Press releases

2023/08/21 La Vega, República Dominicana – 18 de agosto, 2023. The Trust for the Americas, en colaboración con su socio local ADASEC RD y con el apoyo financiero de Citi Foundation, celebró la Competencia Pitch de Proyectos Innovadores del DIA Lab RD – La Vega. En esta ocasión, un total de 10 proyectos fueron presentados ante un jurado multidisciplinario, que evaluó criterios como el modelo de negocio, el impacto social y medioambiental, la viabilidad económica y el grado de innovación. Los proyectos más destacados fueron galardonados con USD 1,000 en fondos semilla para fortalecer sus estructuras y catalizar sus impactos.  En las palabras de inicio, el Ing. Rafael Lorenzo, presidente de ADASEC, dijo: “Con gratitud hacia The Trust for The Americas y Citi Foundation, los Laboratorios DIA en colaboración con ADASEC, celebraron la tercera Competencia Pitch de Proyectos Innovadores. Jóvenes de diversas áreas presentaron proyectos impactantes para resolver desafíos locales. Sus brillantes presentaciones resaltan el potencial de nuestra juventud. Seguimos impulsando los Laboratorios de Innovación DIA para forjar un futuro mejor para nuestros jóvenes.”  Asimismo, Allen Feliz, Coordinador del Proyecto DIA Lab RD, ADASEC, enfatizó: “En DIA Lab RD, reconocemos la vital importancia de dotar a los jóvenes dominicanos con conocimientos prácticos en tecnología, sostenibilidad, innovación y emprendimiento. Estamos comprometidos en respaldarlos y guiarlos en la materialización de sus aspiraciones, para que se conviertan en agentes de cambio.”  Los jóvenes participaron en grupo o de manera individual, habiendo previamente elaborado y perfeccionado sus propuestas de emprendimiento durante el “Ideatón virtual de Innovación y Emprendimiento”, llevado a cabo del 10 al 24 de julio. De los proyectos presentados, los siguientes siete fueron seleccionados como ganadores:   Rodrigo Iriani, Gerente Senior del Programa DIA, concluyó: “En esta competencia, celebramos la dedicación y el potencial de la juventud dominicana para enfrentar desafíos a través de la innovación. Agradecemos a nuestros aliados y a los jóvenes por confiar en nosotros. Sigamos invirtiendo en la juventud y construyendo un futuro más equitativo.”  Los DIA Labs en República Dominicana forman parte de un ecosistema único que fomenta la innovación y el emprendimiento. Estos laboratorios ofrecen un entorno propicio para el crecimiento de jóvenes provenientes de las comunidades de Baní, La Vega y Bonao. A través de acceso a tecnología, espacios de colaboración, formación y oportunidades de financiamiento a través de fondos semilla, los jóvenes reciben las herramientas necesarias para dar vida a sus ideas de negocios o catalizar proyectos sociales destinados a abordar desafíos locales.  ***   Sobre The Trust for the Americas:  The Trust for the Americas es una entidad sin fines de lucro afiliada a la Organización de los Estados Americanos (OEA). Establecida en 1997 para promover alianzas público-privadas, The Trust ha implementado proyectos en 24 países y ha trabajado con más de 1,000 organizaciones en la región. Nuestras iniciativas buscan promover oportunidades educativas y económicas, así como la responsabilidad y transparencia del gobierno.Nuestra alianza única con la OEA nos permite tener acceso a los tomadores de decisiones dentro de la región. Esta asociación fundamental es la base a través de la cual creamos redes sólidas en todos los estados miembros y el sector privado. A través del desarrollo de nuestra región, The Trust continúa contribuyendo a superar los desafíos a través de alianzas estratégicas que promueven la cooperación para resultados sostenibles.  The Trust for the Americas es una organización sin fines de lucro 501 (c) (3).    Facebook: The Trust for the Americas  Twitter:   @Trust4Americas  República Dominicana

2023/08/17 Ciudad Asunción, Paraguay 8 de agosto de 2023. The Trust for the Americas, organización sin fines de lucro que impulsa el desarrollo sostenible en la región, se complace en anunciar una significativa alianza con la Cámara Paraguaya de Comercio Electrónico (CAPACE). Esta colaboración tiene como objetivo ampliar la red de centros de capacitación en habilidades digitales en América Latina, y para ello, sumarán 11 Centros POETA en el territorio paraguayo. El Programa de Oportunidades Económicas a través de la Tecnología en las Américas (POETA) de The Trust for the Americas, celebra la unión de Paraguay a la red de trabajo de su Franquicia Social. La alianza entre The Trust for the Americas y CAPACE impulsará el acceso a oportunidades digitales y el desarrollo de habilidades tecnológicas a múltiples participantes