About us
President: Annina Lüdi
My name is Annina Lüdi, social worker, founder and president of Penku jant – lever du soleil. Born in 1982, I am the mother of two adult children with Gambian roots and have spent significant time in Gambia, Senegal, Guinea, and Guinea-Bissau. Since childhood, I have dreamed of creating a project that supports and empowers people.
As a social worker, I bring extensive experience in migration, victim support, and child protection. Alongside Penku jant, I am also active in other projects, including publishing my own book, team leadership at the Afro-Pfingsten Festival in Winterthur, and various initiatives against racism and discrimination.
Responsibilities
- Overall responsibility for strategy, project management, project description, statutes, concepts, and other administrative matters
- Implementation of the resolutions of the general assembly
- Monitoring compliance with the statutes
- Ensuring transparent management of all projectsQuality management
Vice President: Mirjam Bischofberger
I, Mirjam Bischofberger, born in 1979, am the mother of three adult children. Since childhood, I have dreamed of founding a social institution abroad – with a free school for learning beyond structured school systems. I enjoy traveling, discovering the world, and I work independently as a massage therapist with my own practice. At Penku jant – lever du soleil, I serve as vice president and am responsible for organizing the childcare structures.
Responsibilities
- Support of the president in her role
- Coordination of the team and ongoing projects in close collaboration with all board members
- Joint preparation and responsibility for decisions to ensure transparent and efficient implementation
Treasurer: Ibrahima Dianko Sousso
I, Ibrahima Dianko Sousso, born in 1985 in Ziguinchor (Senegal), have been living in France since 2017, where I work as a plumbing and heating installer. I am the father of a young daughter in Senegal and wish to support my country and region through my involvement in the association. As a board member of Penku jant – lever du soleil, I am responsible for finance, construction, and overall infrastructure. I am also a musician: I accompany dance classes and play the kora, drums, and djembe at various events.
Responsibilities
- Support the president in fulfilling her duties
- Coordinate the team and ongoing projects in close collaboration with all board members
- Jointly prepare and take responsibility for decisions to ensure transparent and efficient implementation
Secretary: position open
I, Ibrahima Dianko Sousso, born in 1985 in Ziguinchor (Senegal), have been living in France since 2017, where I work as a plumbing and heating installer. I am the father of a young daughter in Senegal and wish to support my country and region through my involvement in the association. As a board member of Penku jant – lever du soleil, I am responsible for finance, construction, and overall infrastructure. I am also a musician: I accompany dance classes and play the kora, drums, and djembe at various events.
Responsibilities
• Responsible for personnel management
• A person is being sought locally in Senegal to take on administrative tasks and coordinate the team
Our story:
The original idea for Penku Jant came from Annina Lüdi. Even as a child, she dreamed of one day building something of her own in Africa—a place where people could find support, knowledge, and new opportunities. The dream of moving abroad, helping others, and enabling them to lead autonomous lives stayed with her for many years.
Over time, her thoughts and visions evolved, matured, and became increasingly concrete. Together with Mirjam Bischofberger, who shared the same desire to contribute to a meaningful social project, the idea finally took shape.
A key role is played by Annina’s partner, Ibrahima Sousso, a native of Senegal. He brings valuable contacts, deep local knowledge, and practical expertise to the project—as a craftsman, as a person, and as someone who understands the cultural and social realities on the ground.
Thus, a long-held dream has become a shared vision: Penku Jant—a place where self-determination, education, and community can grow.
