A Bridge spokesperson said: “The IFC and others work in partnership with Bridge because of the consistently impressive learning gains achieved at our schools. The IFC should be commended for helping to bring more quality nurseries and schools to parts of the world where there is an acute shortage of learning opportunities for young children. The allegations made by EACHRights and others are not new nor credible and have been rebutted many times

“We hope that people look and listen carefully at what local parents really say about Bridge nurseries and schools. A survey of parents we serve, conducted last year in Kenya, revealed that:

• 92% of parents are satisfied with their Bridge school;
• 96% of parents surveyed say Bridge teachers are always in class and actively teaching;
• 96% of the parents say that they are treated with respect by Bridge staff;
• 93% were proud to be Bridge parents.

“Bridge is grateful for the ongoing support of its investors and adheres to IFC compliance standards. We would hope that EACHRights and others would support innovation in education reform in Kenya where there are currently over a million children out of school. Instead it seems they are hiding behind so called ‘anonymous Kenyans’ who do not reflect the views of our parents or our communities.

“We agree with many in the sector that in order to prevent another generation missing out we must work together to improve and scale both public and private providers. We welcome support, collaboration and partnership in the pursuit of UN SDG4.”

ENDS

For further information, please contact:
media@oldbridge.mc-staging2.net

Notes to Editors:

IFC case study into Bridge.

About Bridge Intern ational Academies:

Bridge believes every child has the right to high quality education and works in partnership with governments, communities, parents and teachers and has empowered more than 300,000 children with a life changing education in underserved communities across Africa and Asia.

Bridge leverages in-depth teacher training and support, advanced lesson plans and wireless technology to provide pupils with a meaningful and life-changing education.

Globally, there is an education crisis. Around 263 million children and young people are not in school and the number of primary school aged children not in school is increasing. Bridge is committed to helping tackle this through a data driven, evidence based approach that delivers strong schools and a great education for all.

bridge.mc-staging.net