de diferentes sectores del país. En particular, la iniciativa beneficiará a jóvenes y a las Micro, Pequeñas y Medianas Empresas (Mipymes), proporcionándoles herramientas y recursos para fortalecer sus operaciones y aumentar su presencia en el mundo digital, impulsando así el crecimiento del sector del comercio electrónico en Paraguay. En este sentido, Pierina Nepote, Gerente Senior del Programa POETA, comentó que “el trabajo en estos centros tecnológicos de capacitación se enfocará en dos grupos clave: personas jóvenes y personas emprendedoras. Para los jóvenes, se les facilitarán nuevas habilidades digitales, abriendo así mejores oportunidades de empleo y favoreciendo su desarrollo profesional en un entorno altamente competitivo. Por otro lado, los emprendedores también serán parte fundamental del programa, ya que se busca apoyarlos en la digitalización y formalización de sus emprendimientos. Esto no solo les permitirá salir de la informalidad, sino también ampliar sus mercados para con ello aumentar sus ventas”. En esta etapa inicial, se tiene previsto capacitar a 100 personas a nivel nacional. Los participantes tendrán acceso a una amplia oferta educativa de más de 70 cursos disponibles en Academia Trust, con contenidos actualizados y relevantes para el ámbito digital. Por su parte, Gustavo Giménez, Presidente y Director Ejecutivo de CAPACE, señaló “el lanzamiento de esta alianza con Trust representa un hito sumamente importante para nuestra cámara y principalmente para el país, debido a que uno de nuestros objetivos como cámara es el desarrollo del ecosistema digital, y sin capacitación esto no sería posible. A través de nuestro acuerdo de cooperación con el MIC (Ministerio de Industria y Comercio) y al acompañamiento de la Dirección Nacional de Emprendedurismo, implementaremos este ambicioso proyecto en los 11 CAE (Centro de Apoyo al Emprendedor) que se encuentran en diferentes ciudades de nuestro país. Será realmente un hito y quizás un punto de inflexión en materia de preparación de nuestras Mipymes y principalmente de nuestros jóvenes para este nuevo mundo conectado del que Paraguay ya forma parte. Agradezco en nombre de la CAPACE a Trust y a la OEA por el privilegio de poder trabajar juntos en este proyecto”. The Trust for the Americas y CAPACE trabajarán en conjunto para promover un futuro digital inclusivo en América Latina, impulsando el desarrollo de habilidades digitales, la adopción de tecnología y la transformación de la sociedad hacia un enfoque más sostenible y competitivo en la era digital. Para mayor información entra en: Visite:  https://www.trustfortheamericas.org/programs/POETA Facebook: The Trust for the Americas Twitter: @Trust4Americas Sobre The Trust for the Americas: The Trust for the Americas es una entidad sin fines de lucro afiliada a la Organización de los Estados Americanos (OEA). Establecida en 1997 para promover alianzas público-privadas, The Trust ha implementado proyectos en 29 países y ha trabajado con más de 1,000 organizaciones en la región. Nuestras iniciativas buscan promover oportunidades educativas y económicas, así como la responsabilidad y transparencia del gobierno. Nuestra alianza única con la OEA nos permite tener acceso a los tomadores de decisiones dentro de la región. Esta asociación fundamental es la base a través de la cual creamos redes sólidas en todos los estados miembros y el sector privado. A través del desarrollo de nuestra región, The Trust continúa contribuyendo a superar los desafíos a través de alianzas estratégicas que promueven la cooperación para resultados sostenibles. Sobre Franquicia Social POETA: La Franquicia Social POETA (FSP), nace del programa bandera de The Trust for the Americas Programa de Oportunidades Económicas a través de la Tecnología en las Américas (POETA) con el fin de replicar y expandir este Modelo de prácticas exitosas y de gran impacto social, de una manera estandarizada para que un número mayor de organizaciones pueda ofrecer a sus participantes: recursos, servicios y beneficios de alta calidad en las Américas Sobre la Cámara Paraguaya de Comercio Electrónico (CAPACE): La Cámara Paraguaya de Comercio Electrónico (CAPACE) reúne a más de 130 empresas y emprendedores de diferentes sectores de la economía, generando oportunidades para el mercado local e internacional a través de internet. Tiene como objetivo, lograr que los negocios a través del comercio electrónico, se afiancen como una nueva forma de interacción entre individuos y empresas, constituyéndose en una eficaz herramienta para el desarrollo social y económico del Paraguay y sus economías regionales. Este grupo nació debido a la necesidad de difundir el comercio electrónico en Paraguay, darle un marco legal, brindar capacitación sobre comercio electrónico y así, ayudar a empresarios a dar el salto a esta nueva era basada en la tecnología. La cámara trabaja activamente con el Gobierno, con cámaras de toda América Latina y organismos multilaterales sobre estos objetivos y sigue creciendo en miembros e influencia en la economía nacional. Paraguay

