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The Ruth Towner Memorial "Equal Education" Fund

This fund was established in early 2003, with money donated by a few friends and relatives of Ruth Towner (see below) in the U.S. with the intent of establishing this Fund dedicated to ensuring "equal opportunity for education" for the people of Burirchong Sub-district, Comilla District, Chittagong Division, Bangladesh. As the donations grow, the Ruth Towner Equal Education Fund will be invested in Bangladesh. The proceeds from the Fund will be withdrawn as they become available and utilized when deemed necessary by the Fund administrator, to support projects undertaken by the Fund's designees. Like with all other Bangladesh Development Initiatives (BDI) administered funds, the Ruth Towner Equal Education fund can only be utilized for secular purposes that are outlined in BDI's objectives.

A Bit About Ruth Towner

Ruth Towner was a woman of great faith who firmly believed that everyone should strive to gain an education. Raised by missionaries in rural Alaska, she did not have the privileges of a formal education, but she learned to read. As a voracious reader, she did her best to help her children with their schooling and when they finally moved to the more populated Kenai Peninsula in 1969, she earned her General Equivalency Diploma of which she was very proud. She was proud to say that when she enrolled in the class to help her learn the materials for the exam, that she attended only one class, then immediately took the test and passed.

Ruth Towner was well known for two things: her love, compassion, and warm spirit; and her artistic works, her sewing. She made beautiful applique pillows and wall hangings of Eskimo scenes she recalled from her childhood. Persons from places such as the Philippines, Panama and all over the United States requested pieces. Everyone who knew her loved her and by establishing this fund, we hope that the love that we carry for her will be one day able to transform the lives of people all over the world.

Current and Upcoming Projects

Click here for some of the current and upcoming projects that this fund has on its plate.