ABOUT: STAFF
Managing Director: Michael Linke
Australian Michael Linke founded BEN Namibia in 2005. His previous work was in magazine publishing, and his work included editing Australian Cyclist, which at the time was Australia's largest circulation cycling magazine, and ReNew, a magazine aimed at people designing, making and using solar, wind and bio fuel energy devices, lowering their energy consumption and designing environmentally sustainable houses and businesses.Since the establishment of BEN Namibia, in 2005, Michael has focused on managing growth and being flexible to incorporate lessons and challenges to the organisation's plans. In the first month of operation he trained one part-time mechanic and distributed three bicycles. Eight years later, more than 30,000 bicycles have been imported by BEN Namibia, more than 200 people have been trained in bicycle mechanics and BEN Namibia has created 106 new jobs.
Mechanic Trainer: Paulina Endjala
Part of the BEN Namibia team since 2006, Paulina began work as a trainee mechanic in the BEN Namibia workshop, which closed early in 2009. Paulina is now responsible for training bicycle mechanics through the BEC programme and other projects, Paulina encourages more woman to get involved in cycling and repairing bicycles.