2023/07/11 July 11, 2023 – San Juan, Puerto Rico – The Trust for the Americas, in collaboration with AES Puerto Rico, has kicked off the free training sessions for the “Empowering Innovative Entrepreneurship” Project. Through this initiative, approximately 120 individuals are expected to create and strengthen their entrepreneurial ventures aimed at local development in the municipalities of Guayama, Salinas, Humacao, and neighboring areas. The fourth edition of the project aims to benefit participants with training in digital tools, business strategies, managerial skills, and administrative expertise, along with personalized guidance for budding entrepreneurs. “We are excited to launch the fourth edition of this initiative. When we look back at the success stories of individuals who underwent training in previous years and now share their thriving business models and how they have served as channels to replicate what they learned, we see the fruits of our efforts benefiting our communities. At AES Puerto Rico, we have decided to continue strengthening this entrepreneurship project by expanding to nearby municipalities and other locations on the island,” expressed Jesús Bolinaga, President of AES Puerto Rico. In addition to the training, the most outstanding ventures in terms of viability and sustainability will be selected to receive economic incentives, and other ventures will have the opportunity to receive specialized business acceleration guidance. The project’s advisor will support the entrepreneurs in accelerating their businesses by analyzing their strengths and weaknesses and aligning them with current market opportunities. This time, both institutions are delighted to have the Interamerican University Guayama Campus join the Empowering Innovative Entrepreneurship Project in 2023. The university will provide facilities for training and host the Business Fair of the Project in August. Additionally, participants can benefit from the InterEmprende Program to further strengthen their projects. Linda Eddleman, CEO of The Trust for the Americas, celebrated this new phase of the project, stating, “Since 2018, we have been working with AES Corporation to support individuals who want to improve their living conditions. Through continuous education, participants acquire the skills to strengthen their entrepreneurial ventures. We are very pleased with the achievements over the years, and we know that together with AES, we will continue to enhance living conditions in communities, expanding rights and improving inclusion in our hemisphere.” Since its inception in 2018, the collaboration between AES Puerto Rico, The Trust for the Americas, and Acción Social has benefited over 200 entrepreneurs. Many have successfully strengthened their businesses through training and economic incentives, as well as receiving specialized mentoring. This new edition of the “Empowering Innovative Entrepreneurship” Project is undoubtedly great news for Puerto Rican entrepreneurs seeking to expand and improve their businesses. — About The Trust for the Americas:The Trust for the Americas is a non-profit entity affiliated with the Organization of American States (OAS). Established in 1997 to promote public-private partnerships, The Trust has implemented projects in 29 countries and collaborated with over 1,000 organizations in the region. Our initiatives aim to promote educational and economic opportunities, as well as government accountability and transparency. Our unique alliance with the OAS grants us access to decision-makers within the region. This essential partnership serves as the foundation through which we build strong networks in all member states and the private sector. Through our region’s development, The Trust continues to contribute to overcoming challenges through strategic alliances that foster cooperation for sustainable results. www.trustfortheamericas.org About AES Puerto Rico:AES-PR produces approximately 25% of Puerto Rico’s electricity. AES-PR generates the lowest-cost energy on the island, saving the government and people of Puerto Rico about $2 billion. The company’s operations provide 110 direct and 600 indirect jobs on the island, offering significant employment opportunities for the people of