Build a School in India
Partners for Better Futures (PBF) is a nonprofit organization helping improve the lives of poor people around the world, primarily focusing on children and education. PBF does this by partnering with local organizations that are deeply involved in their own communities, and participating in carefully evaluated projects and programs.
There are three main programs within PBF: Build a School in Burma (BSB), Build a School in India (BSI), and APC School - Philippines (APC). Prior to the PBF's founding these programs had each operated for several years through "fiscal sponsors." In 2018 these operations joined together in a shared purpose, to help produce better futures for under-served people around the world.
A fourth program was started in 2021, the Myanmar Humanitarian Relief Fund, to provide direct assistance to some of the people most affected by the February 2021 military coup and the resulting disorder and economic disaster.
Build a School in Burma
Myanmar (also known as Burma) is among the poorest and least educated countries in Asia. Many children lack access to education because there are no schools in their villages, a situation that drastically limits their prospects and opportunities for a better life. Realizing that an entire school could generally be built for $25,000 or less, BSB's founders were moved to create an organization in 2010 to help children in Burma one school at a time.
BSB engages with partner organizations in Myanmar to identify villages that need schools. A vetting process then takes place including evaluating if the village has the organization, commitment and resources to be a partner in building and then sustaining the school. If the essential criteria are met a Grant Proposal is solicited, a grant agreement is made, and construction is planned.
Depending on circumstances, BSB's country director, a local NGO, or the local school development committee may
oversee construction. Construction is usually completed within a few months.
Myanmar people and organizations use the new school buildings to provide education for the students in their communities.
All of BSB's efforts depend on the support of generous donors and volunteers. With such support, BSB has successfully constructed school buildings with classrooms for more than 4,000 students in over 60 school.
For additional information:
APC School (Apu Palamguwan Cultural Education Center - Philippines)
APC is an accredited school that for more than twenty years has provided primary education, and has recently added secondary education, to children and youth in indigenous communities in the southern region of the Philippines. The school utilizes community resources and incorporates awareness of local issues into various learning experiences.
The mission of APC is to provide an integrated, holistic, and culture-based education for indigenous children and youth. This is achieved by promoting and deepening the children’s understanding of their unique culture, while providing knowledge and skills that enable them to confidently relate with mainstream Philippine society. This involves instruction in four languages, including English.
From the educational foundation provided by APC, the students and the local community are able to manage their own futures. This includes restoring and sustaining their forest, water resources, biodiversity, and their agricultural resources in all their diversity, which is advantageous for their economic well-being.
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Build a School in India
Established in 2013, Build a School in India (BSI) is dedicated to providing increased access to high-quality education for economically disadvantaged and underserved students in India. Through strategic partnerships with vetted nonprofit organizations, BSI ensures that students from all backgrounds, regardless of socioeconomic status or ethnicity, have the opportunity to receive a world-class education.
BSI’s commitment extends beyond traditional school systems, which often face challenges such as under-resourced classrooms, outdated curricula, and lack of support services. We partner with schools and social service organizations that provide a comprehensive education, including both academic learning and life-skills development. With BSI’s help, these institutions are able to deliver an education that offers students not just knowledge, but the tools to thrive in a competitive world.
At present, BSI supports over 4,500 students across different entities. These include primary and secondary schools, community-based learning programs, vocational training centers, and income-generation initiatives for women. The impact is tangible: students who otherwise would not have access to quality education are given the chance to improve their lives, their families’ futures, and their communities as a whole.
Thanks to the dedication of donors and volunteers in both the U.S. and India, we are able to develop, manage, and monitor all of our programs. Importantly, all administrative costs including overhead, fundraising, operating expenses, and travel are fully funded by other sources. This means that 100% of every dollar and rupee you donate directly supports school programs in India.
For additional information:
www.buildaschoolinindia.org