POETA (Partnership in Opportunities for Employment through Technology in the Americas) Accessible
Leveraging Technology for Economic and Social Development:
In 2004, the Trust launched a pilot program with Microsoft through its Unlimited Potential program to create technology and job skills training centers for marginalized persons throughout Latin America. Today, using adaptive technology, the computer centers provide training to persons with disabilities, at-risk youth and other marginalized populations in the use of Office related software, such as Microsoft Excel, Word and Powerpoint. Information and communications technology (ICT) training is complemented by curricula in areas such as civic education, job-readiness and micro-enterprise development. POETA centers also provide internet access to the local community after hours.
Since its inception as a small pilot project, POETA has grown to a program established in 18 countries throughout Latin American and the Caribbean. Through a partnership with the Inter-American Development Bank, poeta is currently expanding the job placement aspect of the program in four countries: Mexico, El Salvador, Ecuador and Peru. Additional, targeted job skills training will be provided for participants with disabilities and each poeta center will work with the local private sector to promote the inclusion of persons with disabilities. The program is also expanding to Costa Rica thanks to a contribution from the U.S. Department of Labor.
By the end of 2009, the Trust will manage over 83 POETA centers in the following Latin American and Caribbean countries: Antigua & Barbuda, Argentina, Colombia, Costa Rica, Dominica, the Dominican Republic, Ecuador, El Salvador, Grenada, Guatemala, Honduras, Mexico, Panamá, Perú, St. Kitts & Nevis, St. Lucia, St. Vincent & the Grenadines and Venezuela.
