COMMONWEALTH OF VIRGINIA

DEPARTMENT OF EDUCATION

P.O. BOX 2120

RICHMOND, VIRGINIA 23218-2120

PRINS. MEMO NO. 29

December 20, 2005

ELEMENTARY/MIDDLE/SECONDARY

TO:	Principals
FROM:	Linda M. Wallinger Assistant Superintendent for Instruction
SUBJECT:	Bridging Boundaries International

The Department of Education is delighted to offer its support to Bridging Boundaries International (BBI), a non-governmental agency dedicated to bringing students from strife-torn areas "together to improve their world-their homes, their schools, their communities" Originally formed in an effort to maximize the efforts of youth to bring tolerance and respect for diversity to Bosnia-Herzegovina, BBI has expanded its mission through the establishment of sister-schools and a variety of other activities.

Currently, Community High School and Thomas Jefferson High School(Richmond City), Douglas S. Freeman (Henrico County), James River High School (Chesterfield County), and Maggie L. Walker Governor's School participate actively in the program. The Governor's School has hosted several summer conferences that have brought students from Bosnia Herzegovina to Richmond. A speakers' forum has been established along with a variety of community projects that promote BBI's goal of empowering youth to build communities of tolerance, trust, and respect for diverse cultures, ethnicity, race, and religion.

School divisions are encouraged to explore incorporating activities of Bridging Boundaries International as part of their secondary social sciences programs. Information may be obtained by contacting its president, Carol Negus, at 804-337-2345, via e-mail at CONegus@aol.com.