Learning to ride a bike is a classic experience of childhood. Wobbling down the sidewalk without training wheels, learning to balance. Finally, you are allowed to ride your bike to a friend’s house, or up to the gas station to buy candy and you fly along the street, the wind in your hair, unstoppable. It’s pure freedom.

For Langee Vicky, a seamstress at Mend, having a bicycle has freed up nearly two hours of her day that used to be spent walking to and from Mend. The seamstress saved up her earnings to buy a bicycle that makes her life easier and her children’s lives more fun. She’s been teaching all three of them how to ride around the compound where they live.

Now it only takes Vicky nine minutes to pedal herself to Mend. She saves money by riding to affordable outdoor markets to do her shopping. She has more time in the evenings to spend with her family and check her kids’ homework. And she still gets in her daily exercise riding up and down the bumpy roads of Gulu.

Like Vicky, many of the ladies at Mend have chosen to invest their savings in a bicycle. The Bike Tote from our Prosperity Series was designed to celebrate the freedom and mobility that come with the purchase of personal transportation.

http://invisiblechildrenstore.myshopify.com/collections/frontpage-1/products/mend-denim-tote

Byron looks road-ready driving his mom’s bike outside of their home

Fall in Love with the newest addition to Mend…The Denim Tote

All leather shoulder and cross-body straps for tons of toting options. Felt pocket detail to highlight your seamstress’ story. Signature Mend logo & seamstress finger print.

Where are you toting Mend this fall? http://invisiblechildrenstore.myshopify.com/collections/madeinafrica/products/mend-denim-tote

Langee Vicky, a former captive in the LRA, has accomplished a lot in her two years since joining Mend. In addition to using her income to pay rent and school fees for her children, she’s been able to save up for a few special purchases.

Her most recent acquisitions? Two couches and a large wood cabinet to furnish her home. Vicky is ready to entertain guests!

The seamstresses had a three day training on income generating activities (IGA) to supplement their earnings from Mend.

Topics are selected in the best way possible – by the seamstresses, for the seamstresses.

This group is brain-storming customer service practices that add value.

We’re excited to see where these IGA’s go and how they grow!

Back to school season isn’t so different in Uganda. Uniforms are cleaned, lunches are packed, and mothers get ready to hug their children goodbye on their first day.

This year, 22 Mend moms are sending 44 children back to school.

You can ensure future support of these educations with your purchase of a Mend tote or laptop sleeve this back to school season!

Rose, a former captive in the LRA and now a seamstress at Mend is sending her four children back to school because of your purchase. Vicky, David, Dorothy, and Mercy thank you!

Just in time for back to school.

The Mend Laptop Sleeve.

Proudly made in Uganda.

Available online.

Christine, Office Assistant

Q: What did you do prior to joining Mend?
A: I was working at a local food restaurant in Gulu town

Q: What’s your favorite part of working at Mend?
A: Making and enjoying tea with all the ladies each morning