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IMPACT REPORT2013 – 2014
BOOKBRIDGE
KEY RESULTS
CAPABILIT Y PROGRAM• 42 high-potential leaders trained in 5 programs
• General Management Program with WHU - Otto Beisheim School of Economics launched
• EUR 414,071 sales generated
READ• 270 visitors per day• 192 books borrowed per day
EARN• 12 learning centers setup in 2 countries
• 11,238 community members with increased life chances
• 7 out of 12 learning centers run financially independent, 2 more break even till end of 2014
LEARN• 862 learning activities offered• 17,000 participants in activities
FELLOWSHIP PROGRAM• Fellowship program launched
• 6 BOOKBRIDGE Fellows selected
BOOK CHAMPION PROGRAM• 30,000 English books sorted
• 20,000 English books shipped to Cambodia and Mongolia
• Book Champion HUBs in UK, Germany, the Netherlands and Switzerland opened by partners on a voluntary basis
Break Even rea ched and awarenes s fo r m i s s i o n
created i h t hree d ifferent programs
12 l earn i ng centers s e t up i n t wo co unt r i es w i t h
a 1 1 ,268 commun i t y members
Europe Asia
Vision And Mission
BOOKBRIDGE is a social business
whose vision is worldwide educa-
tional equality - irrespective of reli-
gious, ethnic, economic or geogra-
phical considerations.
In countries of the Global South, we
establish learning centers in rural
communities. In doing so, we sup-
port local teams in
• creating an inviting learning envi-
ronment (READ).
• developing activities that empha-
size the importance of education
(LEARN).
• offering courses that focus on
life skills that can improve long-
term career chances and income
(EARN).
As social businesses, the learning
centers are financially self-susta-
ining. They cooperate closely to-
gether with local governments and
existing educational organizations.
By adopting a community-focused
approach, we increase self-confi-
dence and empower people to help
themselves by learning with and
from one another.
In countries of the Global North, the
centers act as a learning environ-
ment where business managers de-
velop skills and experience in stra-
tegic planning, international project
management and intercultural lea-
dership.
By 2015, we plan to be active in 3
countries with 15 learning centers,
thereby training 100 professionals in
the Capability Program.
3
CONTENTS
1. Focus of the Report 4
2. The Social Problem and our Approach 9
3. Social Impact 18
4. Conclusion: What has changed since 2012? 31
5. Future Planning and Outlook 32
6. Organisational Structure and Team 34
7. Profiles of the Organisations Involved 39
8. Finances 42
Appendix I: BOOKBRIDGE ABC 46
Appendix II: Profiles of Community Heroes 48
Appendix III: Profiles of Capability Program Candidates 62
1. FOCUS AND SCOPE OF THE REPORT
The following report covers the activities of the organisations BOOKBRIDGE
FOUNDATION and BOOKBRIDGE GmbH from January 1, 2013 to June 30, 2014.
It was created on April 9, 2014 in accordance with the Social Reporting Standard
(SRS). All information is current as of June 30, 2014. The statistics from Asia are
as of June 30, 2014.
An overview of responsibility for various areas is listed in the team overview in
chapter 6.
The headquarters of BOOKBRIDGE FOUNDATION are located at Feierabendstra-
ße 80, 4051 Basel, Switzerland. BOOKBRIDGE FOUNDATION is registered as a
foundation with the Commercial Register of Basel under registration number
CH-270.7.003.068-5 and recognized as a charitable organisation.
The headquarters of BOOKBRIDGE GmbH are at Untere Marktstraße 14, 92318
Neumarkt, Germany. BOOKBRIDGE GmbH is registered at Nuremberg District
Court under HRB-26679. The BOOKBRIDGE FOUNDATION owns 100% of the sha-
res.
4
OUR VALUES
Strong local partners and cooperation for and with one another are the foundations of our work. The
foundation’s trustees desire for the work of the foundation to proceed according to the following prin-
ciples:
1. Building bridges
The foundation lives out a philosophy of building bridges between people, organisations and people
groups, without compromising their individuality or diversity. Books are a direct means to building
sustainable bridges of knowledge and understanding.
2. Sustainability
The foundation manages its resources in a responsible way, thereby creating a basis for achieving its long-
term goal of helping people to help themselves.
3. An entrepreneurial solution to social problems
The foundation combines its social goal with an entrepreneurial approach. The foundation stresses the
importance of economic independence as the base for sustainable development.
4. Integration and cooperation
By involving a wide range of individuals and organizations, the foundation adopts an integrative ap-
proach. Anyone can participate in the foundations work and contribute to the achievement of our goals.
5. Think globally - act locally
To achieve optimal local effectiveness, the foundation maintains a worldwide network of strong and
experienced partners.5
IMPRESSIONS OF OUR WORK
Above left: In 2013, the first Capability Program in Cambodia was conducted leading to the opening of the learning center in Takeo.
Above right: In 2013, the fellowship program was launched. Marco and Su-sann Wensch were the first who spent six months at a learning center sharing their knowledge and great enthusiasm with the kids there.
Below, left: A new training system in Mongolia improves the quality of English courses like those in Zavkhan, Mongolia. Staff members regularly visit the other centers to give each other trainings and exchange ideas and experiences.
Below, right: British scouts sort books that have been collected by numerous scout groups in Great Britain. Four book collection hubs across Europe help us to collect and ship books for our learning centers.
b.
d.c.
a.
6
My deepest gratitude to all of you,
Dr. Carsten Rübsaamen
President of the Foundation
September 2014
PREFACE
Dear BridgeBuilders,
on September 2, 2009, our first
learning center opened its doors in
Arvaikheer, Mongolia. Deeply im-
pressed by the impact of our work,
I decided to dedicate the next five
years of my life to building up a sus-
tainable social enterprise. And I am
proud to say that with great support
by bridgebuilders from around the
world, the dream became reality.
Inspired by our first community
hero Uuganaa, we have setup a to-
tal of 13 learning centers in Mon-
golia and Cambodia. The goal is to
increase the life and job chances
of young adults. 10,500 community
members participated in our activi-
ty and course offerings in 2013 – up
from 6,800 in 2012. And the most
important fact: all centers run in-
dependently from donations. They
have the community as their cus-
tomer. I could not imagine a better
way to help yourself.
Initially kicked off as a pilot pro-
gram in leadership development in
2011, we did not give up in leaving
a footprint in the way business is
taught in Europe. By now, we have
conducted a total of 5 Capability
Programs with 42 candidates from
11 companies. Candidates do not
only develop their business and lea-
dership skills, but turn into a real
entrepreneur in a worthwhile tan-
gible project around our learning
centers. What makes us all proud
is the fact that program sales allow
us to fully finance our organizatio-
nal expenses as of 2014. What an
outstanding achievement!
Ashoka, the worldwide leading or-
ganization in social entrepreneur-
ship, took note of our success as
well. In March 2014, I was elected
Ashoka Fellow – a great accom-
plishment for me and my team.
While Ashoka puts a lot of focus
on the founder of an organizati-
on, I personally believe that all our
bridgebuilders deserve this award.
Without a strong team and your
continuous support, we would have
never reached that point.
Thinking back on where we started
in 2009, I am so much motivated
every day to get up and engage for
our joint vision. I invite you to join us
on this journey and build bridges –
between people, their cultures and
their passion.
7
« T he BOOKBRIDGE Capability Program has been an unique experience in my life so far!
It was a real transformational experience and definit ively left a mark on me.
T he program has boosted my entrepreneurial spirit so far that I pursue working on an entre-preneurial project besides work, with the goal to further contribute to create a posit ive impact. »
Delphine ZiarovskiAssistant Manager, Strategy & Operations Consulting at Pricewaterhouse Coopers
« T he posit ive connection they had with the people in Cambodia was a truly
transformational experience for al l the team members. »
Gareth LewisCEO, Hilti (GB) Ltd
8
2. The Social Problem and our aPProach To The SoluTion
Current Social Situation
Education is a human right and
broadly understood as a crucial
precondition for sustainable deve-
lopment, peace and equality. How-
ever, in rural areas of developing
countries such as Mongolia and
Cambodia, access to quality edu-
cation remains limited. The prob-
lems are widespread, ranging from
no access to education, illiteracy
2.1 FOCUS AREA
BOOKBRIDGE focuses on education. In the Global South, we create access to quality education by establishing
community-based learning centers in rural areas. At the same time, the Learning Centers serve as a focal and starting point for increasing awareness
and promoting engagement in the Global North. In its programs, BOOKBRIDGE supports entrepreneurial thinking and action and adopts this approach as
a problem-solving method.
or low-quality education to gen-
der inequalities. The root causes of
these problems may be even more
diverse. Often they are inherent in
the local systems and not easy to
track.
Hitherto Existing Solutions
The existing educational offerings
usually come from one special
sector and suffer from certain
typical problems. The public sec-
tor runs schools or vocational
training providers that are com-
munity-based, but often provide
low-quality education and are not
self-financed. The private sector
sets up some for-profit schools,
mainly in urban areas; they are
limited in reach, lack quality, do
not integrate the community and
primarily aim for profit.
On the other hand, local initiatives
and international NGOs focus on
social goals, but they are usually
dependent on donations, limited in
reach and lack effective follow-up.
All of these providers fail to colla-
borate and thus miss opportunities
to combine their strengths and com-
2.2 THE SOCIAL PROBLEM
9
pensate for their weaknesses.
Furthermore, development inter-
ventions lasting recent decades
have created an attitude of ex-
pectation for help in Mongolia and
Cambodia, rather than empowering
local communities to develop their
own futures. Experience from past
decades shows that many resour-
ces and efforts have been misspent,
owing to lack of understanding of
local needs and lack of collaborati-
on of key stakeholders.
With hard work and never-ending enthusiasm our staff tries to offer quality-activites and courses like this musical competition at the learning center in Ulzzit-Khoroo, Mongolia. Narantuya, the Head of the Learning Center, is the third from the left, volunteer Bulli knees in front wearing a grey „Vintage“ sweater.
10
« What I l ike the most about BOOKBRIDGE is the respect and warm care from the
team. »
« What I l ike most about BOOKBRIDGE is that BOOKBRIDGE team members are very close to each other. We learn from
each other, advice and support each other. BOOKBRIDGE takes good care of
the development of the staff. »Kishigdelger ErdenebilegHead of Learning Center
Baganuur, Mongolia(below)
11
Kadet MamHead of Learning CenterAng Tasom, Cambodia
(above)
Executive summary: Our approach With a standardized process (see graph in “2.4 Expanding the approach”) BOOKBRIDGE establishes Learning Centers in rural areas using a social business
model. The centers create local access to qualitative education. At the same time they serve as case studies in our Capability & General Management Pro-
gram, whereby international managers from the Global North are faced with the challenge of planning and setting up a Learning Center. They work closely
together with counterparts in the target region to develop a concept and invest their entrepreneurial skills in the construction of the centers. The mana-
gers themselves thereby hone their skills in strategic planning, international project management and intercultural leadership.BOOKBRIDGE developed a
cross-sectoral concept that combines existing resources, facilitates collaboration across sectors and cultural borders and aims to empower local people.
