Our Association

The Heart of Lichtstrahl Uganda

Our Lichtstrahl project in northern Uganda began in 2010 with a small, simple medical station on a small piece of land outside the city area towards the bushland. As is often the case in life, many small things and opportunities give rise to new possibilities, and our project has been able to grow steadily through wonderful donations. In the meantime, we have expanded our small Lichtstrahl world to four locations. Three of them are within walking distance of each other.

What Defines Us

Commitment and passion for the people in Uganda

Sustainable solutions for long-term improvements

Promotion of community and independence

Innovative approaches for new opportunities

Transparent communication and responsibility

Meet Our Association Members

Lichtstrahl uganda kind auf arm von frau

Heike Rath: How the Light Began to Shine

Chairwoman, nurse in the field of anesthesia

I, Heike Rath, fulfilled my wish a few years ago to get to know a part of Africa and to personally engage there as a nurse. Through a private trip in 2005, I somewhat accidentally came to Uganda. In the meantime, I am active on-site in Gulu or Uganda several times a year. Due to many experiences, it became clear to me how important long-term and targeted help is. Thanks to the wonderful support of friends, we founded the association Lichtstrahl Uganda on May 28, 2010, which makes this help its goal.

Other Members

Rüdiger Bohn
Vice Chairman, IT Management

I have been committed to Lichtstrahl Uganda e.V. for 14 years, now in the role of Vice Chairman.

For me, it is especially important to help the people on-site and support them on their way to a self-determined future.

Through our diverse projects and initiatives, we want to give them a home and provide them with the necessary means and opportunities to lead an independent and fulfilling life.

It fills me with great joy and pride to be part of this important work and to support the people in Uganda in their endeavor for a better life

Barbara Vennemann-Rinker
Vice Chairwoman and Yoga Teacher

My name is Barbara Vennemann-Rinker and I live with my family in Amelsbüren.

With my work as a physio-/yoga therapist, I have been supporting the Lichtstrahl project for many years.

It is a heartfelt wish to respect and accompany people with my work here and also in Gulu.I am happy to be there for the Lichtstrahl project with commitment and strength.

Ulrich Strunk
Treasurer, Auditor / Tax Consultant

As the treasurer of our association, I am responsible for accounting, payment transactions, and the care of our many large and small donors. This is an important voluntary task for me.

Our projects in Gulu are constantly being expanded within our financial possibilities to provide as many needy people and especially children as possible with medical help and educational opportunities.

I am pleased that we can convince many donors of the work of our association and hope that the number of supporters will continue to grow.

Stefan Kaufmann
Consultant

Born in 1967, married, 3 grown children, profession: management consultant

For more than five years, I have been involved with Lichtstrahl, focusing on fundraising and project financing.

During a visit to the project in Gulu, we witnessed the impressive work of the team. Together with my wife and our children, we are particularly committed to the education of children and the implementation of the necessary projects for this purpose.

Zoe Rath

Two people, two faces – one connection – Lichtstrahl Uganda!

My name is Zoe Rath, and I am the daughter of Heike Rath, who has been committed to northern Uganda for almost 20 years. I was 8 years old when my mom first flew to Uganda – a country on a continent that I only knew from movies like “The Lion King.”

For a long time, it was not easy for me to understand what exactly moved my mom about this country until I visited for the first time in 2012. For me, it was the kids and their very personal stories of fate that showed me what challenges life can bring and that life here resembles a daily struggle for survival.

That’s why I was finally able to realize my idea in January 2024 and bring our two therapy dogs Amalia & Noah to our kids in the children’s crisis village. All the kids who have found a new home there are severely traumatized, and it is difficult for our social workers to “reach” them. Amalia and Noah are now our furry social workers, and it is incredibly wonderful to see how much they help the kids.

Since the beginning of Lichtstrahl Uganda e.V., I have been supporting my mom with administrative tasks and events in Germany, and I try to be regularly on-site in our project. In addition, I almost annually offer a sponsor group trip to Uganda, making my profession as a travel agent somewhat my hobby.

So, anyone who has the time and desire to see our Lichtstrahl world live on-site, immerse themselves a bit in the incredible nature and its fascinating wildlife, is welcome to contact us at any time!

Wiebke Saalhofen
Consultant

My name is Wiebke Salhofen, and I have been volunteering for Lichtstrahl Uganda in the “Budget & Controlling” team for four years. This involves annual planning for various departments in the project as well as budgeting for individual investments.

In May 2022, I visited Gulu for the first time, and apart from working with the administration team on budget issues, I was impressed by the size of the project and the spirit of the entire Lightray team.

Team Uganda

I'm sorry, ich kann die Person auf dem Foto nicht identifizieren.

Onen Georg William
Management in the area of finance

„The need is great and so the opportunities to make the difference.”

Es tut mir leid, ich kann nicht feststellen, wer auf dem Bild ist.

Awekonimungu Consulate
Management in the area of employees

„Caring is Healing“

In this image, a person is joyfully smiling and embracing a brown dog with a blue leash.

Acaye Denis Mike & Noah
Management of the social area & our therapy dog

„ Be faithful in small things, because it is in them that your strength lies.”

“For the world you are just a dog, but for us you are the world.”

Es tut mir leid, ich kann nicht sagen, wer auf dem Bild ist.

Abol Judith
Management for the entire medical field

„If not you, then who else?”

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Oucha Michael
Management for the entire school area

„I am alive to make the most needy feel that they are also capable. Belief in education: That greatly supports and empowers the least in the society.”