At Bridging the Gap in Education, our non-profit founders lead a growing donor network committed to sustainable change through global development projects. Together, we’re building vocational schools in Liberia that turn education into opportunity and lasting community progress.
Bridging the Gap in Education is a U.S.-based 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization working to transform Liberia’s future by providing career-focused, hands-on education to underserved youth. We exist to give young Liberians—especially girls—access to the practical skills they need to gain employment, start businesses, and lead in their communities. Founded by a diverse group of experienced non-profit founders, our organization brings together educators, community leaders, and development professionals who believe that access to opportunity should never be limited by poverty or geography.
The idea for Bridging the Gap in Education was born out of a direct response to the deep, lasting impacts of Liberia’s civil wars. For over 14 years, the country’s infrastructure—including its schools—was left in ruins. Generations of young people were displaced or left without access to education, while unemployment soared and skilled labor became increasingly scarce.
Our nonprofit founders, many of whom have personal ties to Liberia, saw this not only as a national crisis—but a call to action. Rather than wait for large institutions to intervene, we committed to building real, local solutions from the ground up. With support from a growing donor network, we began designing a new kind of school: one that prepares students not just for exams, but for real life—through training in construction, technology, agriculture, mechanics, and entrepreneurship.
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Read our Guide NowLiberia has one of the youngest populations in the world. Over 60% of its citizens are under the age of 25. But without access to marketable skills or employment pathways, many are left behind—trapped in cycles of poverty and dependency.
Girls and young women face even greater barriers, from early marriage to limited access to education and vocational training. These challenges don’t just affect individuals—they hold back families, communities, and the country’s overall development.
Our mission is to break this cycle by offering education that leads directly to income, independence, and long-term opportunity. We believe education should be a bridge—not a barrier. And through our work, we aim to contribute to broader global development projects focused on equity, workforce readiness, and post-conflict recovery.
Through strong local leadership and the support of a committed donor network, we’re changing what’s possible for Liberia’s youth.
Our mission is to empower Liberia’s youth—especially girls—by delivering transformative, career-focused education that:
We envision a Liberia where every young person has access to opportunity, regardless of background or gender. Through vocational and technical education, we aim to:
At Bridging the Gap in Education, our core values reflect a deep commitment to empowering Liberia’s youth—especially girls—through education that leads to long-term transformation. We believe in equitable access to opportunity, integrity in action, and excellence in vocational training.
Our work is grounded in sustainability, community-centered development, and collaboration with partners who share our vision for a self-reliant and skilled Liberia.
Our Flagship School: Building Skills for Liberia’s Future
Through the creation of vocational and technical high schools, beginning with our flagship institution—The Bridging the Gap Vocational and Technical High School in Johnsonville—we are providing education that fuels both economic growth and social recovery in Liberia.
Students from Grades 7 through 12 receive hands-on, industry-aligned training in fields such as construction, agriculture, information technology, tailoring, and electronics, equipping them with practical skills that lead directly to employment and entrepreneurship.
But our mission extends beyond technical training. We focus on building confidence, independence, and leadership, empowering students to start small businesses, create jobs, and drive community progress.
At Bridging the Gap in Education, we are educators, builders, and changemakers. We don’t aim for short-term solutions—we are investing in long-term, scalable, and sustainable impact that uplifts individuals, strengthens families, and revitalizes communities. Our work especially champions girls and young women, creating equal access to opportunities in fields where their presence has long been underrepresented.
At Bridging the Gap in Education, our core values reflect a deep commitment to empowering Liberia’s youth—especially girls—through education that leads to long-term transformation. We believe in equitable access to opportunity, integrity in action, and excellence in vocational training.
Our work is grounded in sustainability, community-centered development, and collaboration with partners who share our vision for a self-reliant and skilled Liberia.
I, George Matalda, am a seasoned leader in the international non-profit sector, renowned for my unwavering commitment to advancing education and community development across Liberia, the USA, Europe, and Asia. As the founder and Board Chairman of Bridging the Gap in Education, I bring over a decade of expertise in mission-driven strategy, donor stewardship, and impact-focused program development. My professional journey began in the healthcare field, where, as a registered nurse, I was inspired by a desire to provide compassionate care to those unable to help themselves. This passion for service extended beyond clinical practice, motivating me to establish tutoring classes that equipped young people for nursing school entrance examinations—an initiative that has enabled many students to pursue meaningful careers in healthcare.
My core expertise encompasses ethical governance, transparent reporting, and the cultivation of strategic partnerships that drive measurable social impact. I am recognized for elevating organizational credibility through credible storytelling, evidence-based fundraising campaigns, and rigorous program evaluation. My approach is rooted in fostering collaboration and building trusted relationships with non-profit founders, leadership teams, and stakeholders who share a commitment to equity, transparency, and sustainable development.
With a strong focus on data-driven outcomes and culturally sensitive communications, I empower organizations to secure funding, broaden awareness, and deliver lasting change in the communities they serve. Driven by a deep commitment to helping others reach their fullest potential, I continue to lead with empathy, vision, and a steadfast belief in the transformative power of education.
Workadah Bouh
Country Representative
Roberta Nelson
General Secretary
Rebecca Talawalli
Operation & Administration Manager
Linda Walsh
Chaplain/ Development & Fundraising Director
Debra victor
Treasurer
Cynthia Sanoe
Public relation Manager
Comfort Gartei
Marketing & Communications Director
Every donation helps us construct classrooms, provide training materials, and expand access for students who need it most.
Donate Now - Help us build the future, one school and one student at a time.
"Their focus on real, measurable results stood out during our collaboration and made our campaign stronger."
- Emma R.
"Timely insights from Bridging the Gap in Education helped us focus on areas with the highest potential."
- Sam T
"Their commitment to stakeholder engagement helped us reach new audiences and grow our base."
- Rachel G
Bridging the education gap in Liberia is crucial for fostering economic growth, promoting social equity, and ensuring sustainable development. A better-educated population is more equipped to participate in the global economy, driving innovation and increasing productivity. Moreover, education empowers individuals, reduces poverty, and promotes healthier societies, which leads to more stable and democratic nations.
Enhancing education in Liberia involves several key strategies:
By prioritizing education, Liberians can unlock their full potential, leading to a brighter future for the continent and its people. Investing in education is not merely an expenditure but a strategic investment in human capital that yields long-term dividends.
*****Bridging the education gap in Liberia can provide numerous benefits for young people, including increased opportunities for personal and professional growth. Education empowers individuals, enhances critical thinking, and promotes socio-economic development. These advantages collectively contribute to a more promising future for Liberian youth.
Some specific benefits include:
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