Puerto Rico. AESPR is a subsidiary of AES Corporation (NYSE:AES), a Fortune 500 global energy company that operates a diversified portfolio of 30,000 MW, including over 13,000 MW in solar and wind projects in operation, under construction, or with signed contracts. The company has diversified Puerto Rico’s energy production through AES Ilumina, a 24 MW solar park. About the Interamerican University of Puerto Rico, Guayama Campus:The Interamerican University of Puerto Rico, Guayama Campus, is a private, nonprofit institution with deep Christian roots. For 67 years, it has been dedicated to preparing students in various fields of knowledge, including humanities, social sciences, and sciences in the southeastern area of Puerto Rico. At the Guayama Campus, students can choose from a variety of academic programs, including technical certificates, associate degrees in Forensic Informatics, Video Games, and Mobile Applications; bachelor’s degrees in Veterinary Technology and Agronomy Sciences. Additionally, it offers a unique master’s program in Digital Marketing and E-commerce. Students have the option to study in-person or entirely online. Inter Guayama fosters the dreams of each person who comes with the desire to achieve an academic goal. Puerto Rico

São Paulo, Brasil – Con la misión de impulsar acciones educativas que permitan incitar la empleabilidad y transformación de la vida de las poblaciones en situación de vulnerabilidad de Brasil, The Trust for the Americas establece una colaboración estratégica con EY y Microsoft. Esta alianza pretende empoderar a las personas mediante la capacitación en habilidades sociales, digitales y técnicas, aumentando su competitividad en el mercado laboral y abriendo la puerta a nuevas oportunidades económicas, especialmente para aquellos que buscan su primer empleo. The Trust for the Americas, una organización internacional con un impacto significativo en las Américas, promueve sinergias entre los sectores público y privado, buscando generar un cambio positivo en la vida de millones de personas. En 2022, EY tomó la iniciativa y se unió al proyecto POETA DigiSpark para impartir los cursos Future Skills Workshops, una plataforma para ayudar a las personas beneficiarias a adquirir las habilidades necesarias para la empleabilidad en el mundo actual. En el marco de esta alianza, 30 jóvenes entre 18 y 25 años del Instituto Tecnológico Inovação (Centro POETA ITI), socio local implementador del Proyecto POETA DigiSpark en Brasil, acudieron a las instalaciones de EY en São Paulo para atender a los cursos Sostenibilidad Ambiental y Tecnologías Emergentes impartidos por empleados voluntarios de EY y Microsoft. Dichos contenidos forman parte de la iniciativa Future Skills Workshops de EY los cuales han sido replicados de manera internacional a través de The Trust. Durante el evento, los beneficiarios recorrieron las oficinas corporativas de EY, lo cual fue una oportunidad para ellos de empaparse del mundo del trabajo y las dinámicas del trabajo presencial en oficinas. De igual forma, se contó con la presencia de voluntarios de Microsoft en las personas de Irio Bertolini, Partner Development Director y André Teixeira Gonçalves, Partner Technical Architect, además de la participación de Daniel Ryan Zilenovski de Microsoft Filantropía. Fátima Galeazzo, Coordinadora Nacional Brasil compartió que “El evento fue un hito importante en nuestra alianza, pero especialmente en la vida de los jóvenes participantes. La oportunidad de combinar el aprendizaje de habilidades relevantes proporcionado por los cursos EY Future Skills Workshops, junto con la participación activa de los voluntarios que generosamente compartieron sus conocimientos y experiencia práctica, resultó en una experiencia emocionante para todos. Fue un momento enriquecedor en el que los jóvenes experimentaron una transformación personal y profesional significativa, adquiriendo confianza y habilidades técnicas y socioemocionales esenciales para promover cambios positivos en sus vidas y enfrentar los desafíos del mundo laboral”. En este sentido, “es muy importante para EY tener un papel tan significativo en una iniciativa como esta, que refuerza nuestro compromiso con el desarrollo, la educación y el empoderamiento de los jóvenes que formarán parte del mercado laboral en un futuro cercano a través de la tecnología. Sin mencionar la alianza con Microsoft y The Trust en esta iniciativa, lo cual agrega aún más valor a la causa”, comenta Luiza Ferraz, Gerente de Responsabilidad Corporativa de EY Brasil. Cabe resaltar que Microsoft y The Trust han sido aliados por más de 19 años en favor de empoderar a comunidades en situación de vulnerabilidad en las Américas a través del acceso, uso y apropiación de la tecnología. Financiado por Microsoft Filantropía, el proyecto POETA DigiSpark continúa encabezando la Iniciativa Global Skilling de Microsoft en América Latina y el Caribe. Esto es gracias al acceso a capacitación y mentoría a las personas más afectadas por la reciente pérdida de empleos o que se encuentren en riesgo de ser reemplazadas por procesos de automatización.  