2.3 OUR APPROACH TO THE SOLUTION
12
Map of Mongol ia
RUSSIA
Ulaanbaatar
Murun
Bulgan
Uliastay
AltayBayanhongor
ömnögovi
dundgovi
töv
arhangay
bulgan
hövsgöl
Dzavhan
Uvsbayan-ölgiy
hovd
dornogovi
govi-altay
Bayanhongor
sühbaatar
dornod
Hentiy
Arvaikheer
Learning CenterCHINA
Zuunkharaa
Baganuur
Map of Cambodia
VIETNAM
Learning Center
Golf of Thailand
Siem Reap
Trat
Phnom PenhPrey Veng
Takeo
PreÃh Vihear
KÃMPÓNG THUM
KÃMPÓNG CHHNÃNG
rÕtÃnÃhkiri
mÕndÕl kiri
krÃcheh
kÃmpÓng cham
kÃndal
kÃmpÕt
KÃmpÓngspoe
kaÕh kÕng
pouthisÃt
bÃtdÃmbÃng
bÃntÉaymÉan cheÃy
ÕtdÃr mÉan cheÃy
SIEM RÉABstoeng reng
Chansom Senmongkul
Tonloab
Our target groups in overview
. . . in Asia
Target Group Act iv ity / Product / Serv ice Fees Expected Im pact
Young adults between 16 and 28 years
High-quality English courses on grammar, writing and/or speaking and high-quality IT courses on standard office programs
USD 4 –7 per month
– Improved English language skills– Improved IT skills– Brightened horizons by improved access to
knowledge – Greater chances of transition into workplace
or further education (instead of dropping out and working with parents on farm)
– Increased income in the medium term, in comparison with local income level
Children and youth from 6 to 16 years
Education-related activities offered by fellows and Learning Center staff, e.g. English words bingo, movie club
Free – Increased interest in education by improved access to knowledge and learning materials
– Improved reading ability – Future participation in our English courses
Young professionals in Asia
Opportunity to set up their own business; workplace with high levels of freedom in design and independence; support from Country Manager; development of professi-onal and entrepreneurial skills
- – Improved future prospects from opportunity to set up their own business
– Improved entrepreneurial skills
Local communities and regions, especially local companies and public government
Access to literature in the local language and in English; contribution to the education of the younger generation in the community
Free – Increased number of qualified personnel in rural areas and therefore bigger pool of juni-or staff for local businesses
– Strengthening the middle class in terms of education and income level
Our target groups in overview
. . . in Europe
Target Group Act iv ity / Product / Serv ice Fees Expected Im pact
Professionals, ranging from young talents to experienced managers
Capability Program: Mini-MBA in entrepre-neurship, combined with the unique opportu-nity to set up your own social business as an entrepreneur, accompanied by two professio-nal coaches and the BOOKBRIDGE team
WHU General Management Plus Program: Learn basics of general management and apply theory in your own entrepreneurial ven-ture by setting up your own social business in an emerging economy, accompanied by WHU Professors along with the BOOKBRIDGE Team
EUR 8,000 - EUR 10,000 per candidate
EUR 11,500 per candidate
– Candidates acquired hard business skills in the fields of business planning, project management and virtual teamwork.
– Candidates developed soft skills in the fields of sustainable leadership, attitude towards other cultures and values.
– Candidates made a difference in a worthwhile, tangible project, creating a strong sense of social responsibility
– Candidates earned a certificate.
University WHU General Management Plus Program – To be part of the curriculum of a renowned busi-ness school
– Transforming the way business is taught at university
– Adding social responsibility dimension to formation of graduate students
In 2013, we divided the setup process of a new community-based learning center into five distinct steps. The graphical illustration describes each phase
by duration, key partners involved, key tasks as well as expected outcomes.
2.4 EXPANDING THE APPROACH
17
Phase I Phase I I Phase I I I Phase IV Phase V
Identify location,partner & HoLC
Ensure stakeholder support
Develop business model Set-up center Develop center
Staff costs in Europe: EUR 84,922
Staff costs in Asia: EUR 19,342
Project costs in Europe: EUR 28,727
Project costs in Asia: EUR 98,823
Sales: EUR 13,383
Fundraising: EUR 3,878
Administration: EUR 5,441
Pro bono services (estimated):
EUR 60,000 in-kind donations
100 volunteers engaged
In 2013, we invested the following resources:
3. SOCIAL IMPACT
3.1 TOTAL RESOURCES INVESTED (INPUT)
18
To date, we have built 12 Learning Centers: eight in Mongolia and four in Cambodia. The fourth Learning Center in Cambodia was opened on
May 2, 2014 in Tonloab, Cambodia. One more Learning Center in Takeo, Cambodia was re-opened in February 2013.
The 12 Learning Centers follow two different models:
1) Six Learning Centers work with our standard model (see graphs on business case below) and follow the goal of achieving financial self-
sustainability within one year. They offer paid courses to cover their own costs: Arvaikheer, Murun, Chansom Senmongkul, Siem Reap, Tonloab
and Takeo are “independently run by a Community Hero”.
2) Six Learning Centers were built in the early phases of BOOKBRIDGE in co-operation with the government. Their monthly expenses are co-
vered completely by the government: Baganuur, Bulgan, Govi-Altai, Ulziit-Horoo, Zavkhan and Zuunkharaa are “fully financed by the govern-
ment”. The courses they offer are completely free of charge to students.
From now on, all new Learning Centers are planned on the “run by a Community Hero” model only. The experiences of previous years brought
us to the conclusion that real local ownership and engagement go together with financial responsibility.
In 2013, we implemented a monthly reporting system. Online, the Learning Centers report last month‘s operations results on the first working
day of every month. The following pages show what they reported in the central areas READ, LEARN, EARN (for better understanding of the
terms used please see the little BOOKBRIDGE encyclopaedia in chapter 2.3.).
3.2 SERvicES iN ASiA (Output)
19
(Data as of Feb 2014)
Expenses structure (monthly) Revenue structure (monthly)
Break Even Expense & Revenue Structure for Chansom Senmongkul
100 students 3 USD courses
55 students 4 USD courses
50 students 5 USD courses
25 students 6 USD courses
920 USD with 240 students enrolled
300 USD Salary Community Hero
150 USD Salary librarian
150 USD additional full-
time teacher
150 USD Infrastructural
expenses
160 USD additional lessons by
part-time-teachers
910 USD
fixed costs
variable costs that’s for 12 courses per week
Registered members
Number of part icipants in act iv it ies
READ
LEARN
4000
Arva
ikhe
er
4000
372504 630
1149927
187 150
169
378
16261239
76
Bag
anuu
rB
agan
uur
Bul
gan
Bul
gan
Gov
i-Al
tai
Gov
i-Al
tai
Mur
unM
urun
Ulz
iit-H
oroo
Ulz
iit-H
oroo
Zavk
han
Chan
som
Sen
.Ch
anso
m S
en.
Zuun
khar
aa Take
o
Tonl
oab
Tonl
oab
Zavk
han
3500
1800
2400
100015002000
2500
3000
600
1200
500
0
0
Average number of visitors per day per Learning Center 27
Number of registered members as of June 30, 2014 11238
Books loaned per day 192
Total number of activities offered in the first half year of 2014 483
Total number of participants in activities in the first half year of 2014 10 000
Zuun
khar
aa
Take
o
Siem
Rea
pSi
em R
eap
Arva
ikhe
er
1024
1477
2057
1223
2335
510 470
111
497
181 164
Overview of the sustainabi l ity rate in the Learning Centers by JUne 30, 2014
Model 1 : independent ly run by a Community Hero Model 2: ful ly financed by the loca l community partner
EARN
Arva
ikhe
er
self-generated income(remainder is covered by an investment of the respective investor)
* Siem Reap works on a new concept for its course program. Courses will start again in late 2014.
covered by the local community partner
100 % 100 % 100 % 100 % 100 % 100 % 100 %
86 %
53 %
29 %
56 %
0 %
Chan
som
Sen
.
100 %
75 %
50 %
25 %
0
Take
o
Tonl
oab
Mur
un
Siem
Rea
p*
Bag
anuu
r
Bul
gan
Gov
i-Al
tai
Ulz
iit-H
oroo
Zavk
han
Zuun
khar
aa
3.3 Impact In asIa (outcome and Impact)
This year we decided to give room to our real changemakers: our Community Heroes. They run our learning centers, bring the children and
students together and instill enthusiasm for education. We asked them to fill in a short profile which portrays themselves and their work. An
overview with the learning center s key data is provided on the next page whereas the profiles can be found in the appendix on page 48. Have fun
getting to know our Community Heroes!
23
Learning Centers Factsheet
Learning Center(year founded)
Community Hero
Sus ta i nab i l i t y rate
L oca l par t ner
Number of. . .Pa id s taff Un pa id
s taffCo urs es Act iv i t i es C la s sro oms
ava i l ab l e
Arvaikheer(2009)
Uugantsetseg Gantumur
100% NGO 2 14 5-6 5-6 3
Baganuur(2010)
Kishigdelger Erdenebileg
100% Government 1 0 3 0 1
Zuunkharaa(2010)
Yanjindulam Sumya
100% Government 1 0 3 1 1
Bulgan(2011)
Maralmaa Jargalsaikhan
100% Government 1 0 3 3 1
Govi-Altai(2011)
Bayartsetseg Altangerel
100% Government 1 4 1 3 1
Zavkhan(2011)
Dulamsuren Dorjtudev
100% Government 1 4 3 4 3
Ulziit-Horoo(2011)
Narantuya Dadshdeleg
100% NGO 0 Students from a school nearby
5 1 1
Learning Center(year founded)
Community Hero
Sus ta i nab i l i t y rate
L oca l par t ner
Number of. . .Pa id s taff Un pa id
s taffCo urs es Act iv i t i es C la s sro oms
ava i l ab l e
Murun(2011)
Dariimaa Nyamdorj
56% NGO 2 4 5 4 2
Siem Reap(2011)
MeanrithMeas
0% Government 1 4 1 7 2
Takeo(2011)
SokoeurnTouch
29% Government 5 1 6 7 3
ChansomSenmongkul (2013)
KadetMam
86% Government 7 2 13 1 4
Tonloab(2014)
Vannak Pen
53% Government 9 9 14 8 5
Dalanzadgad(Sep 2014)
BattulAlexander
n/a NGO n/a n/a n/a n/a n/a
The BOOK CHAMPION PROGRAM
In 2013, seven Book Champions in the UK, Germany, the Netherlands and Switzerland took over the res-
ponsibility for the collection of English books in Europe. Their hubs are the contact points for everyone who
wants to donate books to BOOKBRIDGE. Normally once a year books are sorted and then shipped to Asia.
A big THANK YOU to Elaine, Ellen, Kay, Markus, Roxana, Vicky and Willem for their fantastic voluntary
work, and to everybody else who donated, sorted and shipped books for us!
Further we received book donations valued at EUR 24,000 from publishers and book collection organiza-
tions Mildenberger, Halle 44, Britannica and Dorling Kindersley. THANK YOU!
Christine Mildenberger made the 2014 BOOKBRIDGE calendar possible. With great dedication she collec-
ted pictures drawn by children as well as fairy tales from Cambodia, Germany and Mongolia, and put them
together in a beautiful calendar. THANK YOU, Christine!
Overview: Our act iv it ies in Europe result from three main areas:
- Collecting, sorting and shipping books in our Book Champion Program.
3.4 SERVICES In EuRopE (output)
26
- Enabling people to support our Learning Centers in our Fellowship Program. - Training professionals in our Capability Program.
.
In 2013 around 30,000 books were sorted and 20,000 books were shipped to Asia.
Book donations from pub-lishers were valued at EUR 24,000.
A calendar designed by children in Cambodia, Germany and Mongolia was printed and published by Mildenberger Verlag.
