Bridges To Learning Inc

Bridges to Learning is partnering with the Anh Linh Free School in Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam, and the Viet Anh Primary school in rural Da Teh Province, Vietnam to provide a quality education, along with food, haircuts, uniforms, school supplies, in a nurturing and supportive environment. to the children who do not qualify for public education. In many cases, the children, once at the schools, catch up with their age group and eventually are able to attend the public schools, including high schools and colleges with scholarships from the school.

The ultimate goal is to provide a strong education and solid social and emotional development for the children so they can hope for a bright future, and attain goals to move them out of poverty.

Bridges to Learning raises awareness of the needs of the children, and raises funds from benevolent donors and sponsors to support the needs of the school through fundraising events, also through direct appeals and grant opportunities. B2L is in communication with the schools throughout the year to determine their needs. Periodically representatives and sponsors visit the school to witness the work being done and build relationships.

Throughout the lifetime of the organization, B2L has maintained a board of 6-8 members with a variety of skills, interests and connection to Vietnam. The board effectively utilizes relationships with colleagues, family and friends to meet the needs of the organization and to meet the goals. B2L staffing adjusts over time as the needs and the finances of the organization change, ranging from hiring Executive Directors, to part time administrative staff.

One of the founders of B2L, Bob Mac Murdo retains a seat on the board and volunteers as treasurer, while the other founder, Jerilyn Hirsch has retired from the board, but continues to support the organization with her time, talents and relationship building.

From the beginning, Bridges to Learning has supported, financed and funded projects that nurture potential and provide opportunities to under-served students and children.
o Supported construction on a new secondary school;
o Helped fund construction of an elementary school with a dormitory housing for orphaned or abandoned girls;
o Helped fund dormitory expansion to provide housing for college-age women;
o Helped fund new dormitory housing for boys;
o Dormitory housing provides a safe and healthy home for up to 20 people;
o Provide resources for a computer center at the secondary school;
o Obtained a grant to purchase a bus for the Viet Anh Primary School to provide safe transportation for the students in rural Vietnam;
o Assisted many students to meet curriculum standards and succeed with a government standardized test. The test allows them to move forward with their education;
o Raised over $1.5 million dollars to support the students and schools;
o Sponsors provided 1,000 years of education to children who had no other means.
B2L is continuing to determine the needs of the schools and provide resources to meet the needs. Currently we are focused on increasing the number of child sponsors, and ensuring there are adequate operating funds.