Microsoft ha sido un pilar crucial en el desarrollo del proyecto POETA DigiSpark de The Trust for the Americas. Según Lucia Rodrigues, líder de Filantropía de Microsoft Brasil, es fundamental que los jóvenes tengan conocimiento y aprendan a manejar las nuevas tecnologías. “Solo de esta manera estarán preparados para cumplir con las demandas del mercado laboral actual y futuro. Nuestra larga alianza con The Trust ha sido de gran importancia para poder contribuir a ofrecer a estos jóvenes cursos de capacitación y aumentar sus oportunidades de empleo, fomentando el aprendizaje de las habilidades más necesarias para el éxito en la economía digital”, comenta. Desde su concepción en 2013, The Trust for the Americas mediante el proyecto POETA DigiSpark ha logrado un impacto tangible, capacitando directamente a casi 75,000 personas de 16 años en adelante y a docentes en habilidades digitales, técnicas y para la vida en toda América Latina y el Caribe. Para mayor información visite:  https://www.trustfortheamericas.org/programs/POETA/poeta-digispark Facebook: The Trust for the Americas  Twitter: @Trust4Americas Sobre The Trust for the Americas: The Trust for the Americas es una entidad sin fines de lucro afiliada a la Organización de los Estados Americanos (OEA). Establecida en 1997 para promover alianzas público-privadas, The Trust ha implementado proyectos en 24 países y ha trabajado con más de 1,000 organizaciones en la región. Nuestras iniciativas buscan promover oportunidades educativas y económicas, así como la responsabilidad y transparencia del gobierno. Nuestra alianza única con la OEA nos permite tener acceso a los tomadores de decisiones dentro de la región. Esta asociación fundamental es la base a través de la cual creamos redes sólidas en todos los estados miembros y el sector privado. A través del desarrollo de nuestra región, The Trust continúa contribuyendo a superar los desafíos a través de alianzas estratégicas que promueven la cooperación para resultados sostenibles. Sobre EY: EY existe para construir un mejor mundo de negocios, ayudando a crear valor a largo plazo para sus clientes, su gente y la sociedad en general, así como también para construir confianza en los mercados de capitales. Por medio de datos y tecnología, los equipos diversos e incluyentes de EY, ubicados en más de 150 países, brindan confianza a través de la auditoría y ayudan a los clientes a crecer, transformarse y operar. El enfoque multidisciplinario en auditoría, consultoría, legal, estrategia, impuestos y transacciones, busca que los equipos de EY puedan hacer mejores preguntas para encontrar nuevas respuestas a los asuntos complejos que actualmente enfrenta nuestro mundo. Sobre Instituto Tecnológico Inovação: El Instituto Tecnológico Inovação es una organización con fines no lucrativos que promueve la investigación y el

2023/06/29 8th of May 2023, Belize City, Belize  – The Trust for the Americas, in collaboration with the Caribbean School of Data (CSOD) is pleased to launch a digital literacy initiative at the Kolbe Foundation, Belize Central Prison. This initiative, facilitated through its DIA Innovation Lab for Youth Belize (DIA Lab Belize), aims to equip young inmates with essential digital skills of the 21st century to enhance their employability upon release and empower them to secure a stable future. Supported by the U.S. Embassy through a CARSI-ESF grant, this project represents a significant step towards creating opportunities for marginalized youth.  The CSOD Digital Foundations and Data Fundamentals program is a 12-week initiative comprising of four courses and 16 modules covering a wide range of topics. These include professional typing, digital communication, cyberspace security, data literacy, online marketing, and website building. Through March to June 2023, the program provided 15 young inmates with 60 hours of training.   Rodrigo Iriani, DIA Senior Program Manager, said: “These training sessions are crucial as they bridge the digital gap experienced by marginalized youths and provide them with essential skills required to thrive in a connected world and secure employment.” Additionally, one participant shared: “Now that the world has transformed technologically, I feel privileged to attend the program, so I can have access to information and the ability to cope with society and everyday life.”   