About Us

Bridging the Gap Mekong Trust is a not-for-profit organisation dedicated to improving the education and employment prospects of impoverished children living in remote river villages along the Mekong River in Northern Laos.

We supply building materials and guidance on the construction of new schools along with building toilets, and supplying school essentials like desks, blackboards, text and exercise books, pens, rulers, etc.

The Trust, which has no religious or political affiliations, was originally founded by two Kiwi brothers Martin & Geoff Collins who have lived, worked and travelled extensively all over Asia, much of it off-road on trail bikes.

By being able to travel where there is little or no vehicle access enables a wider, richer cultural experience and greater understanding of the economic and social challenges some of these isolated communities face.

All the trustees’ time is voluntary, they pay their own travel expenses to and from Laos and there are no management or administration fees deducted.

Every dollar of every donation is dedicated towards improving these children’s educational prospects from the building of new schools, provision of Laos language exercise & text books, chairs, desks, and school supplies.

Geoff has been working across Asia Pacific for the last 20+ years in senior management positions in the data and advertising industries, and splits his time between Auckland and Chiang Mai.