- General
Light for the World has welcomed two senior leaders, strengthening our mission to spark lasting change for disability rights and eye health across Burkina Faso, Ethiopia, Kenya, Mozambique, South Sudan, Uganda and beyond!
Lucy Nyaga (above, left) joins as our International Director of Programmes and Katri Bertram as International Director of Impact & Advocacy.
Lucy has 22 years’ experience managing a wide variety of integrated health and development programmes across East and Southern Africa.
She is passionate about making a lasting positive change in the lives of the most marginalised and vulnerable people — in particular people with disabilities, especially women, girls and young people.
Lucy’s passion has been shaped by her personal experience, formal training and work experiences in Africa.
As International Director of Programmes, Lucy will focus on enabling effective implementation of our programmes with our partners and management of grants of our donors. Lucy will be based in Nairobi, Kenya.
Katri has 20 years’ experience in building and strengthening international development and health partnerships.
She has worked at the German Federal Ministry of Health, the World Bank and Save the Children.
In her work at Light for the World, Katri aims to ensure all people can live healthy lives, equity becomes a reality, and the power of inclusive partnerships is leveraged for more impact.
As International Director of Impact & Advocacy, Katri will focus on overarching programme strategy, quality, and international and regional partnerships, including institutional donors. Katri will be based in Berlin, Germany.
Jess Blijkers, International Director, Programmes and Advocacy, is leaving Light for the World after 13 years.
“I am hugely grateful for the people with whom I have had the opportunity to work,” Jess says.
“I really am bursting with pride about everything we could achieve together, especially in the last four years. Light for the World is a very special place.”
Marion Lieser, CEO at Light for the World International, says: “We are thrilled to welcome Lucy and Katri to Light for the World.
“Their experience and expertise will be invaluable as we work towards a world where people with disabilities, and people with avoidable eye conditions, fully exercise their rights to health, education, work and protection in emergencies.
“On behalf of Light for the World, I also want to say a huge thank you to Jess, who has been a wonderful team player, mentor and senior manager. Her in-depth knowledge of the eye health, disability and development sectors profoundly contributed to the success of our programmes.
“All the best for the future, Jess, and welcome to Light for the World, Lucy and Katri!”