Upon completion, participants received a certificate from The Trust for the Americas and the Mona School of Business and Management. Furthermore, six inmates were selected to undergo training by CSOD to prepare them to become instructors for the next cohort. The digital literacy initiative assesses students’ critical thinking and problem-solving abilities, allowing them to apply their newly acquired digital skills to any given scenario.   Patrick Robateau, a trained facilitator, shared: “I have been in prison 21 years now and didn’t know anything about the internet or its usage and value. I’m being educated on digital literacy, which opens a new world to me in using technology and how it applies to everyday life.”    The digital literacy program at the Kolbe Foundation Belize Central Prison owes its inception to the vision and initiative of Mr. William Dawson, former chairman of the Leadership Intervention Unit (LIU), who dedicated his efforts to mentoring and rehabilitating juvenile detainees. His legacy will continue through the initiative’s positive impact on the lives of these young inmates.   CEO Murillo of the Kolbe Foundation explained: ”Being incarcerated and still having the opportunity to participate in a training course like this, using modern-day computer technology, is truly a morale booster and gives them hope for when they are released.” It is a testament to the power of individuals to make a positive difference in their communities and the lives of those who need it most.    The DIA Innovation Lab for Youth Belize aims to build a network of youth agents of change by providing access to training, technology, mentorship, and best practices from the region. The partners involved in this initiative eagerly anticipate the positive impact it will have on the lives of young inmates at the Kolbe Foundation Belize Central Prison and their communities.   ***  About The Trust for the Americas:  The Trust for the Americas is a non-profit 501(c)(3) organization affiliated with the Organization of American States (OAS). It was established in 1997 to promote public and private sector participation in social and economic development projects in Latin America and the Caribbean. Our initiatives, implemented through local partner organizations, seek to improve access to economic opportunities as well as to foster innovation in vulnerable communities in the hemisphere. To this end, The Trust also promotes social inclusion and good governance. The Trust has offices in Washington, D.C., Colombia, and Canada.   Facebook: The Trust for the Americas  | Twitter:   @Trust4Americas  About the Caribbean School of Data (CSOD):  The CSOD is an initiative of the Mona School of Business & Management (MSBM), premier business school in the Caribbean, that seeks to develop a comprehensive and sustainable “digital/data literacy” program aimed at underserved populations within the Caribbean, with the goal of building a stronger data culture across the region and creating essential employment skills for the emerging digital economy.  Website: https://coi-csod.org/   About Kolbe Foundation, Belize Central Prison:​​   The Kolbe Foundation is a non-government and non-profit organization established in 2002 by concerned Rotarians. The foundation manages the Belize Central Prison and employs over 200 security officers and 40 civilians. The Kolbe Team is committed to maintaining high levels of security and reducing escape rates through continuous training programs for security officers. The organization’s Board of Directors oversees its mission of active inmate rehabilitation, which includes education, spiritual, physical, vocational, and rehabilitation programs. The foundation’s vision is to be a positive catalyst for change by rehabilitating offenders and reintegrating them into society as law-abiding and productive citizens.  Belize

