Uganda.
We’re doing this by forming a new partnership with One Day, a local health organization. They’re additionally helping us disseminate appropriate information to our thousands of clients, most of whom are cut off from the up-to-date news on prevention and symptoms. We are committed to using our digital systems and local team to serve our clients and vulnerable communities best.
At Cycle Connect we’re a culture that is adaptive, agile, and resilient. This ethos has shaped how we have pivoted in the past and it is defining how we react currently as COVID-19 begins to make its way across East Africa. We’re working around the clock to ensure that our team and clients stay safe and get what they need. To stay up to date with our strategy and changes be sure to check our blog and social media channels.
I am a firm believer that our network has made us-- and the communities we work with-- ever more resilient and now is when I feel that most. Thank you for your partnership during this time.
From our team to your family, thank you for supporting our mission and helping us ensure that distance is not a barrier to access and opportunity, even through these trying times.
In solidarity,
Molly Burke