Background and Origins
History of Les Passerelles Globale Bridges Giving Birth to Les Passerelles Globale Ghana
Les Passerelles Globale – BRIDGES (LPG) is a non-governmental organization (NGO)
originally founded in Vaudreuil-Dorion, Quebec, Canada. It was established with the
goal of providing holistic educational support—especially in French language
education—to young children from immigrant backgrounds living in minority-
language environments.
In Quebec, LPG was created in response to Bill 101, which requires immigrants to
acquire a strong command of the French language to integrate fully into society. To
address this need, LPG developed extracurricular programs (after-school, weekend,
and summer activities) that combine French instruction with visual and performing
arts. This multisensory approach enhances learning motivation and retention, and
helps children express themselves and build confidence.
Expansion to Ghana
Recognizing similar challenges faced by children and youth in West Africa,
especially in English-speaking countries like Ghana, LPG expanded its mission
internationally. The goal was to provide access to French language and culture in
communities where such access was either limited or unavailable—particularly in
remote or under-resourced areas.
Ghana was selected due to its position as an English-speaking country within the
ECOWAS region, surrounded by French-speaking neighbors. LPG saw an
opportunity to foster cross-cultural bridges and linguistic empowerment through
French learning.
Birth of Les Passerelles Globale Ghana
Les Passerelles Globale Ghana was born as the local branch of the Canadian-based
LPG organization. Rather than being a separate entity, it is a strategic extension of
the original NGO, tailored to meet the local needs of Ghanaian youth and
communities.
This transition involved:
– Training and empowering Ghanaian educators, artists, and volunteers
– Collaborating with local schools, churches, and community centers
– Establishing sustainable, community-based French language programs
– Promoting inclusivity, education, and cultural exchange
Today
In Quebec, LPG continues to support immigrant youth through language and arts
programs that foster French fluency, creativity, and integration.
In Ghana, LPG Ghana provides free French classes, creative arts workshops, and
community education initiatives, particularly targeting underserved communities,
girls, young women, and out-of-school youth.
Vision Going Forward
The long-term vision of Les Passerelles Globale is to act as a bridge across cultures,
languages, and continents, connecting Francophone and Anglophone communities
through education, arts, and empowerment—starting with Canada and Ghana, and
eventually across all ECOWAS English-speaking countries.
