THE STORY OF BRIDGE2PEACE
Mrs. Bernadine Anderson MA in Education, BA in Early Education, Diploma in Psychology and Special Education, AMI Montessori Diploma. 20 years of experience in the field of Education and Community Service in Sri Lanka and the USA. Founder of La Petite Fleur Montessori Ratmalana and La Petite Fleur Academy Dehiwela with an accumulated student body of over 500. Founder of Farmington Academy Montessori in Connecticut, USA.
The Beginning of Hope
Bernadine Anderson, her family, and a group of deeply concerned citizens had a vision; the creation of a not-for-profit, non-governmental organization which would offer Early Years Education and Teacher Training of international standards, as well as wider Community Development to some of the poorest of the poor in Sri Lanka.
With the inauguration of the first Montessori House of Children in 2007, today, Bridge2Peace has extended its outreach to Lunugamvehera, Diyatalawa, Moratuwa, Batticaloa, Mullaitivu, and Pokkaruppu, whilst offering sustainable educational projects, answering the needs of many underprivileged children across the island.
The N-Peace Awards 2017 accepted over 80 nominations from Afghanistan, Indonesia, Myanmar, Nepal, Pakistan, Philippines, and Sri Lanka, and 44 who made the short list for the eleven awards were supported by voters of 87 countries.
N-Peace recognized Bridge2Peace Founder, Bernadine Anderson, under the category of “Untold Stories” and commended “Her passion and the sheer number of young lives she has touched that makes her the strongest winner under this category.”
Leadership Team
Directed by Mrs. Bernadine Anderson, the Bridge2Peace leadership team operates from Sri Lanka, whilst working closely with our counterparts in the United States to administer our philosophy throughout our schools across Sri Lanka.
Board of Directors
Mrs. Bernadine Anderson
Mr. Anton Anderson
Miss. Liesel Nugara
Mr. Arun Thapar
Executive Committee
Mrs. Anoma Manuel
Mrs. Niroza Hussain
Mrs. Ashanthi Seilman
Ms. Samantha de S. Wijeyratne
Ms. Virasmi Goonetilleke
Our Mission
To empower the marginalized and underprivileged through Peace Education and Vocational Training based on Montessori principles.
Core Values
What we do
We Are On A Mission To Empower The Lives of Children Across The Island.
MONTESSORI EDUCATION
Bridge2Peace is committed to the Montessori Method of education, created by Dr. Maria Montessori in 1912. Our programme offers a unique and diverse learning experience that encourages creativity and independent thinking. The Montessori Method is predicated upon activities that “cultivate the children’s ability to express themselves and think with clarity” – Dr. Maria Montessori.
Teacher Training
Our teacher training programme focuses on moulding women from each community to adhere to international standards, whilst focusing on activities that suit their culture, such as community identity and strength building. Teachers from Bridge2Peace schools across the island visit the La Petite Fleur Academy in Dehiwala to further strengthen their skills throughout their career at B2P.