The FELLOWSHIP PROGRAM
BOOKBRIDGE started out as a volunteering initiative in 2009. Since then, it has attracted more than 100
voluntary staffers. Some of them were local volunteers, some of them foreign. In 2013, we gave a formal
structure to these developments and launched the Fellowship Program.
The Fellowship Program offers volunteering positions for local and foreign fellows at the Learning Cen-
ters. Local fellows may volunteer for any period while a minimum stay of six months is required for for-
eign fellows. While local fellows apply directly to their local Learning Center, BOOKBRIDGE headquarters
assists in the advertisement and pre-selection of foreign fellow candidates. Once someone has applied
and is selected, she or he gets introduced to his or her role and responsibilities. During the fellowship,
the fellows participate in local center staff meetings as well as status calls with the Country Manager.
After the fellowship has ended, the fellow evaluates the program and joins the Bridgebuilder Network.
In general, fellows are expected to cover their own transportation and living expenses. For long-term
fellows, we may assist with accommodation.
27
The CAPABILITY PROGRAM (CAP) and the GENERAL MANAGEMENT PLUS PROGRAM (GMP+)
The overall goal of the CAP is to combine hands-on learning in management with a real business im-
pact project to shape a new generation of leaders and create sustainable social impact. The CAP deve-
lops business and leadership skills through experiential learning. Two professional coaches teach and
mentor the candidates in cutting-edge business and leadership skills in an open workshop setting. The
lessons are applied directly as an entrepreneur, when the candidates are faced with the challenge of
planning and setting up a Learning Center in Asia.
.
In 2013, three long-term foreign fellows took part in the program and went to Cambodia.
In total, every month on average three long- and short-term fellows suppor-ted our Learning Centers.
In 2013, a total of 13 young professionals took part in the Capability Program, and 12 young managers are part of the first General Management Plus Program which started in September 2013 and will open up a Learning Center in Cambo-dia in May 2014.
As in Asia, we want to give room to these very important actors in
Europe: the changemakers in Europe, the alumni of our Capability
Program. Unfortunately it is impossible to profile 31 individuals, so
we decided to choose six of them which you find in the appendix on
page 71. Have fun reading about their experiences and about how
the program changed their everyday life.
The GMP+ is a university program by WHU – Otto Beisheim School
of Management that offers middle management talents the chance
to get to know new concepts in market and business models and
prepares them for the challenges of leading international projects
in growing markets (see pictures on the right). The program com-
bines theory and practice: university professors at WHU provide
training in strategy, leadership and innovation on campus in Düs-
seldorf, Germany. BOOKBRIDGE contributes the hands-on part:
The candidates face the same challenge as in the CAP to apply their
theoretical learning to planning and setting up a Learning Center in
Asia.
28
3.5 EFFECTS in EuropE (ouTComE AnD impACT)
3.6 EVALUATION AND QUALITY CONTROL IN ASIA AND EUROPE
Asia
Since January 2013 we have a monthly reporting system for our Learning Centers. On eve-
ry first working day of a new month the Heads of Learning Centers report about the last
month. For this we use an online Excel sheet. The Heads of Learning Centers fill in certain
numbers – e.g. number of new members, number of visitors, income with paid courses,
expenses and so on. The numbers are double-checked by the country managers and then
sent to us in Europe. We then create small “impact reports” out of these numbers which we
publish on our website every month.
In this year’s impact report we are very proud of the numbers which you find in chapter 3.2.
We consider them more exact than before as they result from the new systematic and reli-
able reporting system.
The goal of establishing a more outcome-focused measurement system that captures more
than just numbers is on our minds. In 2013 we conducted expert meetings about what the
first steps into this direction could be. We are now working on adding such qualitative and
outcome-oriented indicators to our online reporting sheet.
Europe
Like the year before, each project step of the Capability Program is evaluated with a candi-
date survey regarding the quality and content of the module. At the end of the program, we
carry out a comprehensive evaluation that reviews the intended and achieved learning goals
and expectations.
29
IMPRESSIONS OF OUR WORK
Above, left: The staff of the Mon-golian Learning Centers met for the first time in August 2013 for a team training at Khuvsgul Lake.
Above, right: Sokoeurn, experienced Communitiy Hero in Takeo, suppor-ted Kadet, new Community Hero in Angtasom, during her first weeks at the Learning Center.
Below, left: Students in Angtasom during their daily English class.
Below, right: With never-ending en-thusiasm, the UK Scouts continue to organize large sorting events where they sort up to 70,000 books on a weekend.
a.
d.c.
b.
c.
• We focus our resources on the learning center and the Capability Program.
The learning center is at the core of our organization. We focus on setting up community-based learning centers and running the Capability
Program. This allows us to improve the life chances of young adults in Asia and develop the business and leadership skills of leaders in Europe.
• We invest in changemakers and not infrastructure.
Our key levers for change are the Community Heroe running the learning center and the Candidates in the Capability Program. We invest in
enhancing their skills and empowering them to become changemakers in their respective communities and work environments. We bring in
strong local partner which can provide adequate infrastructure for the learning center.
• We make our Country Organizations independent from Headquarters.
Our Country Organizations are not governed by Headquarter but by our Community Heroes. Our Country Managers facilitate this process.
Headquarters provide clear guidelines to ensure quality and on-going support. In 2013, our Mongolian Community Heroes setup their own NGO
„Nomin Guur“ – Mongolian for BOOKBRIDGE.
• We care about our impact and make it transparent.
We launched a monthly reporting system which brings insights into the reality of our learning centers.
• We defined a clear process on how to setup a learning center.
We divided the setup process of a new community-based learning center into five distinct steps.
4. ConClusion What has ChanGED sinCE 2012?
31
5.1 PLANNING AND GOALS
2014: Three more learning centers setup in Cambodia and Mongolia; 3rd Country for expansion identified;
Learning Center setup process documented; Pilot program with WHU conducted successfully.
2015: First learning center setup in 3rd country; 75% of 15 learning centers are financially self-sustained;
Partnership with one more university closed for Capability Program.
2016: One more learning center setup in each of the three countries; Capability Program run with two university partners;
Goal: 18 financially self-sustained learning centers in three countries by 2016; 100 candidates trained in the Capability Program.
5. FUTURE Planning and OUTlOOk
Book Champion Program
We continue to collect English child-
ren books through our network of
book champions. As an organisation,
however, we do not actively run book
donation drives. Instead, our focus is
on using the book sorting events to
create awareness for our cause. In
2015, we aim at using our learning
centers as a platform for communi-
ty impact projects between our book
champions in Europe and the young
adults attending activities and cour-
ses at our learning centers.
Fellowship Program
The program is in continuous develop-
ment. Fellows are placed in the centers
only when needs cannot be met locally.
To ensure that the experience benefits
both sides, the minimum length of stay
is 6 months. The Learning Centers and
Country Managers are responsible for
the selecting their Fellows.
Capability Program
As of 2013, WHU - Otto Beisheim
School of Management is our aca-
demic partner in Germany. Together
with the university we are working to
develop a community of people who
think differently about economics. We
hope to increase our effectiveness in
the future by working with socially
responsible managers in companies.
32
5.2 DEVELOPMENT POTENTIAL AND OPPORTUNITIES
• The concept of a social franchise enables help through self-help.
• Cooperation with the global Scout organisation creates a network and basis for further
growth.
• Partnering with national governments enables optimal cooperation with and expansion
of the existing school system.
• We see great potential in expanding our global community of bridge builders who are
inspired by our work and who become active themselves (in their families, communities
and companies).
• Turning away from classic models of development work and towards a partnership of
equals with people from other cultures is a promising approach and characteristic of our
work.
• An innovative style of personnel development makes it possible for teams to accept full
responsibility for a project and its impact (according to the three-pillar-model of susta-
inable development).
5.3 RISKS
• There is a lack of social entrepreneurs in developing and emerging nations.
• There is some competition from existing educational centers.
• There is a risk of political unrest.
• We have an ambitious goal and a modest budget: the business cycle in the Capability
Program lasts 9-12 months.
33
6. OrganisatiOnaL structure and team
6.1 ORGANISATIONAL STRUCTURE
The main acting entity is the registered non-profit BOOKBRIDGE FOUNDATION, which can accept mo-
ney, in-kind and time donations. Furthermore, the foundation finances the work of the Learning Cen-
ters in Mongolia and Cambodia as well as the Fellowship and Book Champion Program. In order to
work entrepreneurially, the profit-focused BOOKBRIDGE GmbH was founded and is 100% owned by the
foundation. The GmbH generates revenues through the Capability Program. All profits of the GmbH are
returned to the foundation as its sole owner.
6.2 DEVELOPMENT OF THE ORGANISATION
BOOKBRIDGE started in 2009 as a
volunteer initiative in the context
of a Boy and Girl Scout exchange
between Germany and Mongolia.
In the capital of the province Ar-
vaikheer, the first Learning Cen-
ter was opened on September 2,
2009.
Back then everything happened
on a voluntary basis. But soon the
dimensions and requirements of
the project made it clear that this
was not practicable to develop
further in this way.
The founders therefore made the
decision to professionalize their
work and, at the end of 2010, foun-
ded BOOKBRIDGE FOUNDATION
and BOOKBRIDGE GmbH, which
is 100% owned by BOOKBRIDGE
FOUNDATION. This made it possi-
ble both to receive donations and
to work entrepreneurially. Three
donors to the foundation and four
investors into the GmbH provided
early financing for the activities of
BOOKBRIDGE.
34
In early summer, Amar Purev, our Mongolian country manager, visited Sokhan Khut, country manager for Cambodia, to exchange ideas and experiences with setting up educational structures and social business values and to get to know the Capability Program.
35
2011 was characterised by the
development, testing and growth
of our idea and, finally, expansion
into a second country, Cambodia.
The pilot project of the Capability
Program took place in 2011.
In 2012 we took a “Sabbatical” to
reflect critically on what we had
already built and to develop the
strategy for the coming years.
2012 was thus an important year
for the consolidation of BOOK-
BRIDGE.
In 2013 BOOKBRIDGE activities
sped up once more. Two Capa-
bility Programs were conducted
and within them one Learning
Center was reopened in February
and one in December. Further, the
first General Management Pro-
gram was started in conjunction
with WHU – Otto Beisheim School
of Business.
