PeaceBridge International

PeaceBridge International is a recently established (2002) community development organization that strives to be active participants in building and bridging the global community. The founding of the organization arose from concerned individuals who, after seeing the desperate state of war torn countries such as Afghanistan and Bosnia, desired to do something to help‹especially given the state of the younger generation. We believe that the leaders of tomorrow are the students of today. Of Afghanistan¹s estimated population of 25,838,797, almost half (42.37%) are between the ages of 0 14 years old. After over twenty years of war, the younger generation is ready for a peaceful Afghanistan with opportunities for prosperity. Given the state of current events, PBI believes this is clearly not a time to be passive and expect such countries and societies to merely mend themselves. Therefore PeaceBridge International has set out to make a differenence in the future of such countries by first making a difference in individuals and communities. PBI believes that strong leaders will build strong communities‹stronger communities will then lead to a stronger nation.

Much aid is often given in times of crisis, and is obviously needed to help people through times of disaster or war. However, PBI believes that relief must be coupled with long-term development in order to truly assist countries in becoming a healthy participant and active contributor to the global community. While PBI participates in some relief activities, her major efforts are focused primarily in the realm of long-term development. Specifically, PeaceBridge International has set out to focus on the areas of: Education, Health, Agriculture and Small Business. To date, education has been the primary focus of PBI¹s efforts; the remaining areas of focus being still early in their development.

Since it's founding just two years ago, PBI has begun projects in Afghanistan and Bosnia, with potential projects opening up in Algeria and Libya within the next year. PBI projects have included:

Humanitarian Aid / Health
Food and blanket distributions in rural Afghanistan

Agricultural Projects
Cow/sheep/goat exchange programs in Bosnia

Small Business
Business and Marketing Training in Afghanistan and Bosnia

Education
ESL/EFL at Kabul University/Kabul International Academy

Since PeaceBridge International is a private organization, its funds come from a variety of sources, including businesses, individuals, churches and other humanitarian organizations. As a newly-established organization, PBI continues to seek opportunities to prove itself to larger donor organizations by implementing quality projects with professionalism. As a volunteer-driven organization, we are able to accomplish such work with minimal overhead expense, but with quality that can only come from motivated individuals.

Pat Thomas serves as Chief Executive Officer. His background includes management experience in both the corporate and the private world. For many years, he served as a top manager at Lucent. His contacts throughout Louisville and the Midwest enable him to lead PBI with efficiency and effectiveness. Each PBI board member is dedicated to building the very best organization possible. They include individuals from medical, corporate, and non-profit arenas.