Naila builds a bridge

Bridge’s to Prosperity is a charity building footbridges around the world to connect impoverished and isolated communities.

The benefits are life-changing for the communities involved – improving access to schools, health care and markets, and supporting the local economies, while also passing on construction skills to the community.

Already, the charity has built more than 250 footbridges, serving over 1 million people in communities throughout the world.

Over the past few years, Balfour Beatty have teamed up with Mott MacDonald to co-sponsor and construct bridges with the charity and together have completed 4, soon to be 5.

Taking part in Bridges to Prosperity this year, between June and July 2019, is Naila Akram, Head of Community Investment at Balfour Beatty Scotland.

It would be great if CECA Scotland members could consider getting involved in either sponsoring or supporting Naila and her bridge building colleagues. On top of fundraising, the team are also looking for donations of equipment, raffle prizes and branded community engagement items, such as games or STEM prizes.

A link to the Flickr page that shows the preparatory work that the local community are working on before Naila and team arrive:  https://www.flickr.com/photos/bridgestoprosperity/sets/72157701213662142

For further details on how best to support Naila’s trip, please email Nailia.

How to Donate?

Donations can be made here. 

Interested in finding out more about Bridges to Prosperity? 

Watch this inspirational TED talk from Avery Bang (President and CEO of Bridges to Prosperity):

You can also find out more about the charity on Facebook.

Lorna Johnston of Balfour Beatty is a previous participant in the programme and says:

 “This project was a unique opportunity to travel and experience first-hand the importance of simple engineering and design within the developing world. The trip opened my eyes and made me appreciate everything we take for granted in the UK. I’d urge anyone to apply who has a passion for engineering, charitable ventures and travel.”

CECA Scotland wishes Naila and her fellow Bridges to Prosperity participants every success!

“This is a fantastic initiative that will make a real difference to the everyday lives of people in the developing world.

I wish Naila well and hope CECA Scotland members can get involved in offering support”.

Grahame Barn, CECA Scotland Chief Executive