Bridges to Prosperity charity launches UK branch

Abbie Noriega
08 July 2015

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Charity Bridges to Prosperity which builds footbridges in remote communities around the world celebrated its official launch in the UK on Tuesday. Its development director Abbie Noriega explains more.

Bridges to Prosperity was founded in the USA in 2001 and has worked with communities in 18 countries to build more than 170 pedestrian bridges which serve more than 750,000 people by providing safe access over impassable rivers.

Many members of rural communities live largely a walking world, and when rivers swell, journeys to school, work, or visits to a doctor can become life threatening without a bridge to cross. 

“Together, we hope to make major progress in alleviating poverty caused by rural isolation, and the official launch of our organisation in the United Kingdom will deepen those existing partnerships that have been so productive, and will provide the opportunity to bring new partners to the table" - Avery Bang, CEO, Bridges to Prosperity

Bridges make it possible for all people throughout the world's rural communities to safely and consistently connect to services and opportunities that are critical for leading healthy and productive lives. Evaluation of the effects of bridge constructios have demonstrated that when a community gains access to reliable, safe river crossing, there is a 12% increase in school enrolment for children, 24% increase in healthcare treatment, 18% increase in employment for women, and 15% increase in local business. With just one bridge, B2P can leverage local talent and resources to strengthen the impact of all services being provided to a rural community.

B2P regularly engages world leaders in the construction and engineering industries to advance their work. In 2013 and 2014, volunteers from the London office of Arup worked with Bridges to Prosperity staff to complete footbridges in Rwanda and Panama, and later joined volunteers from Hilti on an additional bridge in Panama. The Muregeya Suspension Footbridge in Rwanda serves more than 10,000 people, and was honored with the Award for Sustainability at the 2014 Institution of Structural Engineers Awards. The Circito Suspension Footbridge in Panama recently won the Designed in London award at the Institution of Civil Engineers Awards.

 This month, volunteers from Balfour Beatty and Flint & Neill will travel to Rwanda to complete the Gaseke Suspension Footbridge, which the two companies have joined together to support.

“Our Industry Partnership Program enables our organisation to grow the reach and impact of our mission by engaging top designers and builders, while providing an unparalleled leadership development and team-building experience for those partners,” said Bridges to Prosperity CEO Avery Bang.

“Together, we hope to make major progress in alleviating poverty caused by rural isolation, and the official launch of our organisation in the United Kingdom will deepen those existing partnerships that have been so productive, and will provide the opportunity to bring new partners to the table.”  

In the coming year, Bridges to Prosperity expects to complete more than 30 new footbridges in Bolivia, Haiti, Nicaragua, Panama, and Rwanda.

 To learn more about the organization, including how to get involved, please visit www.bridgestoprosperity.org