In a meaningful celebration of service, intercultural learning, and global solidarity, the University of St. La Salle - College of Education, in collaboration with Education for an Interdependent World (EDIW), held the e-BRIDGE Recognition Day at Cody Hall last May 24, 2025. The event marked the successful conclusion of Phase 6 of the e-BRIDGE International Digital Learning Program, recognizing student-teacher volunteers for their contributions to inclusive education across regions and cultures.
Earlier this academic year, the University of St. La Salle formally strengthened its commitment to this international initiative by signing a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with EDIW. The agreement supports the shared thrust of promoting transformative education grounded in Lasallian values.
The e-BRIDGE Project, funded by the European Union, continues to expand globally. The initiative now spans multiple continents, reaching communities in Western Sahara and the Republic of Congo in Africa; the Philippines and India in Asia; Peru, Bolivia, the Dominican Republic, Guatemala, and Mexico in the Americas; and several partner institutions across Europe.
The recognition was led by Dr. Emma Melgarejo, EDIW Project Coordinator in the Philippines, who praised their efforts in enabling the success of this global teacher-volunteer initiative. Dr. Melgarejo also shared with volunteers the exciting news that EDIW is expanding its reach to Africa, opening new opportunities for intercultural collaboration and service.
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The university was also honored as one of only three official EDIW partner institutions in the Philippines, a recognition of its commitment to educational outreach and intercultural engagement. In a courtesy meeting, University President Br. Joaquin Severino Martinez FSC reaffirmed this partnership as part of the university’s broader mission of forming globally minded Lasallians. He was joined by University Chancellor Ms. Minnie Chua, who echoed the university’s support for the project and its long-term vision.
Mr. June Carl S. Seran and Dr. Ricver Ureta, the USLS EDIW University Coordinators, were commended for their steadfast leadership and support of the program during the courtesy meeting.
A highlight of the day was the awarding of certificate of participation, where student-teacher volunteers were formally acknowledged for their role in teaching literacy, English, and science to underserved learners in diverse cultural settings. Volunteers also shared personal reflections, illustrating how the program deepened their understanding of global citizenship and compassion in education.
As the e-BRIDGE program looks ahead to new horizons, the event stood as a powerful reminder of the impact that collaborative, intercultural education can have in transforming communities—and of the enduring role that institutions like USLS play in building a more just and interconnected world.
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