September 28 (Day 211) Building Bridges...Transforming Lives

Flash flooding affects everyone, young and old. Footbridges provide access for children to attend school and return home safely; the sick are able to reach a hospital or clinic for life saving medical attention; villagers can  attend their weekly market centers so their commerce is not interrupted.

Bridging the Gap is dedicated to saving lives and improving the quality of life for marginalized communities across sub-Saharan Africa by constructing pedestrian footbridges to overcome the dangers posed by impassable rivers and ravines that threaten their safety, limit their access to education and healthcare, and restrict economic opportunity.

The approach to building bridges works best by building community Initiative, Participation, and Ownership.

• Community Initiative is the first step for a successful footbridge project.
• Community Participation is imperative for true and lasting empowerment.
• Community Ownership rewards the hard work of everyone involved.

Using materials that are accessible in Kenya, Bridging The Gap  works with community leaders to involve the local men and women in gathering sand and rock for the bridge footings and in raising their portion of the cost to build their footbridge. Then, utilizing local labor and volunteers, BTG provides technical expertise and financial assistance to design and construct a safe and secure pedestrian footbridge. At the completion of the project it’s time to celebrate! Speeches are given, a meal is shared; the bridge is formally commissioned to the receiving and grateful community.


The hanging footbridges are simple in design, with an average length of 120 feet and an average cost of about $6,000. They are built using basic materials and local tools so villagers can maintain them and make repairs when needed.  There is high demand for Bridging The Gap's  help. But because of limited financing, they are able to organize only five or six projects a year.

Please consider supporting this amazing project!  What an awesome way to make a difference in someone else's life! 



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Source:  Bridging The Gap