6.3 TEAM MEMBERS
Staff
Dr. Carsten Rübsaamen | CEO, President carsten@bookbridge.org
Lisa Thimme | Country Operations lisa@bookbridge.org
Emilie Barrallon | Capability Program emilie@bookbridge.org
Jella Riesterer | Impact Measurement & Administration jella@bookbridge.org
Sokhan Khut | Country Manager Cambodia sokhan@bookbridge.org
Sophea Pon | Education Business Developer Cambodia sophea@bookbridge.org
Amarsaikhan „Amar“ Purev | Country Manager Mongolia amar@bookbridge.org
Altantungalag „Tunga“ Munkhargal | Country Manager Mongolia tunga@bookbridge.org
Ruth Heidingsfelder | Marketing & PR, Founding Member ruth@bookbridge.org
Alumni
Sareena Ghulati Wildberger | Country Support, still active as Coach
Simon Hillebrand | Accounting
David Hünlich | Pedagogy
Martina Knittel | Capability Program (until 31.01.2014)
Marie Medow | Book Champion Program & Fellowship Program
Alexander Rübsaamen | Book Champion Program & Fellowship Program
Anujin Schittich-Battulga | Country Support
Angelika Sonnenschein | Capability Program
Rob van Waardenburg | Pedagogy
Susanne Wechsler | Capability Program, Marketing & PR
36
Social Investors
AVINA Stiftung Hurden, Switzerland
Stiftung atdta – Hilfe zur Selbsthilfe Rapperswil, Switzerland
Mildenberger Verlag GmbH Offenburg, Germany
Ernst Klett AG Stuttgart, Germany
Hans Werner Gloßner Neumarkt, Germany
Patrick Sturm Gauting, Germany
KfW Bank Frankfurt, Germany
Talina Holding AG Bommern, Switzerland
Dirk Reich Schindellegi, Switzerland
Strategic Partner
World Organisation of the Scout Movement, Switzerland
In-kind Donations
Kühne + Nagel AG, Transport services
Contexta AG, Marketing services
Europcar Deutschland GmbH, Transport services
Emily Eiben, Translation services
Maret Voss, Web support
Mücke Sturm & Company, Consulting
P+P Poellath & Partners, Legal consulting
SuitePad, Tablet Computers
Steu-Dat, Tax consulting
Partners in Mongolia
Scout Association of Mongolia
Mongolian Ministry of Education
Peace Corps of Mongolia
Partners in Cambodia
Cambodia Scouts
Cambodian Ministry of Education, Youth & Sports
Peace Corps of Cambodia
All About Asia Schools
Partners in Europe
Franconian International School, Germany
Infoklick.ch, Switzerland
The UK Scout Association – 2nd East London Scout Group
WHU - Otto Beisheim School of Management, Germany
6.4 PartnershiPs, CooPerations and networks
37
Ambassadors
Philipp Haussmann | Chairman of the Board, Ernst Klett AG
Frank Mildenberger | CEO, Mildenberger Verlag GmbH
Dr. Eberhard von Koerber | Co-President, Club of Rome
Dirk Reich | Excutive Board Member, Kuehne + Nagel AG
Patrick Sturm | CEO, Mücke, Sturm & Company GmbH
Board of Directors
Evelyn S. Braun | Stiftungsrätin
Markus Gander | Stiftungsrat
Richard Rupp | Stiftungsrat
Dr. Carsten Rübsaamen | Präsident des Stiftungsrats
Abdullah Rasheed | Regional Director Asia-Pacific,
World Organization of the Scout Movement
Founding Donors
Jochen Biagosch
Malte Boll
Eine-Welt-Laden Neumarkt e.V.
Tobias Endl
Förderkreis der VCP-Siedlung Taizé e.V.
Ruth Heidingsfelder
David Hünlich
Dr. Thomas Jordan
Matthias Krauss
Philipp Mühlleitner
Alexander Rübsaamen
Dr. Carsten Rübsaamen
Dr. Katharina Rübsaamen
Richard Rupp
Stadt Neumarkt in der Oberpfalz
Christian Stüer
Robert Torscht
Inés Vicente Barbero
Sylvia Wauthier
FOUNDATION
38
7. PROFILES OF THE ORGANISATIONS INVOLVED
7.1. ORGANISATIONAL PROFILE
BOOKBRIDGE FOUNDATION
Basel, Switzerland
none
Non-profit foundation
Feierabendstraße 80
4051 Basel
Switzerland
+41 61 511 5224
2010
50.000 CHF (Verbrauchsstiftung)
keine
www.bookbridge.org/transparency
Commercial Register Basel-Stadt; register
number CH-270.7.003.068-5
Yes
Board of directors consisting of Dr. Cars-
ten Rübsaamen (president), Evelyn S. Braun
(board member), Markus Gander (board
member), Richard Rupp (board member)
BOOKBRIDGE GmbH
Neumarkt, Germany
Freiburg, Germany
GmbH
Untere Marktstraße 14
92318 Neumarkt
Germany
+49 9181 5242 6880
2010
100.000 EUR
BOOKBRIDGE FOUNDATION (100%)
www.bookbridge.org/transparency
District Court Neumarkt HRB - 26679
No. 100% of profits are reinvested in BOOK-
BRIDGE FOUNDATION
CEO: Dr. Carsten Rübsaamen
Name of the organisation
Headquarter
Additional branches
Legal form
Adresse
Telephone
Founding year
Founding capital
Owners
Link to statutes
Listed in
Charitable status
Managing body
39
40
7.2 GOVERNANCE OF THE ORGANISATION
7.3 SHAREHOLDER STRUCTURE
The managing body of BOOK-
BRIDGE FOUNDATION is the
board of directors. In accordance
with the statutes, the board meets
at least once a year. Dr. Carsten
Rübsaamen is the elected presi-
dent of the founding donors and
also directs the foundation.
The managing body of BOOK-
BRIDGE GmbH is the executi-
ve management. Currently, Dr.
Carsten Rübsaamen is the sole
CEO, with power of sole repre-
sentation. He reports yearly to
the board of directors of BOOK-
BRIDGE FOUNDATION as sole
shareholder of the GmbH.
The supervisory body of BOOK-
BRIDGE FOUNDATION is the
Federal Supervisory Board for
Foundations in Bern, Switzerland.
Wirtschaftstreuhand AG, based in
Basel, is responsible for the an-
nual audit of the company.
The supervisory body of BOOK-
BRIDGE GmbH is the board of
directors of BOOKBRIDGE FOUN-
DATION in its function as share-
holder.
A potential conflict of interest is
still posed by the double role of
Dr. Carsten Rübsaamen as CEO
of BOOKBRIDGE GmbH as well
as president of the board of di-
rectors of BOOKBRIDGE FOUN-
DATION. By early 2015, we aim
at solving this conflict by electing
another board member as Presi-
dent of the Foundation. Carsten
will focus on his role as a CEO of
BOOKBRIDGE GmbH. He intends
to remain a normal board mem-
ber of the Foundation without
taking voting rights on strategic
decisions related to the BOOK-
BRIDGE GmbH.
BOOKBRIDGE FOUNDATION is the
sole shareholder in BOOKBRIDGE
GmbH. It owns the founding capi-
tal, in the amount of 100,000, EUR
and all voting shares.
41
7.4 ENVIRONMENTAL AND SOCIAL PROFILE
Our values and attitude, based
on the five principles of our work
(see chapter 1), are also reflected
in the environmental and social
profile of our organisation.
In terms of social profile, our team
is characterised by a high degree
of diversity and an even gender
distribution. All team members
earn the same amount. In Asia,
the income is adjusted to the local
income level of each country.
With respect to work-life balance,
BOOKBRIDGE offers flexible wor-
king arrangements and the pos-
sibility to work from home. At the
same time, the team in Europe
takes part in a regular supervisi-
on process.
When travelling, we do not fly
within Germany and Switzer-
land. When possible, trips further
afield are also made with public
transportation. We only use eco-
logically friendly office supplies.
Environmental education is also part of the course programs of our Learning Centers like here in Arvaikheer, Mongolia.
8. FINANCIALS
8.1 BOOKKEEPING AND ACCOUNTING
8.2 ASSETS AND LIABILITIES
Accounting records are prepared
internally and conducted by exter-
nal partners. Internally, we follow
the four-eye principle for every
transaction. External accoun-
ting processes are carried out by
STEU-DAT (Osnabrück, Germany)
for BOOKBRIDGE GmbH and by
The total assets of BOOKBRIDGE
FOUNDATION in 2013 totalled just
under 116,914 EUR. The total as-
sets of BOOKBRIDGE GmbH in
2013 were just under 67,781 EUR.
Neither of these companies has
any significant assets installed.
A detailed presentation of the ba-
lance sheets was not deemed ne-
cessary. The balance sheets are
available at www.bookbridge.org.
Stiftungszentrum.de GmbH (Mu-
nich, Germany) for BOOKBRIDGE
FOUNDATION. The accounts of
the Foundation undergo an annu-
al audit by Wirtschaftstreuhand
AG (Basel, Switzerland).
Lender Sum Interest Term Repay-ment Co l latera l Subord inat i on Any ou tstanding
amountMildenberger Verlag GmbH 100,000 2% 6 years 12,440 none yes 87,560
Ernst Klett AG 100,000 2% 6 years 12,440 none yes 87,560
Patrick Sturm 12,500 2% 6 years 1,400 none yes 11,100
Hans Werner Gloßner 10,000 2% 6 years 1,100 none yes 8,900
KfW 30,000 2,5% 8 years 0 none yes 30,000
Talina Holding AG 15,000 2,5% 8 years 0 none yes 15,000
Dirk Reich 15,000 2,5% 8 years 0 none yes 15,000
8.3 Income and expenses
Income BOOKBRIDGE FOUNDAT ION
in EUR H 1–20 14 20 13 20 12 20 1 1
Donations 16,051 58,219 36,805 26,312
Grants 27,203 26,577 86,286 104,757
Soft loans 6,250 40,000 22,792 0
Sum 49,504 124,796 123,091 131,069
Expenses BOOKBRIDGE FOUNDAT ION
in EUR H 1–20 14 20 13 20 12 20 1 1
Staff costs in Asia 14,814 19,342 0 0
Learning centers in Mongolia 9,578 32,085 23,777 31,475
Learning centers in Cambodia 37,363 66,738 30,933 9,690
Country Support from Europe 1,169 24,863 1,615 13,333
Book Champion Program 128 3,864 5,357 3,187
Administration 2,456 5,441 5,776 7,586
Marketing, PR & Fundraising 1,009 3,878 4,419 7,011
Other costs 4,684 451 0 10,810
Sum 71,201 156,763 71,877 83,092
Key Financials BOOKBRIDGE FOUNDATION
In 2013, BOOKBRIDGE FOUN-DATION started to finance the setup of learning centers with soft loans from OneYoungWorld. Investments in the learning centers more than doubled from 2012 to 2013. Net investment in Mongolia went down from 2013 to 2014 as learning centers and country become indepdendent. In H1-2014, investment focus was on Cambodia. With positive sales developments in the Ca-pability Program, cost for Mar-keting, PR and Fundraising went down. The Foundation should be completely independent of dona-tions as of 2015.
The financial statements for 2014 are provisional.
Income BOOKBRIDGE GmbH
Expenses BOOKBRIDGE GmbH
in EUR H 1–20 14 20 13 20 12
Total Bookings *) 244,216 169,855 45,599
Sales 140,619 137,355 45,599
Other income 0 0 32,000
Sum 140,619 137,355 77,599
in EUR H 1–20 14 20 13 20 12
Staff costs in Europe 44,643 84,922 104,307
Program costs 9,210 41,158 43,831
Office 3,570 7,215 10,756
Other costs 4,926 23,840 19.441
Sales 9,695 13,383 10,212
Sum 68,824 170,518 188,547
Key Financials BOOKBRIDGE GmbH
In 2013, BOOKBRIDGE GmbH received boo-kings worth EUR 169,855 at a total cost of EUR 170,518. This would mean break even but accounting rules require sales split by financial year in which service was rendered. Hence, the GmbH produced a loss of EUR 25,955. In the first half of 2014, the positive trend in bookings continued resulting in total bookings of EUR 244,216 as per June 30, 2014. Costs amount EUR 71,349. The goal in bookings for 2014 amounts EUR 350,000.
The previous losses of the GmbH up to 31.12.2013 amount to 308,734 EUR and are covered by loans from seven investors, among them KfW Mittelstandsbank.
*) Bookings vs SalesBookings describe the total value of contracts signed by clients for participation in the Capability Program. Sales describe bookings distributed by financial year in which the service was delievered.
