Joint Statement on Bridge 4 Management Action Plan Implementation Expressing Civil Society and Survivor Concerns

Between 2013 and 2022, the International Finance Corporation (IFC) invested $13.5 million in Bridge International Academies, a for-profit school chain in Kenya, to support affordable education for low-income children. In 2020, allegations of child sexual abuse within Bridge schools surfaced and the Compliance Advisor Ombudsman (CAO) initiated an investigation, and published its report in early […]

Joint Statement on World Bank Probe into Alleged Bridge Academies Child Sexual Abuse Cover-up

On May 16, 2024 the World Bank announced that it is hiring an outside firm to “explore the circumstances surrounding the Compliance Advisor Ombudsman’s (CAO) investigation of IFC’s investment in Bridge International Academies.” We commend the World Bank’s Board for taking the lead on this issue. Together with U.S. lawmakers and other stakeholders, civil society […]

IFC’s Response to Sexual Abuse Scandal Does Not Provide Remedy to Bridge Survivors; Executive Directors Should Reject It

On this International Women’s Day, the International Finance Corporation (IFC) is asking its Executive Directors to endorse an inadequate and flawed Management Action Plan (MAP) in response to the Compliance Advisor Ombudsman’s (CAO) investigation of child sexual abuse at Bridge International schools in Kenya. Executive Directors should reject the proposed MAP. The facts are clear. […]