Hello, I'm Miriam Ulrike Butschke, Founder of Ulrike Foundation I'm a passionate humanitarian who finds immense joy in helping those in need of human growth and success. My journey is deeply rooted in my mixed heritage – I'm proudly South African-German, with my father hailing from Bavaria, Germany, and my mother being a strong South African woman. Although I was born and raised in Africa, my background has instilled in me a global perspective that shapes everything I do.
While I previously worked with the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) in Geneva, Switzerland, I've since transitioned to focusing full-time on my own initiative, the Ulrike Foundation. This shift has allowed me to directly pursue my vision of empowering communities and creating lasting change. Across several countries in Africa, we're making a tangible impact by providing essential services and fostering sustainable development in underserved communities.
My passion for making a difference led me to establish the Ulrike Foundation, an organization close to my heart. Our mission is to bring hope and opportunity to those in sub-Saharan Africa by focusing on two crucial aspects of human development: education and healthcare. I've been fortunate to lead projects that have made tangible differences in people's lives. In Cameroon, we built a water pump that now serves a community of over 5,000 people, bringing clean water and improved health to an entire village. In Chad, we extended a helping hand to a community that had been devastated by warlords, working to restore safety and stability. And in Ethiopia, we provided first aid and educational supplies to children whose lives had been upended by war, offering them a glimmer of hope for a brighter future.
These experiences have profoundly shaped who I am and fueled my commitment to humanitarian work. But beyond my professional life, I'm an avid explorer at heart. I absolutely love traveling the world, immersing myself in new cultures, and savoring diverse cuisines. There's something magical about meeting people from all walks of life – each interaction teaches me something new and reinforces my belief in our shared humanity.
I'm eternally grateful for my past role at the UNHCR, which has not only allowed me to contribute to meaningful causes but has also enriched my personal life in countless ways. Every day, I'm reminded of how fortunate I am to be in a position where I can make a difference, and I'm committed to making the most of this opportunity.
Through these focus areas, we strive to create long-lasting, sustainable change in the communities we serve. Our projects span across various African countries, each tailored to the specific needs and contexts of the local populations.
I believe that together, we can create a world where everyone has the opportunity to thrive. Whether you're interested in volunteering, donating, or simply learning more about humanitarian work, I'm here to connect. Let's work together to build a brighter, more equitable future for all. Thank you for taking the time to learn about my journey – I look forward to the possibility of connecting with you soon!
If you're interested in learning more about my work or the projects we're undertaking at the Ulrike Foundation, I'd love to connect with you. Feel free to reach out to me via WhatsApp – I'm always eager to share insights and discuss how we can create positive change together. And if you're moved to support our cause, you can click the donate button on this page.
Your contribution, no matter how small, can make a significant impact on the lives of those we serve. As a token of our gratitude, I personally call each donor to express our appreciation and share how their support is making a difference.
When I'm not engaged in my humanitarian work, I'm passionate about exploring the world and immersing myself in diverse cultures. Traveling is more than just a hobby for me; it's a way of life that allows me to broaden my horizons and gain new perspectives. I absolutely love meeting new people from all walks of life, hearing their stories, and learning about their traditions. This passion for human connection extends to my love for trying international cuisines – I believe that food is a universal language that brings people together.
In my free time, you'll often find me planning my next adventure, whether it's hiking through nature reserves, attending cultural festivals, or simply wandering through the streets of a new city. I'm always eager to learn new languages, as I believe it's the key to truly understanding and appreciating different cultures. Photography is another hobby I enjoy, as it allows me to capture the beauty of the landscapes and people I encounter on my journeys. Above all, I cherish the opportunity to make new friends wherever I go, believing that every person I meet enriches my life in unique and wonderful ways.