Housing for Boys Facing Trauma and Stigma

The air crackles with anticipation because it is Thursday afternoon. At Lifesong Kenya's Halfway House, Thursday translates to one thing: cycling day! But this isn't just your usual leisure ride. It is a carefully orchestrated plan that our cycling program uses to achieve two goals. First, take advantage of the therapeutic nature of cycling. Secondly, help boys and exceptional young men to start regaining their freedom.

At Lifesong Kenya's Halfway House, Thursday is much than just another day of the week. It is day that is set aside for transformation, a day of learning, and a day of pure freedom and joy. It is a day dedicated to the Lifesong Cycling Hub where cycling reigns supreme. And there is more! It is a cycling day, a program that goes far beyond hoping on a bicycle and pedaling away.

Every Thursday, boys at our Halfway House embark on a thrilling exploration journey. As they explore the surrounding community, they build their own strength and determination. But this isn't just about joy-riding and pedaling. It is about building the foundation they need for a brighter future. A future that is free of stigma and trauma.

The Lifesong Cycling Hub Thursday program begins with a crucial lesson in responsibility. Before the boys even mount their bicycles, they perform an ABC check. This is when they check air pressure, brakes and chains. This inspection teaches them the importance of preparation and attention to detail. It also instills a sense of ownership and accountability as they regain independence.

As the boys cycle through the community, two things happen. They experience the joy of movement and the therapeutic benefits of physical exercise. As a result, cycling becomes a form of release, a way to channel energy and build mental resilience. It is a golden opportunity for the boys to experience the simple pleasure of cycling on an open road.

On the one hand, the boys can cycling around the Ngong Hills and enjoy the flora and fauna. They can chase the setting sun in the horizon as they come back to the Halfway House. They can also enjoy the steep hills from Kiserian to Ngong Town, thereby build their stamina. There is a lot to see and behold.

But the learning doesn't stop when they arrive at the Lifesong Cycling Hub. Each of the boys takes the initiative and responsibility of washing their bicycles. This reinforces the importance of taking care of their possessions. After washing and lubricating their bikes, they head for a refreshing shower. Once again teaching and promoting personal hygiene and a sense of well-being. Finally, they gather together for a warm cup of nourishing porridge. This is the perfect moment for community building. As they relive the cycling, they share experiences, laugh and hi-five each other.

Osupuko Village is one of Kenya’s remotest places that where Lifesong Kenya runs its Keeping Boys in School Program. Despite being just 10 km away from our Halfway House and offices, traveling to and from Osupuko Village requires nerves of steel. The roads are rocky, uneven, bumpy and are notorious for breaking small cars.

One of our main worries when we first started conducting our Keeping Boys in School Program was a convenient means of transport. We did not have to worry for too long, thanks to cycling.

Incorporating bicycles into our After-school Program is Lifesong Kenya's innovative approach to community engagement that is yielding significant benefits. Not only are we now able to access Osupuko Village, boys from our Halfway House are now part of the program.

This report delves deeper into the positive impact that using cycling is having on our work.

Climate Change Mitigation

By opting to use bicycles, Lifesong Kenya is significantly reducing its carbon emissions, contributing to a cleaner and healthier environment. Since bicycles operate silently, cycling is one of the best ways to maneuver through a heard of cattle, sheep and goats peacefully.

Promoting Wellness

By cycling regularly on weekends, boys at our Halfway House are showing less signs of stress, anxiety, and depression. This has reduced their need for weekly counselling, thereby reducing their reliance of outside help and support. As a result, they are now capable of making informed decisions and self-dependent.

The introduction of cycling has also made is easier for our boys to go to the market to buy supplies, a role that was initially reserved for our staff and volunteers only. By cycling to do shopping, the boys are now becoming more responsible, enthusiastic and actively engaging in activities at our Halfway House and in the village.

Social and Economic Benefits

Cycling as a group is leading to shared cycling experiences that are fostering a sense of community, belonging and camaraderie among our staff, volunteers and the boys. Using bicycles is also providing a cost-effective and reliable mode of transportation, reducing expenses spent on transport.

This money has been channeled into skills development in terms of coding, programming and learning valuable ICT related skills. Since every individual responsible for the bicycle they are using, our boys are learning how to maintain and repair their bicycles, thereby learning valuable life skills.

Cycling is also offering our boys a sense of independence and freedom that comes with exploring the local hilly and breathtaking surroundings and environment.

Conclusion

By integrating bicycles into our programs and activities, we are demonstrating our commitment to sustainable and holistic development. The benefits of cycling extends beyond transportation, positive impact on the environment, improving health and the social well-being of boys staying at our Halfway House.

As we continue to expand our reach and impact, the power of cycling undoubtedly plays a vital role in shaping a brighter future for the exceptional young men that Lifesong Kenya serves. Thanks to your continued generous support, we have been able to invest in buying bicycles that we are now using in our After-school Program.

Bonus News: we are working on getting volunteers across the world who can help us in collecting bicycles and shipping them to our program. This will enable us to continue developing a cycling hub where children and youth will learn how to repair and fix bicycles, as well as receive bicycle donations for those who need a means of transport to school.