Meet Our Organization
We work on a voluntary basis and are driven by the desire to make a difference!
Founder of the foundation
Mikaela Lindstrom & Elina Bergstrom
Founder
Experiences from our first trip to Ghana in 2008 are the foundation of why we started the Make a Difference Foundation. Because that is exactly what we want to do.
We want to, and we know that together we can make a big difference for many!
Our valuable board of directors
Leif Lindström
Chair of the Board
“Experiencing the difference we make and all the personal encounters with children and families in Ghana is my greatest motivation for our work. I look forward to continuing to work together to provide families with a safer future by building and running the family center in Bobikuma.”
Per Mellander
Board Member
"The joy and satisfaction of helping children and families in Ghana is my main motivation. Our “small” project of building a family center in Ghana is also an exciting challenge that I simply cannot say no to. The day we inaugurate the home in Bobikuma will be one of the best days of my life."
Holger Gunnarsson
Board Member
"When I heard about Elina & Mikaela’s commitment in Ghana in 2011, it was obvious to me that I wanted to contribute in many ways. I look forward to continuing to help and witnessing the opening of the family center in Bobikuma."
Our enthusiasts
Erica Gunnarsson
Our project assistant
"Erica traveled to Ghana for the first time at the age of 14. Fifteen years later, in October 2024, she returned with us to the family center. Since then, she has been an invaluable resource in our work.
'Seeing the joy of the people in Ghana and experiencing how much even small efforts mean fills me with inspiration and warmth in my heart.'"
Arthur Sandels
Our engineer
"Make a Difference is the perfect way for me to apply my professional engineering skills to help those in need outside of Sweden. The organization is small and efficient, which makes the team very personal. I discovered Make a Difference through Engineers Without Borders, and I am grateful to be part of making a difference."
Johanna Wickström
Our architect
"It was the Rammed Earth building technique that brought me together with MAD in 2014.
Rammed earth is a method of using locally available soil to construct houses that require neither air conditioning nor heating—perfect for the African context. I was already familiar with Ghana before the project, and it has truly been a dream to be part of this amazing initiative in such a joyful country! There is hardly more beautiful soil anywhere."
Olle Grönvall
Our cultivation master
"Olle is a former board member who has traveled with us to Ghana. An invaluable resource, he always provides wise input whenever we face challenges.
His expertise lies in his strong interest and commitment to agriculture and sustainability!"
Håkan Karlgren
Our web support
"Håkan was the driving force behind the launch of our website.
'It didn’t take long to decide when the foundation asked me to help create the website. I’m happy to be able to contribute in this way and make a difference.'"
Our team in Ghana
Jalilu "Opingo" Rahman
"Opingo has been part of our journey since 2009 and has become a very close friend.
He helps and supports us in everything from acting as an interpreter and driver to making wise decisions.
Opingo holds the overall responsibility on-site in Ghana."
Francis Abu
"Francis is our project manager in Bobikuma.
He is responsible for all on-site donations and for our farm.
Francis has extensive knowledge of the village of Bobikuma and assists us with many important matters concerning the development of the family center."
Ben Rockson
"Ben is the project manager responsible for all the students. He supports us in our work with social services and the preschool. Through his dedication, he helps create safety and development for the children and families, while also serving as an important link between us and the local community.
Ben is university-educated himself and serves as a great role model, inspiring our students."
Pearl Delali Vanderpuije
"Pearl, who works at the Swedish-Ghanaian Chamber of Commerce, is an invaluable resource for us. With her contacts and local knowledge, she is our key person in Ghana, especially in collaboration with the construction companies."
