WHAT SETS US APART
BERLIN
Shorten the Distance e.V.
Shorten the Distance e.V. is a non-profit organization based in Berlin. The organization was founded in 2018 by Jacob Gondwe-Köttner, who spent the early years of
his life in Malawi. Then as now, many things that we take for granted in Germany were unattainable for Malawians. Our name should demonstrate that distances must be shortened: to water
supply, to a healthy lifestyle, to school and vocational training, and to exchange with the world outside of one's own village and country. Most importantly: the goals the local people set
themselves must be achievable.
KASUNGU
Shorten the Distance Trustees
Shorten the Distance Trustees, Malawi is a non-profit organization based in Kasungu that works with various communities, particularly in the villages of
Chiuno, Chilanga, and Dani. The goal of the organization is to improve the living conditions of the children and young people in the villages mentioned. The association was founded in 2015 under
the legal form of a CBO (Community Based Organization). In the summer of 2019, the association was officially recognized as a non-governmental organization.
OUR VISION
Both non-profit organizations want to ensure that people in Malawi who do not enjoy the same opportunities as we do, become more independent and can develop their own initiative. This includes promoting critical thinking in order to be able to question and change the difficult circumstances of life every single day. We believe that every person is capable of taking charge of their own lives if they have the right tools, techniques, and social resources.