The financial statements for 2013 and 2014 are provisional.
Learning Center (LC)
The LCs are the core of our work.
When we say LC we mean the va-
rious and diverse rooms and buil-
dings where the LCs are located. A
typical LC is composed of a library
and a course room.
Community Hero or Head of Lear-
ning Center
She or he is the central point of our
model: the Community Hero (as we
call him or her at BOOKBRIDGE)
runs the Learning Center. He or she
knows the community where the LC
is based very well and develops it
to a place and offer that meets the
needs of the community. When we
act in Cambodia and Mongolia we
call him or her “Head of Learning
Center” instead as Community Hero
is too abstract.
APPENDIX I: THE BOOKBRIDGE ABC
Courses
Courses are the core activity of
each Learning Center. For the most
part, LCs offer English courses on
different levels. But there are also
Learning Centers that offer IT cour-
ses and a Kindergarten, which is
focused on language. The courses
cost between 3 and 7 USD per month
and enable the Learning Centers to
become financially self-sustained.
Activities
The Learning Centers offer free ac-
tivities for everyone every day. Ex-
amples of activities are a special
form of bingo with English words,
movie nights, free English courses,
workshops on health or singing.
Members
Not every visitor is a member. Only
those who want to borrow books
and take them home need a libra-
ry card. The number of registered
members increased to more than
10,500 in 2013, which is about 50%
more than in 2012.
Bridgebuilders
Bridgebuilder is a collective term
which we use for people who enga-
ge with us, ranging from a person
who sends us books to an alumnus
of the Capability Program.
Visitors
A visitor is someone who steps into
the Learning Center, registers in
a big library book and then enjoys
reading books, playing games or
just drawing pictures.
READ, LEARN, EARN
This is what we call the impact
areas of a Learning Center: READ
describes the welcoming learning
environment with educational re-
sources, e.g. books and games.
The LEARN area describes all the
learning offerings that take place in
the Learning Center (→ activities,
courses). The EARN area describes
the financing activities which enable
the Learning Center to cover its own
costs, mainly English courses (→ fi-
nancially self-sustained).
46
APPENDIX II: THE BOOKBRIDGE ABC (CONTINUED)
Fellow
The Fellowship Program offers vo-
lunteering positions for local and
foreign fellows at our Learning
Centers. Local fellows may volun-
teer for any period, while a mini-
mum stay of six months is required
for foreign fellows sent by BOOK-
BRIDGE.
Book Champions
Book Champions are a group of
dedicated people who support us
with collecting, sorting and packing
books for our Learning Centers.
These include, for example, a scout
troop, a school or alumni of our Ca-
pability Programs.
Candidate in Capability Program
(CAP) & General Management Plus
Program (GMP+)
The CAP is a part-time program
which is delivered by two expe-
rienced leadership and business
coaches together with the BOOK-
BRIDGE team. The core of the pro-
gram is the challenge of planning
and setting up a Learning Center.
The CAP develops business and lea-
dership skills through experiential
learning.
The GMP+ is delivered hand-in-hand
by WHU – Otto Beisheim School of
Management and BOOKBRIDGE.
The program equips candidates
with essential management know-
ledge and sets the same challenge
as in the CAP: to plan and set-up a
Learning Center.
Financially self-sustained/Sustai-
nability rate
One of our most important goals
for our Learning Centers is to be fi-
nancially self-sustaining within one
year. The generated income needs
to cover personnel costs and office
expenses. Our partners normally
pay the room rent. The break-even
points vary slightly in Cambodia
and Mongolia, owing to local in-
come levels and cost of living.
47
Bayartsetseg „Bayaraa“ Altangerel–ABOUT ME AND MY LEARNING CENTER
About meMy name is Bayartsetseg Altangerel
My age is 29
I am Head of Learning Center in Govi-Altai, Mongolia
I am Head of Learning Center since 2011
Before I became Head of Learning Center, I was… an English teacher.
Telling about my family I m married. A have a girl and a boy.
What I like most about BOOKBRIDGE I like to teach English and help our members who need help.
Why I wanted to become a Head of Learning Center I am a Head of learning Center and the librarian at the same time. I was interested in that position.
About my teamWhom I work with in the learning center I work with some Peace Corps Volunteers from other departments in our community
Whom we partner with in the community I work with children’s department.
About our target groupWho comes to my learning center Community members, secondary school students, club members and foreign friends
Why people like my learning center Because they can read books and participate in English training. Also the creative environment attract them, which is very different from other libraries.
What activities and courses we offer Movie club, speaking club and disabled children’s program.
About our impact
How we want to help people with our learning center We want to provide them good resources of English learning materials and Mongolian books, too.
Thinking about my Learning Center in 2013, I am most proud of... - The increased number of children that participate in my lesson- Our graduate student’s English knowledge improved by 62%- The increased number of disabled children helped by us
One thing I want to achieve with my Learning Center in 2014... Improving teaching methods
My wishes
If I had one wish free for my Learning Center… To have one own house for my learning center.
If I had one wish free for myself … Improve my salary.
FotoAPPENDIX II: PROFILES
48
Tsengelbayar Dampil–ABOUT ME AND MY LEARNING CENTER
About meMy name is Tsengelbayar Dampil
My age is 34
I am Head of Learning Center in Govi-Altai, Mongolia
I am Head of Learning Center since 2013
Before I became Head of Learning Center, I was… a secondary school teacher
Telling about my family I m married. I have two girls.
What I like most about BOOKBRIDGE I like teaching and reading interesting books.
Why I wanted to become a Head of Learning Center I am temporarily working as the head of the library while Bayertsegtseg is on maternity leave.
About my teamWhom I work with in the learning center I work with some volunteers such as Eva Jerome and Love Whom we partner with in the community Children´s department
About our target groupWho comes to my learning center Community members and secondary school youth
Why people like my learning center People like our center because they can read books and participate in English training
What activities and courses we offer Movie club and speaking club
About our impact
How we want to help people with our learning center We want to provide them with English language learning resources.
Thinking about my Learning Center in 2013, I am most proud of... The number of children that participate in my lesson.
One thing I want to achieve with my Learning Center in 2014... I want to improve my student’s speaking and pronunciation skills.
My wishes
If I had one wish free for my Learning Center… I would wish fellows in my learning center.
If I had one wish free for myself … I wish that I speak English fluently.
Foto
49
Dariimaa „Daria“ Nyamdorj–ABOUT ME AND MY LEARNING CENTER
About meMy name is Dariimaa Nyamdorj
My age is 30
I am Head of Learning Center in Murun, Mongolia
I am Head of Learning Center since 2013
Before I became Head of Learning Center, I was… English teacher at the learning center. Before that I was a teacher at a secondary school.
Telling about my family There are 6 people in my family. I have two brothers and a sister. Two of them work in Ulaanbataar. One brother is married. He is an actor. My parents are retired.
What I like most about BOOKBRIDGE I can do my work without pressure. Everyone, who comes to LC, is happy and feel confortable. People always say that it’s really nice environment and it has good books.
Why I wanted to become a Head of Learning Center I became a librarian here because I very like the learning center. Then Baaska, the Head of the Learning Center, (see next profile) moved to her boyfriend to the United States.
About my team
Whom I work with in the learning center Several volunteers.
Whom we partner with in the community Every school, Education center, World Vision, Chandmani TV, Children center and Peace Corps.
About our target groupWho comes to my learning center All kinds of people.
Why people like my learning center We try to explain to them everything what do they want to know about English language and books. We give them tea, coffee& water. We are very friendly to them.
What activities and courses we offer English lessons (children & adults), reading club, team time, speaking & movie club
About our impact
How we want to help people with our learning center Improving their English skills
Thinking about my Learning Center in 2013, I am most proud of... We had more people for paid course little by little compared to 2012.
One thing I want to achieve with my Learning Center in 2014... Improving teaching methods
My wishes
If I had one wish free for my Learning Center… More tables and chairs would be nice.
If I had one wish free for myself … I don t know yet.
Foto
50
About meMy name is Baasandulam Munkhtur
My age is 27
I am Head of Learning Center in Murun, Mongolia
I am Head of Learning Center since 2011 (until 2013)
Before I became Head of Learning Center, I was… an English teacher.
Telling about my family I have 2 sisters and one brother and my mother. Now I am living with my boyfriend in the United States.
What I like most about BOOKBRIDGE The most interesting thing about BOOKBRIDGE and why I wanted to work for BOOKBRIDGE is to teach English differently from every school. It has a good environment.
Why I wanted to become a Head of Learning Center It was my dream to help children and people as much as I can, so I wanted to start my dream by teaching English.
About my teamWhom I work with in the learning center Mainly I work with my librarian Dariimaa Nyamdorj and Volunteer Nick Armstrong.
Whom we partner with in the community Every school, Education center, World Vision, Chandmani TV, Children center and Peace Corps.
About our target groupWho comes to my learning center Mostly school children.
Why people like my learning center Because it has books, listening activities and movies. So they can improve their English in skills in these ways.
What activities and courses we offer English lessons (children & adults), reading club, team time, speaking & movie club
About our impact
How we want to help people with our learning center We want to help students and adults by improving their English in a fun way.
Thinking about my Learning Center in 2013, I am most proud of... 1) Our lessons for children and adults 2) English teachers seminar 3) Mobile library to reindeer families 4) We worked with two province district’s English teachers with books so they can use the books for their lesson and exchange them 5) Divide our room into 2 rooms
One thing I want to achieve with my Learning Center in 2014... Improve paid courses.
My wishes
If I had one wish free for my Learning Center… People keep coming and bring more people
If I had one wish free for myself … To teach English to everyone in my community
FotoBaasandulam „Baaska“ Munkhtur - currently on maternity leave in the USA–ABOUT ME AND MY LEARNING CENTER
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Dulamsuren „Duuya“ Dorjtuvden–ABOUT ME AND MY LEARNING CENTER
About meMy name is Dulamsuren Dorjtuvden
My age is 29
I am Head of Learning Center in Zavkhan, Mongolia
I am Head of Learning Center since 2011
Before I became Head of Learning Center, I was… I was a librarian at central library.
Telling about my family I m married and have one son.
What I like most about BOOKBRIDGE I like that I have a chance to read interesting books and to teach.
Why I wanted to become a Head of Learning Center Because I want to teach other people.
About my teamWhom I work with in the learning center I work with volunteers and secondary school English teachers.
Whom we partner with in the community I work with schools, kindergartens.
About our target groupWho comes to my learning center Adults, students, volunteers, kindergardners and youth come to my learning center
Why people like my learning center People like our library because they read interesting books and study in our English lessons.
What activities and courses we offer Speaking club, movie club, Toefl class.
About our impact
How we want to help people with our learning center 1) Teach them in English skills 2) Assist them with books 3) Serve children for free
Thinking about my Learning Center in 2013, I am most proud of... - I started to teach paid course and speaking class for beginner- There were many books lent
One thing I want to achieve with my Learning Center in 2014... I want to improve my student’s speaking skills in English.
My wishes
If I had one wish free for my Learning Center… I want to offer free classes.
If I had one wish free for myself … I want to become a good teacher
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Ganchimed Ganbold–ABOUT ME AND MY LEARNING CENTER
About meMy name is Ganchimeg Ganbold
My age is 27
I am Head of Learning Center in Zuunkharaa, Mongolia
I am Head of Learning Center since 2012
Before I became Head of Learning Center, I was… I was English and computer teacher.
Telling about my family I m married. I have one daughter.
