About Us

What does the term “mana” mean?

Mana comes from Hebrew and means “gift from God.” This reflects our belief in the inherent dignity of every human being, regardless of their circumstances or resources. Every life is priceless and deserving of support, care, and advocacy — especially when it comes to creating equal opportunities.

Our work is grounded in a Christian view of humanity.

Where to Find Us

Fort Portal – House of Hope

This is our main base, where we run hygiene workshops and training sessions on alternative income opportunities. In early 2024, we also opened our own bakery, where women — after completing prior training — work independently and sell the baked goods.

Mobile Workshops

We visit villages throughout Uganda to conduct hygiene workshops and practical skills training, such as sewing and making reusable sanitary pads. These programs help women and girls build self-confidence, a sense of agency, and personal dignity.

Karte mit Standpunkt Fort Portal in Uganda

Our Story

On my first trip to Uganda in 2021, I met an approximately 18-year-old girl holding a six-week-old newborn. Her story shook me: Madita had become pregnant by a young man who was socially expected to provide for her and the child. As he was not financially able to do so, he took his own life in her hut. The shock plunged Madita into deep trauma and worsened her already desperate situation.

During my trip, I realized how many children in Uganda are abandoned, homeless, or neglected. Early marriages are often a way to escape poverty, and girls and women without support are socially isolated and have little to no prospects.

From that day on, I decided to take action and provide women and girls in such situations with a place of support – offering practical help, individual development, and new perspectives. I deliberately chose the name Mana for the organization: in Hebrew, it means jedes Leben ist bedeutungsvollevery life is meaningful. Every person matters, and we want to show that women, girls, and their children also have a future.

— Jasmin Wollert (Founder)

Our Motivation

We aim to pool resources and, as a global human family grounded in faith in God, cultivate relationships based on equality and mutual respect. Providing women in developing countries with a hopeful perspective is our contribution to the broader goal of creating fair and livable conditions together.

Nonprofit Status

The Mana Foundation e.V. was founded in 2020 in Westerkappeln. Its non-profit status was officially recognized in Germany on November 26, 2020, by the tax office under tax number 307/5934/2779. In Uganda, we are registered as a Community-Based Organization (CBO).

Die SteuerberaterInnen unserer Organisation sowie erfahrene Fachleute in den Bereichen Finanzen und Rechtsprüfung sorgen für Rechtmäßigkeit und Transparenz, prüfen unsere Konten und beraten uns umfassend.

German Bank: Mana Foundation e.V.
Volksbank Westerkappeln-Saerbeck eG
IBAN: DE42 2656 5928 6514 4945 00

Paypal: info@mana-foundation.org

Our Team

Wir sind ein buntes Team aus Studierenden, SozialarbeiterInnen, GärtnerInnen, LehrerInnen und BäckermeisterInnen, die ehrenamtlich ihre Zeit und Expertise einbringen. Gemeinsam mit Bishop Jimmy Karuramu und Isaac Kassajja schaffen wir in Uganda neue Perspektiven und Ausbildungsmöglichkeiten.

Join the Mana Foundation