Our Story
It is not one story, but thousands. It is the story of the woman who cannot reach the clinic, the story of the child who cannot get to school, the story of the farmer unable to sell his crops. In an isolated, walking world, rivers bring both life and death. Flood seasons cut villages off from all outside resources, and desperate attempts to cross rivers often end in tragedy.
The founder of BtGA, Harmon Parker, heard these stories and determined to make a difference. He began building footbridges over dangerous rivers in Kenya more than 20 years ago. As to date, BtGA has constructed more than 60 Bridges and has a team of Kenyan engineers and trained bridge builders. Our vision is to see every rural and isolated community in Kenya to have safe access to the basic necessities in life. The BtGA story continues to build bridges to a better world.
Her Story
Nengume could see the lights of the clinic, not far away, shining in the deep darkness of the landscape. As the lights grew brighter, her hope grew stronger. Help for her child was near. She adjusted the baby on her back and pushed ahead. Then, she heard the sound she had feared, and hope faded quickly into the dark, angry waters of the rushing river.
The same life-sustaining waters that provided so much were now keeping her from the help she needed. An attempt to cross the floodwaters, especially at night, would mean certain death. A safe place to cross could be more than twenty miles down the river. She looked up again and saw the lights on the other side of the river - hope just out of reach
The Impact
She could see the lights of the clinic, not far away, each glow a promise that help was near. Nengume adjusted the child on her back and moved ahead into the darkness. Then she heard the sound of the angry, flooded river pounding through the ravine. She exhaled with relief and smiled with determination as she crossed the footbridge to the clinic.
What is the story of Bridging the Gap Africa? It is the story of a footbridge that gives hope and transforms a community.
Our Vision
Bridging the Gap Africa envisions a world filled with pedestrian footbridges connecting isolated communities who live in a Walking World.
Our Mission
Bridging the Gap Africa believes that rural African communities should not suffer from the dangers posed by impassable rivers. Footbridges prevent drowning and ensure safe, uninterrupted access to education, health care and economic opportunity. Bridging the Gap Africa is committed to building bridges that save lives.
Our Purpose
Bridging the Gap Africa solely exists to build pedestrian footbridges for rural and isolated communities in Africa. The purpose of constructing bridges is to prevent accidental drowning, save lives, and connect people. Furthermore, footbridges have an immediate, positive, and transformational impact for those who live in a rural Walking World. Flooding does not interrupt the education welfare for children. Poverty is reduced because impassable rivers do not impede economic opportunities. Overall, the general health of the population improves because bridges provide safe access to healthcare facilities. A bridge brings social change that makes the world a better place.
Commitment to Diversity, Inclusion, and Nondiscrimination
Bridging the Gap Africa does not and shall not discriminate based on race, color, religion, gender and gender expression, age, national origin, disability, marital status, sexual orientation, or military status, in any of its activities or operations. We are committed to providing an inclusive environment for all members of our staff, board, partners, donors, and the people we serve.