Our Team
In April 2022, we founded our charity, Mission Positivity, with a total of eight founding members. Our team spans multiple generations, complementing each other with diverse professions, experiences, and ideas. While some of us are still studying or just starting our careers, others bring years of expertise to the table. What unites us: we learn from one another, support each other, and share the same enthusiasm for our common goals.
Some of us have known each other our entire lives, others have been friends for decades, and many of us have made great new connections through the founding of the charity. This close bond and mutual trust form the foundation of our team.
In addition to our board members, we are always excited to welcome new faces to our team. Over the past two years, we’ve been able to attract many dedicated members who enrich our work with fresh ideas and enthusiasm. Are you interested in getting involved and becoming part of our team? Then feel free to contact us. Together, we’ll find out how you can contribute your strengths and talents to our mission!
This Is Us
Celine Böhr
Co-Founder and Chairperson
With a big heart, Celine drives our mission to spread positivity and goodness in the world. The opportunity to connect with and learn more about other people and cultures through our charity deeply fulfills her and motivates her to continue sharing positivity.
Hanna Merkelbach
Co-Founder and Vice Chairperson
With her creative and reliable nature, as well as her dedication to helping others, Hanna is an indispensable pillar of our team. As a psychology student, she contributes her knowledge in meaningful ways and appreciates the chance to gain valuable insights into new cultures and ways of life through Mission Positivity.
Julia Merkelbach
Co-Founder and Treasurer
Julia is an open and warm-hearted person who enriches our team with innovative ideas and great organizational talent. Her structured approach to work makes her particularly valuable in financial matters, and she is passionate about connecting with others.
Anas El Morabit Bouatman
Co-Founder and Auditor
As a sociable and warm-hearted individual, Anas leaves a lasting impression on everyone he meets. Born in Morocco and living in Spain, he discovered his passion for different cultures and countries early on. With his diverse language skills, he is a valuable asset to our team.
Our Origin Story
Our journey began with the experiences and encounters we had during our time abroad—whether through Work & Travel, working overseas, or individual travels after finishing school. Along the way, we repeatedly met people in need of support.
All these experiences sparked a desire in Celine, the first chairperson of our charity, to create something of her own. She approached us with the idea of establishing an official organization to combine our shared efforts and make an even greater impact. We were immediately inspired and motivated to bring this vision to life. Shortly after, we founded our charity together: Mission Positivity.
Since then, we have been guided by the conviction that every person has the right to education, health, and a life of dignity. We are passionately committed to achieving sustainable improvements in the communities that need it most. With open eyes and ears, we meet people on our travels and in everyday life, listen to their stories, and lend a hand wherever support is needed.
Our Mission
Our mission can already be derived from the name of our charity: We aim to share the positivity we carry within us with the world, help people and animals, and spread hope and compassion.
Our goals for implementing the mission:
Supporting Young People in Their Educational and Personal Development
“Education is the most powerful weapon you can use to change the world.” This quote by Nelson Mandela shapes our actions: Every person has a right to education and individual support. That’s why we assist schools in the remote communities of Milagros and La Union in Paya, Colombia, by providing volunteers and teaching materials. In doing so, we support the teachers and expand the educational opportunities available. Additionally, we fund a speech therapist who conducts targeted reading and language exercises with the children. We are also active in an orphanage in Venezuela, where we collaborate with the management to develop sustainable support solutions. Our goal is to create access to education and accompany young people on their educational and personal journeys—because education is a fundamental right for everyone.
Providing Sustainable Assistance to People in Need Through Targeted Support
As a humanitarian organization, we are committed to helping those who need support the most. Our goal is to provide sustainable assistance and promote self-reliance. One example is our annual action day for homeless individuals, during which we distribute bags filled with food, hygiene products, and clothing to alleviate immediate hardship and show appreciation. In Morocco, we supported a family in need by constructing a housing complex and providing access to hot water. Our focus is on sustainable support that creates lasting change and opens up new opportunities.
Reducing Social Inequalities and Strengthening Equal Opportunities and Inclusion
Inclusion means creating a society where every person—regardless of abilities, background, or circumstances—has equal opportunities to participate. This principle shapes all our projects. In Paya, Colombia, we provided glasses to children with visual impairments and organized workshops for parents and teachers to promote the proper use of vision aids. In Morocco, we funded a scooter for a young man with a physical disability, enabling him to travel to school independently. We also donated wheelchairs to individuals who previously had none or whose wheelchairs were broken. Our goal is to break down barriers, promote equal opportunities, and enable social participation for everyone.
Improving Living Conditions for Socially Disadvantaged People and Creating Sustainable Opportunities
To achieve this goal, we focus on sustainable assistance in every project—help that has a lasting impact and empowers individuals to strengthen their self-efficacy. One example of this is the inclusion of local workers in construction projects in the countries where we operate. This approach provides a steady income for a specific period and imparts valuable work experience. Additionally, we organize workshops to provide knowledge that is otherwise difficult to access and to intentionally promote practical skills.
Promoting Awareness and Access to Topics Like Health, Safety, and Prevention Through Workshops and Initiatives
“Knowledge is the only good that grows when shared.” – This quote by Marie von Ebner-Eschenbach shapes our work. That’s why we regularly organize workshops and action days where experts provide information on topics such as women’s health, safety, and prevention. Together with the local community, we discuss which topics offer the most value and spark the greatest interest. It is important to us to bring critical and often taboo subjects into focus to raise awareness and drive change. Only through the open exchange of knowledge can we foster positive developments in the long term.
Supporting Projects and Initiatives for the Protection of Animals and Their Habitats
In addition to supporting people, we see it as our responsibility to ensure the well-being and protection of animals. Animals have no voice and cannot protect themselves from suffering or abuse. For example, we support an animal shelter in Morocco by funding food, veterinary costs, and the expansion of an animal hospital. In Morocco, many stray dogs struggle to survive on the streets every day. The shelter not only provides them with medical care but also offers them the chance for a safe home.
Acting Responsibly
We strive to make the most impact with limited resources, prioritizing environmentally friendly materials and partnerships. Positive change can only have a lasting effect if we preserve and protect the foundation of life on our planet.
Join Us in Our Mission
Get involved now and become part of a movement that leaves a positive impact around the world. Contact us to find out how you can help, or start today with a donation. Your contribution brings us one step closer to our vision.
Our Sponsors
