Michael Baker partners with FIKA (formerly Bridges to Prosperity), a nonprofit organization dedicated to constructing footbridges in remote, underdeveloped areas of the world, to sponsor the construction of trail bridges in isolated parts of the world, creating better access to economic, educational and health care opportunities.
According to The World Bank, one out of seven people in the developing world lack safe transportation access to essential services. We work closely with Fika and rural communities to build footbridges where impassable rivers make it dangerous or impossible to reach schools, clinics, markets and jobs.
“This experience has truly been transformative for me, both personally and professionally. It has reaffirmed my commitment to making a positive impact in the world and has inspired me to continue seeking opportunities for growth, learning and service. I am deeply grateful for the support of my team and the invaluable lessons learned from the local community in Rwanda.”
For two weeks in the summer, our team members work side-by-side with Fika’s in-country staff and local community members to build a footbridge for a community in need. Individual projects are guided by a context-sensitive design provided by Fika that is tailored to the job site and the rugged terrain of the region. Together, project teams accomplish every aspect of bridge superstructure construction, from prepping the job-site to setting the main cables to installing the decking and fencing. In addition to dramatically improving mobility, these new bridges help to greatly reduce the number of injuries that are caused each year as a result of residents attempting dangerous crossings through flooded rivers.
A core value that defines Michael Baker International is that “We Make a Difference” daily in the communities we serve, helping to make them safer, more accessible, more environmentally sustainable, and more livable. Our partnership with Fika is just one way that we can affect change around the world for those who need it most.
Fika envisions a world where poverty caused by rural isolation no longer exists. Rural isolation is a root cause of poverty, and they believe that connection is the foundation to opportunity. Fika works with local communities, partners and foundations, to build footbridges that connect residents to education, health care and economic opportunity. With a sophisticated data collection and evaluation program, Fika is able to prove that the value and impact of their work is sustained long after the opening celebration.
Fika has built more than 500 trail bridges, serving over 1.8 million community members throughout the world.