What I like most about BOOKBRIDGE I like to read books and to teach lessons.
Why I wanted to become a Head of Learning Center I wanted to have a job.
About my teamWhom I work with in the learning center Only me. Whom we partner with in the community Children´s department.
About our target groupWho comes to my learning center Secondary school students and children from kindergarten.
Why people like my learning center Because they can spend quality time there like reading interesting books and meeting new people and getting friend. Also they learn English at our LC.
What activities and courses we offer Reading club, girls club
About our impact
How we want to help people with our learning center We want to provide them more quality resources like Mongolian & English books.
Thinking about my Learning Center in 2013, I am most proud of... In total, 415 students studied in our LC. 230 of them participated in Computer training, 185 students participated in English training.I am most proud of one student, who participated in English Olympics.
One thing I want to achieve with my Learning Center in 2014... I want to start offering a new club. Also I want to improve my student’s grammar and speaking skills.
My wishes
If I had one wish free for my Learning Center… To have a big room, that is bigger than what we have now.
If I had one wish free for myself … Increase my salary.
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Kadet Mam–ABOUT ME AND MY LEARNING CENTER
About meMy name is Kadet Mam
My age is 33
I am Head of Learning Center in Chansom Senmongkul, Cambodia
I am Head of Learning Center since 2014
Before I became Head of Learning Center, I was… a librarian.
Telling about my family Married with two children.
Why I wanted to become a Head of Learning Center Because it is my dream job.
What I like most about BOOKBRIDGE Library has lots of books; respect and warm care from the team.
About my team
Whom I work with in the learning center - Sreydieb Long: Full-time English Teacher and Assistant to Head of Learning Center- Ratana Rim: Librarian and part-time English Teacher- Sombat Am: part-time English teacher- Veasna Ek: part-time IT teacher- Sophal and Sok: Cleaner and security-Olivier Kaeser: BOOKBRIDGE fellow-Stacy Biggs: Peace Corps volunteer-Srey Leak: local volunteer
Whom we partner with in the community Tramkak District Education Office (DEO)
About our target groupWho comes to my learning center Youths, children and public school teachers.
Why people like my learning center There are a lot of books, clean classrooms, standard learning facilities, good environment, English courses and IT courses.
What activities and courses we offer Educational toys & games, Movie in English, playground, IT and English courses...
About our impact
How we want to help people with our learning center The skills of using Computer, English and the good education through reading books in Khmer and English.
Thinking about my Learning Center in 2013, I am most proud of... The team getting learning centre opened with in a short time with teamwork spirit and care.
My wishes
If I had one wish free for my Learning Center… Become financially sustained.
If I had one wish free for myself … Happiness in family. Country stays peaceful and freedom and get to know English professionally.
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Khishigdelger „Khishgee“ Erdenebileg–ABOUT ME AND MY LEARNING CENTER
About meMy name is Khishigdelger Erdenebileg
My age is 26
I am Head of Learning Center in Baganuur, Mongolia
I am Head of Learning Center since 2011
Before I became Head of Learning Center, I was… Methodologist at children & family development center in Baganuur.
Telling about my family I live with my husband, grandma, my daughter and my young sister. My husband is lawyer. My grandma is retired. My daughter goes to the kindergarten. My young sister is a 5th grader.
What I like most about BOOKBRIDGE It is always filled with children’s laugh. Bookbridge team members are very close to each other. We learn from each other, advice and support each other. In decision-making process we work as one team. Bookbridge takes good care of re. development of Head of Learning Centers and librarians.
Why I wanted to become a Head of Learning Center My passion is to work with children. And my team at children&family development center supported me to take this position.
About my teamWhom I work with in the learning center Only me. Whom we partner with in the community Children&family development center, secondary schools, social security department, police department, culture center, kindergarten…
About our target groupWho comes to my learning center People of all ages in the community
Why people like my learning center 1) Having English&Mongolian books 2) Nice&friendly environment 3) Good advice service in anything
What activities and courses we offer Family & children development-oriented activities and trainings
About our impact
How we want to help people with our learning center We help people to like books, read books and to get life skills beside formal education.
Thinking about my Learning Center in 2013, I am most proud of... 372 people got new members at our libraryIncreased publicity of learning centerRegarding family&children development training we reached 231 parents, 54 teachers, 851 children, joined team 90.
One thing I want to achieve with my Learning Center in 2014... Offer sustained Life skill training, English language training, empower children read more books.
My wishes
If I had one wish free for my Learning Center… A camera.
If I had one wish free for myself … Support my study.
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Maralmaa Jargalsaikhan–ABOUT ME AND MY LEARNING CENTER
About meMy name is Maralmaa Jargalsaikhan
My age is 24
I am Head of Learning Center in Bulgan, Mongolia
I am Head of Learning Center since 2011
Before I became Head of Learning Center, I was… Just finished my study at University. I studied English teacher.
Telling about my family I live with my husband and my son. My husband works in Justice office. He is 26 years old. My son is 1.5 years old.
What I like most about BOOKBRIDGE At first, I like books so much. And I like everything at Bookbridge. The people at Bookbridge support me and my learning center to get better.
Why I wanted to become a Head of Learning Center Because I am an English teacher and I like to work with students so much. Bookbridge learning center offers many better things lika all kind of books and steaching materials than normal schools do. I like Bookbridge so much.
About my teamWhom I work with in the learning center Now I work alone. But always some volunteers and students help me. Whom we partner with in the community Schools, children department and culture center
About our target groupWho comes to my learning center Students, adults, workers, retirements... So people of all ages come to my LC.
Why people like my learning center Because it has many kinds of interesting books and all our activities are free.
What activities and courses we offer English beginner& intermediate classes and clubs
About our impact
How we want to help people with our learning center We will help people improving their English skills like speaking, reading, listening and writing.
Thinking about my Learning Center in 2013, I am most proud of... I am very proud of mobile library for kindergarten kids. I worked with 1,372 kids in kindergartens.
One thing I want to achieve with my Learning Center in 2014... I want to start offer paid English classes for adults and organization workers.
My wishes
If I had one wish free for my Learning Center… I want to have a TV in our LC. Because always we need TV in our activity and clubs.
If I had one wish free for myself … I want to meet Bridgebuilder & Bookbridge staff in Germany. And will travel to Germany.
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Meas Meanrith–ABOUT ME AND MY LEARNING CENTER
About meMy name is Meas Meanrith
My age is 22
I am Head of Learning Center in Siem Reap, Cambodia
I am Head of Learning Center since 2013
Before I became Head of Learning Center, I was… English teacher
Telling about my family I am single, the only child in a family. Living with mum and dad.
What I like most about BOOKBRIDGE BOOKBRIDGE provides access to reading materials for children and youth in the community.
Why I wanted to become a Head of Learning Center Because with the aid of Bookbridge we can help what is needed in the community.
About my teamWhom I work with in the learning center The Country Manager and volunteers Whom we partner with in the community 10 January High School and About Asia Schools
About our target groupWho comes to my learning center Local teachers, adults, young adults and children.
Why people like my learning center It has many good books, scholarly activities and free English course.
What activities and courses we offer Educational activities and free English courses
About our impact
How we want to help people with our learning center I think we are on the right track-providing access to reading books and educational activities - and we should keep up this good work.
Thinking about my Learning Center in 2013, I am most proud of... I am proud the most of the great books that we have and our volunteers who kindly supported our learning center.
One thing I want to achieve with my Learning Center in 2014... I want our BOOKBRIDGE Learning Center to be well-known and durable.
My wishes
If I had one wish free for my Learning Center… I do want to see our Bookbridge Learning Center is one of the best places for all age of people come to read books and study what they wish to know.
If I had one wish free for myself … It would be the most delighted for me to have more kind of books in our learning center.
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Narantuya „Naraa“ Dashdeleg–ABOUT ME AND MY LEARNING CENTER
About meMy name is Narantuya Dashdeleg
My age is 57
I am Head of Learning Center in Ulziit Khoroo, Mongolia
I am Head of Learning Center since 2012
Before I became Head of Learning Center, I was… Teacher at non formal education school
Telling about my family I live with my husband. I have four children.
What I like most about BOOKBRIDGE What BOOKBRIDGE does, reach people in rural area.
Why I wanted to become a Head of Learning Center This job is related to being a teacher.
About my teamWhom I work with in the learning center Only me. Whom we partner with in the community 59th school in Ulziit District, orphanage, non-formal education school
About our target groupWho comes to my learning center Mostly school children
Why people like my learning center Child-friendly environment, possibility to learn and play at same time and at one place.
What activities and courses we offer Traditional Mongolian script, music, poetry, song, dance courses
About our impact
How we want to help people with our learning center Run mobile library to reach more people
Thinking about my Learning Center in 2013, I am most proud of... Started to run mobile library. 5 members of sudents became best students of the year at their school.
One thing I want to achieve with my Learning Center in 2014... Improve the access of mobile library
My wishes
If I had one wish free for my Learning Center… Book-shelf, desks, chairs, pc
If I had one wish free for myself … To increase my premium
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Sokoeurn Touch–ABOUT ME AND MY LEARNING CENTER
About meMy name is Sokoeurn Touch
My age is 40
I am Head of Learning Center in Takeo, Cambodia
I am Head of Learning Center since 2013
Before I became Head of Learning Center, I was… Teacher at Chea Sim high school
Telling about my family Married with two children
What I like most about BOOKBRIDGE Learning center environment
Why I wanted to become a Head of Learning Center Working with multi-culture
About my teamWhom I work with in the learning center Two local volunteers and two staffs from the Provincial Department of Education Whom we partner with in the community Provincial department of education, youth and sport, Takeo.
About our target groupWho comes to my learning center Children, teenagers, adults, teacher trainees and students from university.
Why people like my learning center A lot of books, cleanliness and comfort.
What activities and courses we offer Educational games, free courses and paid courses.
About our impact
How we want to help people with our learning center Improve their reading and can use English in different situation.
Thinking about my Learning Center in 2013, I am most proud of... I have a lot of students to visit my learning center.
One thing I want to achieve with my Learning Center in 2014... I want to have more students to attend paid courses.
My wishes
If I had one wish free for my Learning Center… IT room and international volunteer
If I had one wish free for myself … No
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Uugantsetseg „Uuganaa“ Gantumur–ABOUT ME AND MY LEARNING CENTER
About meMy name is Uugantsetseg Gantumur
My age is 39
I am Head of Learning Center in Arvaikheer, Mongolia
I am Head of Learning Center since 2009
Before I became Head of Learning Center, I was… I had a training center of English. I have an experience with teaching English at secondary level (6years) and university level (6years).
Telling about my family Three wonderful kids. My two kids are good role models of BOOKBRIDGE. They love BOOKBRIDGE and are great peer trainers with perfect English skills.
What I like most about BOOKBRIDGE Child-friendly environment and with experimental learning method which is a lack of Mongolian education system. BOOKBRIDGE is filling in this space.
Why I wanted to become a Head of Learning Center I wanted to be a Bridgebuilder. I wanted that the books from around the world come over by our bridge to our community.
About my teamWhom I work with in the learning center I work with a bunch of kids from my community, 15 very active peer trainers, 4 foreign volunteers and some local volunteers and skilled teacher Buyanaa.
Whom we partner with in the community Children Center, Aimag Government, World Vision, Schools, Red Cross, Mercy Corps, all NGOs, governmental organizations, parents
About our target groupWho comes to my learning center All students and adults
Why people like my learning center A wide range of books. Are allowed to borrow.
