Why We Do This:
Our story starts with Malish James, a refugee, storyteller and founder of the Afri-Youth Network in Uganda’s Bidibidi Refugee Settlement.
Exploring the challenges in Bidibidi with Malish, we discovered a problem we want to solve: While the refugees in the community receive food aid from international organizations, they struggle to afford other basic commodities, such as new clothes for their children. So rather than eat the food, they need to exchange it in order to supply their basic needs. Instead of having to use food as a currency, we want to empower them to identify other sources of income.
Our Vision for
the Future:
We want to see a world in which everyone has the means to create the life they dream of. By using a combination of human-centered approaches, storytelling and a digital platform, we want to raise donations and distribute these as microloans in underserved communities. Instead of having to pay back the loan to a bank, the loan has to be paid back to the community. This way, the money can go to the next project, creating a ripple effect.
These are our
Core Values
Innovation
At Bridging Gaps, we take immense pride in our innovative and unique approach, cherishing it's adaptability that allows us the freedom for boundless creativity.
Trust
We promote trust through transparency towards all our partners and by maintaining personal relationships.
Optimism
As an entrepreneur from the world's poorest communities, optimism is vital. That’s why it's a key element at Bridging Gaps, where doing good is easy and fun.
Shifting the Power
Co-founded and co-led with the initial refugee community, Bridging Gaps prioritizes inclusive decision-making and community-led projects for empowering and sustaining supported communities.
Connection
We build connections between the Global North and the Global South, striving to nurture enduring relationships for everyone involved.
Compassion
In our diverse team, we prioritize care and compassion for each other, our partners, and microloan recipients, fostering an inclusive and respectful environment.
Our Team
Janina Peter
Founder and CEO
🇩🇪 Germany
Danielle Marques
Partnerships & Community Manager
🇧🇷 Brazil
Malish James
Co-founder
🇺🇬 🇸🇸 Uganda / South Sudan
Katharina Korte
Communication Manager
🇩🇪 Germany
Andreas Kästner
Operations Manager
🇩🇪 Germany
Letícia Niehues
Fundraising Manager
🇧🇷 Brazil
Aida Letaru
Facilitator
🇺🇬 Uganda
Anne Thürnau
Designer
🇩🇪 Germany
Wiebke Meyer Lüters
Designer
🇩🇪 Germany
Ambassadors
Ambassadors
Jaclyn Huang
Ambassador
🇩🇪 🇹🇼 Germany / Taiwan
Charlene Mwangi
Ambassador
🇰🇪 Kenya
Samuel Kinuthia
Tech Manager
🇰🇪 Kenya
Open Positions
Legal Operations
open volunteering position
🇩🇪 Germany
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You have a background in law, administration or a related field? We are looking for someone to navigate us through the German legal jungle, support our ongoing incorporation process, support internal processes like contracts with partners or volunteers, support design and structure of other legal documents, an HR handbook, donation receipts, and other processes as needed.
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Ideally you will bring some experience within the German non-profit sector.
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Volunteer 5-10 hours per week
