Where a Bicycle Means Survival
In Malawi, a Buffalo Bicycle helps Peter reach more patients, save lives, and inspire a spirit of love in his community.
“One time, when we were at a village clinic, we had a small child that could have lost his life. Since we had this Buffalo Bicycle, it helped us carry the child, and we rushed him to the hospital,” Peter recalls. “When we are going about our days, we don’t forget that we helped save children’s lives because we had transportation.”
Caring for his community
Before receiving the bicycle, Peter would walk about 15 kilometers each day. He first collected vaccines and supplies from the clinic, then continued on foot to the villages. By the time he arrived, he could see only a few patients before beginning the long journey back.
“At that time, we were meeting very few children. Maybe only 10 per day,” he says.
Today, the same journey takes Peter just 45 minutes by bike. This allows him to treat up to 50 children in a single day and dedicate more time to other essential healthcare duties.
During a deadly cholera outbreak, the bicycle proved invaluable. Peter was able to transport safe drinking and cooking water throughout his catchment area, supporting his community when it needed him most.
Nurturing and growing
Beyond his healthcare work, Peter also tends a small farm near his home, where he grows maize, beans, and vegetables.
“I am able to make the best use of my spare time by going to the farm,” he explains. “And it is all possible because I go to and from work at a good time.”
The crops now feed his family throughout the year, reducing the need to buy food at the market. Often, Peter even has surplus vegetables to sell, providing additional income.
A spirit of love
For Peter, caring for others is deeply rooted in his upbringing. His mother worked in healthcare, and he witnessed firsthand the importance of her role in the community.
Although she was not immediately supportive of his decision to follow the same path, she eventually understood that serving others was the right choice.
Peter does not know what future his children will choose, but he would be proud if one of them continued his work.
“I feel like when my children see me doing this kind of job, they develop a spirit of love,” he says. “Most times, people come at odd hours, when you are not really supposed to be working. But because you have committed to being the person people depend on, the children realize that they also have to love the people.”
To watch the video of the story, click here: https://vimeo.com/1130769476?fl=pl&fe=sh