In Soc Trang, and in many areas in Vietnam, students need to cross the swollen rivers in order to attend school. They do so, however, in a way quite unlike children in America cross rivers. They do not do so in cars. They do not have
concrete bridges to ride bikes over. Instead, if they are "lucky", they do so precariously over perilous "monkey bridges". Those who are not quite so fortunate, do so in a way that has to be seen to be believed.
They cross the river INSIDE of a plastic bags! It's almost too shocking to believe. Watch this terrifying video and see for yourself! http://youtu.be/tsOpUTKQMek
Tragically, sometimes these children die trying to cross one of the hundreds of rivers along the Mekong Delta area simply to attend school. The monsoon season, which lasts for months, and starts in a few weeks, is an especially perilous time for many students who need to cross the river. We all realize that a good quality education is important but:
- Should kids have to risk their very lives just to go to school?
- Would you be brave enough to have your child cross a monkey bridge?
- Could you place your child IN A PLASTIC BAG?
If you agree with us, and think that's asking a bit too much, please consider helping. Please donate - generously - so that we can build bridges that allows children to safely cross a river. These small - but life saving - foot bridges will only cost about $2,500 each. When completed, they will offer safe travel over swollen tributaries especially during monsoon season, when the monkey bridges are the most dangerous.
Large and small gifts are urgently - desperately - needed and all amounts will be gratefully received. Please, mindfully consider the following donation options:
- $5 Plank
- $15 Stanchion
- $25 One foot of bridge
- $100 Four feet of bridge
- $250 Ten feet of bridge
- $500 Twenty feet of bridge
- $1250 Half a bridge
- $2500 The whole bridge
If you are able donate $2,500 to build a whole foot bridge,
we will name the bridge after you and erect a plaque on the bridge in honor of your most kind and lifesaving donation. Rachel's Bridge in Soc Trang Vietnam is an example of the signage we would gladly erect. This program is inspired and led by the generous efforts of the Schultz family in Oregon, who (through their friends and family) raised all of the funds to build a lifesaving bridge for their adopted daughter, Rachel. The local community expressed their thanks to Rachel by naming the bridge after her.