What activities and courses we offer Movie club, speaking club, individual classes, interview tips and visa application advice, TOEFL preparation, multi-level classes of English, competitions, debating club, scouting
About our impact
How we want to help people with our learning center We help to people through English and BOOKBRIDGE library. Now our community children stopped going to Ulaanbaatar to study at English training.
Thinking about my Learning Center in 2013, I am most proud of... - We have over 4000 members - Active learners - Awards from Governments - Parent s impressions - Students success - Own building - Sustainable activities - Skilled peer trainers and role models
One thing I want to achieve with my Learning Center in 2014... To redecorate one room in order to separate from big hall.
My wishes
If I had one wish free for my Learning Center… Printer (a second hand one will be ok), good dictionaries and a variety of elementary books, new chairs and desks for one room
If I had one wish free for myself … Some new skills
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Vannak Pen–ABOUT ME AND MY LEARNING CENTER
About meMy name is Vannak Pen
My age is 30
I am Head of Learning Center in Tonloab, Cambodia
I am Head of Learning Center since 2014
Before I became Head of Learning Center, I was… an English teacher at Sok An Tonloab High School and PIS Language School Principal.
Telling about my family Married with one son and one daughter and living in a village about 15 km from Tonloab. I normally visit my family during the weekend.
What I like most about BOOKBRIDGE It gives chances for children to access books, quality education and working opportunity with people from different cultures
About my teamWhom I work with in the learning center Pak Mom (librarian)Long My, Eng Kimhorn, Orn Chenda, Ses Sreyny, Beav Srey Rouch, Norng Sreyroth (part- and full-time English teachers)Iev Vireak (computer teacher)
Whom we partner with in the community Tonloab District Education Office
About our target groupWho comes to my learning center Students, children, parents of the children, teachers, nurses, policemen and foreign visitors.
Why people like my learning center They want to read and borrow books, study English, computer, play games and watch movies.
What activities and courses we offer Educational games, movie events, kindergarten, part-time English and computer courses.
About our impact
How we want to help people with our learning center Change their free time habit from doing nothing to read book and enjoy our free activity offerings.
Thinking about my Learning Center in 2013, I am most proud of... Modern library, standard computer course program and comfortable English rooms.
One thing I want to achieve with my Learning Center in 2014... that the people in the community say Bookbridge offers quality education.
My wishes
If I had one wish free for my Learning Center… The learning center is well known in the community in term of quality education on English and IT courses.
If I had one wish free for myself … Visit Bookbridge Learning Centers in Germany and Mongolia.
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DELPHINE ZIAROVSKI –ABOUT ME AND MY LEARNING jOURNEY IN THE CAPABILITY PROGRAM
About meMy name is... Delphine Ziarovski
I work for… PricewaterhouseCoopers Advisory in Zurich
My official job title says… Assistant Manager, Strategy & Operations Consulting
Our learning center in the program was… Takeo, Cambodia
About my mot ivat ionWhy I participated in the program A few years ago, I started to get involved with the topic ’entrepreneurship’. I began reading books, attending events, and meeting entrepreneurs who had set up their own business. At the same time, I started to discover social entrepreneurship. The idea of engaging in a social project, where I could contribute to create a positive impact and make a difference in an entrepreneurial way – even very little – had been going through my mind. When I heard about the BOOKBRIDGE Capability Program, also as a passionate traveller to Asia, I thought: «This is exactly what I was looking for».
What I contributed towards the program My role covered three areas: Project management, Finance and Mentoring. Together with another program participant, I elaborated the business plan for our Learning Centre in Takeo, prepared the investor pitch and presented our business plan to our investors. Besides, I was chosen by our team for the project management as well as the design and facilitation of our team workshops onsite in Cambodia. Also, I contributed as a team to the renovation of the learning centre, the research for a bank to open an account and the conduction of our marketing and HR/recruiting activities, while we were in Takeo in February 2013. After the program end and hand-over of the project to the local team, I have been acting as a mentor for Sokoeurn, our Takeo Learning Centre manager whom we recruited onsite. I continue to be regularly in touch with him and coach him where needed.
About my impactHow the program impacted me personally The BOOKBRIDGE Capability Program has been a unique experience in my life so far! It was a real transformational experience and definitively left a mark on me. I was able to experience entrepreneurship in a real international business environment and can today transpose the skills I learned during those six months into my daily work. It also enabled me to create a positive and sustainable impact and to realize that everyone has the extraordinary potential to make things change positively. And the best of course was to get there, to Takeo, to really understand the impact we have been creating there. Many pictures of Takeo will always remain in my memories – the smiling faces, the eyes full of gratitude and the words of happiness expressed by all the Cambodian people I met at the Learning Centre. It will have a life-long impact on me and will certainly remain in fond memory.
Which skills I developed through the program First, entrepreneurship and leadership skills. What I particularly liked about the program was that I did not have any theory about entrepreneurship but was able to really experience it in a real life start up project. I had to be in the driver seat to make something happen. Second, soft skills, e.g. networking across boundaries and with multiple stakeholders. Not only the entrepreneurial work in an international team but also the possibility to view a culture completely different from others – an emerging economy – from inside and to be fully immerged into it was very instructive to me. Third, personal growth and change of perception. Imagine the sense of accomplishment when you cut the ribbon to open the learning centre after having worked several months to set it up! This experience made me realize that you can make a difference and contribute to create a positive impact. The program contributed to increase my social responsibility awareness and enabled me not only to step into the shoes of a social entrepreneur but also to act as it!
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What impact we had on the community So far, we have offered nearly 400 Cambodian students the opportunity to participate in our Learning Centre activities. More than 100 students are now attending the courses we are offering. And through my mentoring role I could see how our Learning Centre manager, Sokoeurn, has made considerable progress in his management role. It is fantastic! Our initial goal to empower local people to take responsibility for themselves and to act as entrepreneurs on their own has been reached.
What changed?How my life changed after the program The program has boosted my entrepreneurial spirit so far that I pursue working on an entrepreneurial project beside work, with the goal to further contribute to create a positive impact. And I have integrated – and am implementing – the following motto in my everyday life: «You have the extraordinary potential to make things change positively»!
What I like most about BOOKBRIDGE… Its fantastic entrepreneurial team, its inspiring values, and, above all, the wonderful opportunity that BOOKBRIDGE provides to people like me to act as a change-maker in our todays’ world.
One moment I still remember from the program… There are many moments that I will remember from the program: our last team workshop in the Black Forrest, our homestay in Takeo, our team renovation of the Learning Centre... But there is one moment that profoundly touched me and will always keep alive for me: After the opening ceremony in Takeo was over and we were about to pack, a little Cambodian boy arrived in the learning centre and took a book from the shelves. He started to read it in front of us, without paying attention to us. Once he had finished, he closed the book, and I asked him: «What’s your name?» «Sokhom», he said. He paused and then added «This means happy in English». I had to smile. Then I asked him: «And are you happy to be here in the learning centre?» He said: «Yes» and started to smile. He added: «In our town there is no other place to come to read or borrow books, and I am happy to be able to come here». I felt joy in my heart after all this work and could not resist smiling him back.
My wish
If I had one wish free for my Learning Center… That it gives access to quality education to all students in the Takeo province in need and that it inspires local people to drive it further by having a resonance in the whole country.
If I had one wish free for myself … That more and more people are inspired to make things change positively in our world today. And of course, that I can travel back to the Learning Centre in Takeo soon! But this is already my second wish.
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BARBARA KAECH –ABOUT ME AND MY LEARNING jOURNEY IN THE CAPABILITY PROGRAM
About meMy name is... Barbara Kaech
I work for… Nord Stream AG
My official job title says… Deputy General Counsel
Our learning center in the program was… Ang Tasom, Cambodia
About my mot ivat ionWhy I participated in the program I was curious how a social project can be developed.
What I contributed towards the program Being part of a team that opened a learning center in Ang Tasom
About my impact
How the program impacted me personally Helped developing commitment to be part of future social projects.
Which skills I developed through the program Business skills
What impact we had on the community Offer easier access to education to kids and youth of the community.
What changed?How my life changed after the program Look at the world with different eyes and the commitment to be part of futures social projects.
What I like most about BOOKBRIDGE… Help improving access to education.
One moment I still remember from the program… Kids helping with the decorations for the opening ceremony of the Learning Center in Ang Tasom.
My wish?
If I had one wish free for my Learning Center… To become a self-sustainable learning center where kids enjoy a happy, inspiring and fruitful learning environment.
If I had one wish free for myself … Have more time to spend on social projects in Asia and Africa.
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OLIVIER KAESER –ABOUT ME AND MY LEARNING jOURNEY IN THE CAPABILITY PROGRAM
About meMy name is... Olivier Kaser
I work for… Swiss Re Foundation
My official job title says… Project Manager
Our learning center in the program was… Ang Tasom, Cambodia
About my mot ivat ionWhy I participated in the program I was chosen to do my Civilian Service with Bookbridge in Ang Tasom and I thought it would be a good idea to be in the project from the very beginning.
What I contributed towards the program Helped with the business plan, planned the set-up & logistics of the learning center. Helped to organize a fundraiser and was able to help the local staff during the first three months.
About my impact
How the program impacted me personally Helped me to understand how people in a developing country live and what kind of problems they face.
Which skills I developed through the program Many social skills, patience, teaching skills but also business skills by mentoring the Head of the learning center.
What impact we had on the community A very big impact in the first months for sure. Around 200 students learn English, we have a nice playground and countless happy kids each day.
What changed?How my life changed after the program I don’t know since I am still in Cambodia but I think the experiences from here will have a very big impact on the way I live back in Switzerland.
What I like most about BOOKBRIDGE… It’s approach to create impact by empowering local people in the most important field: education.
One moment I still remember from the program… The happy kids & teachers when we got our “beanbags”.
My wish?
If I had one wish free for my Learning Center… That it becomes self-sustainable and helps the local staff and all the children to fulfil their dreams and bring Cambodia a step further.
If I had one wish free for myself … To stay healthy.
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PAUL GILL –ABOUT ME AND MY LEARNING jOURNEY IN THE CAPABILITY PROGRAM
About meMy name is... Paul Gill
I work for… Sonas World
My official job title says… Cofounder
Our learning center in the program was… Takeo, Cambodia
About my mot ivat ionWhy I participated in the program It was part of the leadership development programme by immersing in them in the real life social business.
What I contributed towards the program I was assigned the task of project manager for the future leadership development programme. I facilitated the company wide book collection in the UK and worked with the whole team to estabilish the learning centre in Takeo Cambodia.
About my impact
How the program impacted me personally It helped me realise that we are all can engage in small acts that can have long term sustainable impact in communities across the world.
Which skills I developed through the program Leadership, change management, multi stakeholder management and cross cultural communication
What impact we had on the community We established a learning centre that could self sustain and provide quality education to underprivileged children.
What changed?How my life changed after the program It inspired me to be the change I wanted to see in the world.
What I like most about BOOKBRIDGE… The team and their commitment to make difference in the world by connecting developed and developing world.
One moment I still remember from the program… The smiles on the faces of the students when the centre opened on first day.
My wish?
If I had one wish free for my Learning Center… I wish it continues to grow in years to come.
If I had one wish free for myself … I wish i could inspire others to follow their dreams!
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WILLEM BOSMAN –ABOUT ME AND MY LEARNING jOURNEY IN THE CAPABILITY PROGRAM
About meMy name is... Willem Bosman
I work for… Kuehne + Nagel
My official job title says… Head of Operations
Our learning center in the program was… Murun, Mongolia
About my mot ivat ionWhy I participated in the program Adventure...
