🎉 Bridging Gaps is thrilled to share a momentous achievement: being chosen to participate in the IGNITE Food Systems Challenge 2.0 Bootcamp in Uganda this week. This challenge, organized by the IGNITE Innovation Hub for Eastern Africa and Outbox Uganda, led by the United Nations World Food Programme (WFP) in collaboration with USAID Bureau of Humanitarian Affairs (BHA) and the Danish Ministry of Foreign Affairs (DANIDA), seeks to identify market-based solutions addressing food insecurity for the most vulnerable communities in Uganda.
“Over the past month, we've meticulously reviewed 234 incredible submissions, narrowing it down to 99 longlisted and 30 shortlisted applications. The dedication and innovation we've seen have been truly inspiring.”, states the WFP IGNITE team. 🌱
💡 Our co-founder and one of the driving forces behind Bridging Gaps, Malish James, is currently in Kampala, passionately representing our organization. He is showcasing how microloans and entrepreneurship training can be transformative in ensuring food security within Uganda's refugee communities and beyond. The opportunity to share our vision on such a platform is exhilarating, and we look forward to witnessing the array of innovative solutions from fellow participants. Additionally, our esteemed partner, HODARI FOUNDATION, has also been selected, making this collaborative journey even more exciting.
🥣 Over the past year, challenges such as funding shortages have compelled international organizations, including the WFP, to reduce food rations in places like the Bidibidi Refugee Settlement. This situation echoes the poignant statement, "Taking from the hungry to feed the starving." Bridging Gaps believes in breaking this cycle by empowering refugee entrepreneurs through training and providing starting capital. Our goal is to create self-sufficient communities, reducing reliance on external donations and food aid.
🌾 Central to our strategy is a focus on food production and distribution within our target communities. By nurturing local and regional initiatives to cultivate fruits, vegetables, mushrooms, and more, Bridging Gaps aims to establish sustainable financial and economic structures.
Our innovative #PayingItForward mechanism ensures that money circulates within these communities, contributing to poverty reduction and, ultimately, achieving zero hunger and healthier food systems in Uganda.
Bridging Gaps is proud to be part of this challenge, contributing to the collective effort, in collaboration with esteemed partners, to build a more resilient and food-secure future for vulnerable communities in Uganda. Stay tuned for updates! 🌍