The Bridges manual

Summary: The Bridges Project (2006 2009) was an alternative education program for women who are or who are at risk of experiencing violence at the hands of an intimate partner. The goal was to remove barriers to success in learning experiences. The pilot program was designed to be transitional (women may complete some credits through Bridges, then transfer to the regular adult education program), short-term (3-week modules), participatory (working at their own pace with their own strengths toward individualized goals), cumulative (at the end of each module they can complete assessments and have their achievements recorded, so that if they need to leave, when they come back, they start where they left off, not back at the beginning as is the current practice), and supportive (teachers, school administrators, mentor/advocates and counsellors working together within the community and with the women). This description of the project and lessons learned is intended as a guide for those who want to organize, support, teach or take part in adult education for women who have experienced violence. Includes suggested readings and resources to learn more about violence against women as well as learning and teaching in the context of violence.