Bridge reaffirms commitment to ppp

Bridge International Academies, one of eight partners involve in the government’s Private, Public Partnership school programs says it is committed to serve the Liberian people through the program.

Bridge is currently managing 24 public primary schools across eight counties in Liberia: Montserrado, Margibi, Bong, Nimba, Grand Bassa, Grand Cape Mount, River Cess and Bomi.
“Every county, community, and child brings about new opportunities and hope for their families with this partnership,” Bridge said in a statement which comes amidst protests from public schools that are currently out of the pilot program.

The Bridge Partnership Schools for Liberia (Bridge PSL) and the Ministry of Education aimed at providing quality education to every Liberian child together.  “We are indeed delighted by the turnout at the schools we are managing, and the warm reception from parents, teachers, and community members. Understandably, there are reservations in the process of developing trust, pride, and opportunities in the Liberian education system. Transparency, support, and collaborative efforts from all parties involved are key,” Bridge said in a release. Bridge is part of a global community of partners, parents, teachers, and families who share in a vision and benefit from the gains of education partnerships.

It assures that at no point will Bridge Academies International intentionally mislead the Liberian people. “We take pride in our openness and accessibility, and in being active in education on an international spectrum,” it said.

Bridge said one of its key priorities for the new school year is to support teachers and administrators, ensuring that students maximize their learning capabilities at Bridge Partnership Schools.
“This is a closely monitored process and involves teacher training and support, lesson guides, and empowerment of teachers, principals, and parents,” it said adding “At Bridge, we believe that quality education opens doors, expands horizons, and is ultimately the best gift of all.”

“At present, there is an incredible level of enthusiasm in the recent weeks, as schools have reopened. Classrooms are reaching breaking limits with parents clamoring for spaces to ensure that their children are registered at the trusted public schools we are managing.

Bridge International Academies remains committed to zero fee or charge during its pilot partnership program in Liberia at public schools. Bridge Partnership Schools are public schools, and no fees are charged to attend school. Through Bridge’s generosity, children are receiving more learning than ever before. All children receive a free homework book to use each day, and to show their parents the work they have done in school. Children in early childhood classes receive free classwork books with activities and lessons to use and write in. Every child in Primary School has time set aside to read books on a tablet computer as they boost their reading skills- also for free! And, while other public schools charge for uniforms, Bridge has generously provided each child with a free school uniform. Bridge is also supporting the Ministry’s efforts by equipping its schools with desks,” the statement said Bridge clarifies that it does not require or receive payments from parents, students, or teachers, adding that the Ministry of Education is supporting the Partnership Schools by paying all teaching and administrative staff. It said all the programs at Bridge Partnership Schools are funded by donors, ensuring that Bridge is self-sustaining and allowing us to revert all efforts to the partnership schools.