What I contributed towards the program Part to arrange marketing activities, part having fun all together :)
About my impact
How the program impacted me personally I learned to look at things from different angles; one of them being a more ‘human’ or as you will less stressfull in comparison to the ‘fast track economic and efficient’ way we are trained as Europeans.
Which skills I developed through the program Intercultural cooperation
What impact we had on the community At first, a ‘shocking’ impact on the local government. This soon changed into a well received initative by the children from Murun.
What changed?How my life changed after the program It broadened my horizion when it comes to looking at ‘problems’ in general & I learned that working with the people in ‘developing countries’ is really something else as the picture that is painted within the western world.
What I like most about BOOKBRIDGE… Open-minded uncomplex relaxed entrepreneurial culture
One moment I still remember from the program… 1st evening in the jurt in Murun and a million other things...
My wish?
If I had one wish free for my Learning Center… It becomes a real part of the local community who in their turn run it independent
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PETER KLEINHüTTEN –ABOUT ME AND MY LEARNING jOURNEY IN THE CAPABILITY PROGRAM
About meMy name is... Peter Kleinhütten
I work for… Hypothekenbank Frankfurt AG, Commerzbank Group
My official job title says… Head of Client Relationship Commercial Real Estate Finance West Germany
Our learning center in the program was… Tonloab, Cambodia
About my mot ivat ion
Why I participated in the program I achieved success in business through increased specialisation in a single functional area. I wished to recreate myself a little bit as a generalist through access to interesting and different people, a broader set of skills and a more comprehensive, multifunctional perspective.
What I contributed towards the program Finding the Head of our Learning Center: Vannak Pen our entrepreneur and local hero!
About my impact
How the program impacted me personally It was a time for self-reflection and personal discovery, that helped to enhance my knowledge and increase confidence.
Which skills I developed through the program More awareness of cultural differences and ability to self-reflect on own values and own role of leadership. I have a more integrated view on life, leisure and business.
What impact we had on the community Delivered the chance for affordable education with quality
What changed?How my life changed after the program The program was some kind of a bridgehead from which I can start to build something new for the rest of my life. The program made me a better leader.
What I like most about BOOKBRIDGE… Smart move to combine the idea of read, learn and earn on two sides (of the coin) together with a well-known and established Business School. Definitly the hands-on social project to establish a Learning Center creates for everyone involved a lifetime impact.
One moment I still remember from the program… The first “get-together” “on-site” and the “opening ceremony” followed by the “hand- over” to Vannak and the community. Cheerful and thankful adults and children followed indeed by a very proud team recognising and enjoying their achievements.
My wish?
If I had one wish free for my Learning Center… Establishment as the place to go and place to be for learning with quality and fun in Tonloab and the broader region (not only for children)
If I had one wish free for myself...Keep in touch, make it happen, watch it happen. “Tonloaper at heart”
Foto
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BOOKBRIDGE FOUNDATION
Feierabendstraße 80
4051 Basel
Switzerland
Telephone: +41 61 511 5224
Email: info@bookbridge.org
Commercial Register Basel-
Stadt; register number:
CH-270.7.003.068-5
Board of Directors:
Evelyn S. Braun
Dr. Carsten Rübsaamen (President)
Richard Rupp
Markus Gander
BOOKBRIDGE GmbH
Untere Marktstraße 14
92318 Neumarkt
Germany
Telephone: +49 9181 52426880
HRB – 26679
District Court Neumarkt
Value added tax identification
number: DE273144037
CEO:
Dr. Carsten Rübsaamen Bank details of
BOOKBRIDGE FOUNDATION:
Switzerland:
PostFinance Bern
Account number: 60-256939-4
Bank code: 9000
IBAN: CH21 0900 0000 6025 6939 4
SWIFT-BIC: POFICHBEXXX
Germany:
Bank für Sozialwirtschaft
Account number: 502 70 16000
Bank code: 700 205 00
IBAN: DE38 7002 0500 5027 0160 00
SWIFT-BIC: BFSWDE33MUE
LegaL notice
70
2009 Studienaktie – Concours de Vision
With his vision of a worldwide educational balance, Carsten Rübsaa-
men wins the Concours de Vision of Forum Studienaktie.
2010 Startsocial
German chancellor Angela Merkel awards BOOKBRIDGE as one of
the 25 most innovative projects in the initiative Startsocial.
2010 Social Business Award
BOOKBRIDGE makes the first place at Vision Summits Social Busi-
ness Award.
2011 Make-a-Difference Award
In Hongkong, BOOKBRIDGE is awarded for its innovative education con-
cept with the Make-a-Difference Award.
2011 Venturekick
BOOKBRIDGEs social enterprise concept wins 130.000 CHF at Swiss foun-
der competition Venturekick.
2011/2012 UNESCO – Projekt der Weltdekade von Bildung
für nachhaltige Entwicklung
UNESCO awards BOOKBRIDGE as official World Decade Project of
Education for Sustainable Development for 2011 and 2012.
2012 Sustainability Award
BOOKBRIDGE is top 6 project of 25 sustainability projects in the State
of Bavaria.
2012 One Young World Social Business Accelerator
Muhammad Yunus and Hans Reitz awarded BOOKBRIDGE 20,000 Euro
as the first investment of the One Young World Social Business Acce-
lerator.
2013 Make-a-Difference Venture Fellow Award
Make-a-Difference Venture Fellow Award awarded BOOKBRIDGE as
one of the Top 6 Venture Fellows.
2013 Ashoka Fellowship
For his commitment to global educational equality, Carsten Rübsaamen
becomes Ashoka Fellow.
AwArds
71
We say thanks to...
Rasheed Abdullah, Steffen Achenbach, Dr. Ann-Kristin Achleitner, Nick Armstrong, Andrée Arth, Priya S.
Bani, Beatrix Bättig-Staud, Jonathan Baumann, Kelbe Beck, Stephanie Beyer, Jochen Biagosch, Ellen Bird,
Simone Boehringer, Ursula Böhler, Nadine Borter, Willem Bosman, Anne Bowler, Sarah Boyle, Evelyn S.
Braun, Alexander Brochier, Laetitia Bünger, Virginia Chandler, Antony Cherwinski, Angela Chesser, Anna
Cooper, Brendan Crowe, Cecilia de la Jara, Bart de Wit, Cindy Debes, Michael Dirkx, Jens Dissmann, Ruth
Dorner, Curdin Duschletta, Jason Ehrig, Emily Eiben, Piseth Em, Tobias Endl, Nathan Evans, Emma Evans,
Petra Ewald, Carola Falk, Sybille Feltrin, Hardy Fischer, Verena Flamenbaum, Louise Fletcher, Jeff Fra-
ser, Stefan Frings, Jacquelyn Galeski, Markus Gander, Darren Gardner, Judy Gates, Cosimo Gaudio, Ste-
fanie Gerhardt, Sareena Ghulati Wildberger, Paul Gill, Emma Gill, Hans Werner Gloßner, Josef Graf, Stacy
Graham, Peter Gregory, Thomas Halbeisen, Gerit Handloser, Alan Hands, Alexandra Harrison, Christian
Hauser, Philipp Haußmann, Tanner Heath, Christian Hebenstreit, Ruth Heidingsfelder, Björn Heinermann,
Travis Hellström, Stefan Helsen, Michael Hensen, A. Hertzog, Julie Ann Hill, Libby Hill, Simon Hillebrand,
Björn Hönke, Martin Hörner, Jens Hoyer, Stefanie Hülsmann, Sarik Iv, Karen Ives, Tanja Jegerlehner, El-
mina Joldic, Thomas Jordan, Barbara Kaech, Olivier Kaeser, Sebastian Käpplinger, Felix Kastellan, Olga
Katsanova, Rudolf Keller, René Keller, Karin Kerschensteiner, Stephan Kettner, Sokhan Khut, Hulman Khu-
vilai, Sam Kidd, Peter Kleinhütten, Malin Klinski, Kristin Knipfer, Mark Knippenberg, Martina Knittel, Axel
Körner, Stefan Kraus, Matthias Krauß, Marianne Krumm, Stefan Krutzke, Hansjörg Künzel, Niels Kuschin-
sky, Sarah Lace, Ariana Ladjevardi, Lak Sam Ath Lak, Soksamnang Lay, Nga Le, Kay Legett, Claudia Leiß-
ner, Dennis Lengacher, Arnim Liekweg, Michael Löbig, Nadia Loumbeva, Andrea Lovick, David Lundberg,
Jenna Lynch, Im Mach, Henning Mack, Stanley Maleski, Kate Marsh, Chris Marsh, Bryan McConnell, Claire
McKenzie, Anna Merz, Christian Meyn, Frank Mildenberger, Christine Mildenberger, Dhruvi Modi, Bernd
Moosmüller, Sidney Morton, Philipp Mühlleitner, Bernhard Müller, Jan-Hendrik Müller, Zak Murray, Ralf
72
We say thanks to...
Mützel, Bettina Naef, Athul Nambiar, Tam Nguyen, Christy Nichols, Deb Obermanns, Josephine Pape, Kathrin
Petrick, Alexander Poli, Reinhard Pöllath, Thonevath Pou, Marion Prübner, Christian Przibilla, Amarsaikhan
Purev, Neil Purvis, Sidharth Rajiv, Craig Reaper, Heinz Reber, Karen Rehberger, Dirk Reich, Robert Reichel,
Ralf Retzmann, Jella Riesterer, Ruud Rikhof, Monika Röll, Sarou Ros, Niels Rot, Alexander Rübsaamen, Hei-
ke Rudolf von Rohr, Richard Rupp, Kirsten Sánchez Martin, Chase Saunders, Georg von Schnurbein, Tanja
Schröpfer, Verena Schulz, Maria Schwarz, Hildegard Schwingel, Utkarsh Sharma, Bella Shepherd, Georgina
Shipsey, Monika Siegenthaler, Lynda Sims, Meas Siphen, Elaine Smith, Bill Smyth, Hans-Georg Spille, Lean-
der Staehler, Rebecca Stallbaumer, Philipp Stäuble, Eveline Steinger, Christian Stocker, Martin Stoddart, Tijs
Stoffer, Nicolas Streicher, Christian Stüer, Patrick Sturm, Denis Tamborlin, Julia Teuber, Volker Then, Sybille
Thierer, Barbara Thievent-Gloor, Lisa Thimme, Thomas Thirolf, Vicky Thompson, Thomas Thumann, Roxana
Tigelaar, Brigitte Timme, Gregor Toland, Robert Torscht, Sokoeurn Touch, Andre Troue, Siphann Tuon, Mari-
anne von Hagan-Baralt, Eberhard von Koerber, Jodi Walter, Ke Xin Wang, Sylvia Wauthier, Susanne Wechsler,
Oliver Weisseman, Robynn Weldon, Julia Welnhofer, Susann Wensch, Marco Wensch, Simon Widmer, Tim Wil-
mes, Patrick Wittschorek, Konstantyn Wulf, Patricia Zeh, Christian Zeller, Delphine Ziarovski, Christian Zingg,
Julian Zuliani, Johannes Zumpe
...and all those we have for-gotten to include in this list!
KINdLy SUPPOrTEd By
WErBEAGENTUr BSW | WASSErWErKGASSE 17/19 | CH-3000 BErN 13rOByNN WELdON | EdITING ANd TrANSLATING