Janina: Thanks for having me, Spiffy! Our story starts with Malish James, a refugee in Uganda’s Bidibidi Refugee Settlement. In my day job, I work for the UN, through which I connected with Malish. He shared many stories about his life, and one particular challenge stuck with me—while refugees in the community receive food aid from international organizations, they struggle to afford other commodities, such as new clothes for their children. So in many cases, instead of eating the food, they sell it to supply other basic needs. Together with Malish, we created a solution: Many refugees have ideas for starting their own businesses. However, most of them don’t have access to funding. This is where Bridging Gaps comes in. We transform donations from the Global North to community microloans in the Global South, so refugees in Bidibidi can start their own businesses.
Natalia: It’s great to be here, Spiffy! At a time when diversity and inclusion are hot topics, the 15 percent in the world who have a disability want effective change to remove the inequality, discrimination, and inactivity they face. The International Paralympic Committee wants to change attitudes about disability, improve accessibility, and increase opportunities for people with a disability through the power of sport. By using the platform of the Paralympic Games, we are raising awareness of the barriers and discrimination people with disabilities face on a daily basis at all levels of society. Paralympic athletes can act as a catalyst to break down these barriers, so all persons with disabilities can fulfill their potential and be active and visible members of an inclusive society.
Div: Thanks for having me, Spiffy! Monki Tox focuses on exposing children to Indian culture and moral values through stories in English and various Indian languages, to enhance their value system and improve mental health and character. Through various well-thought-out features, it reduces screen time, and advocates sound character-building, inclusiveness, and equality. This, in turn, helps to enhance brain development, art appreciation, creativity, physical activity, and bonding with nature in children.