2023/06/29 Belmopan, Belize – May 31, 2023 – After two years of implementation, the DIA Innovation Lab for Youth Belize (DIA Lab Belize) marked the successful completion of the first phase of the program. Key stakeholders gathered to celebrate the accomplishments of this groundbreaking initiative which aims to create a network of youth agents of change in Belize. The Trust for the Americas‘ project is supported financially by the U.S. Embassy Belize through the Central American Regional Security Initiative – Economic Support Fund (CARSI-ESF) and is implemented in collaboration with the University of West Indies (UWI) Open Campus.  Celebrating the 81 youth trained, 182 people sensitized, and the 34 participants who developed innovative projects and received seed funding to kick-start their ventures, Rodrigo Iriani, DIA Senior Program Manager, and Audrey Robin, DIA Lab Belize Project Coordinator, were joined by our stakeholders to share experiences and exchange best practices.  Esteemed representatives from the U.S. Embassy, UWI, the Department of Youth Services, the Ministry of Economic Development, the Ministry of Education, Culture, Science and Technology, the Organization of American States (OAS), the Kolbe Foundation Central Prison, Humana People to People, Belize Chamber of Commerce and Industry (BCCI), and Beltraide also attended the ceremony..  The DIA Lab Belize provided participants with cutting-edge technology, including computers, camera equipment, 3D printers, and tablets, empowering young beneficiaries with invaluable resources. Participants underwent 40 hours of training in fundamental courses such as digital literacy, canvas business model, financial literacy, entrepreneurship, and other specialized courses. After the training, beneficiaries could showcase their ventures in the Pitch Tank Competition, participating with the hope of receiving seed funding.   Rodrigo Iriani, DIA Senior Program Manager, said: “We have been doing this project since 2015, where we opened an Innovation Lab in Monterrey, Mexico, and then we expanded to other countries in Latin America and the Caribbean, including Colombia, Jamaica, Trinidad and Tobago, the Dominican Republic, and last year we started here in Belize. So, we are bringing here the best practices and successes from the Innovation Labs in the Caribbean and those opportunities that the youth value the most.”  In addition to the in-person initiatives, the project offered a range of online modality activities to strengthen the curricula and broaden its impact. For instance, the “Hack 4 Change Regional Hackathon” allowed participants from various DIA Labs across the region to pitch tech-driven solutions in a 48-hour challenge to secure funding for their projects.  During the event, Christine Valerio, Grant Officer Representative of the U.S. Embassy, explained: “The idea of the Regional Hackathon was to identify solutions through the use of data based on the challenges that might be faced in their different communities.” Also, Tadeo Bennett, a Hackathon participant, expressed: “I feel like having young people more interest in ICT and software development is very important because as we move forward, everything is becoming digital.”  The DIA Lab also fostered collaborations with other organizations, such as Humana People to People to develop and facilitate a workshop on anti-corruption and transparency for representatives from local governments, civil society, and citizens. Additionally, online training on GovTech practices introduced government representatives to concepts aimed at leveraging technology in the public sector and driving innovation.  The Trust for The Americas, through the DIA Lab Belize project, aimed to foster multi-stakeholder collaboration, facilitating a long-term process to promote innovation, improve local government services, and equip young people with the skills necessary to participate in the economy of the future. “The DIA Lab has allowed me to grow in ways I couldn’t have imagined. Entrepreneurship starts by developing the entrepreneur. Thank you for sharpening my skills, altering my perspective, and brightening my future.” stated a Lab beneficiary.  ***    About The Trust for the Americas:     The Trust for the Americas is a non-profit 501(c)(3) organization affiliated with the Organization of American States (OAS). It was established in 1997 to promote public and private sector participation in social and economic development projects in Latin America and the Caribbean. Our initiatives, implemented through local partner organizations, seek to improve access to economic opportunities as well as to foster innovation in vulnerable communities in the hemisphere. To this end, The Trust also promotes social inclusion and good governance. The Trust has offices in Washington, D.C., Colombia, and Canada.     More information: www.thetrustfortheamericas.org      Facebook: The Trust for the Americas  Twitter:   @Trust4Americas     About Democratizing Innovation in the Americas (DIA):    DIA is a regional initiative of The Trust for the Americas that was launched to foster innovation and empower new generations through access to technology training, specialized curricula, collaboration spaces, mentorship, and financial resources for social and economic ventures.    Belize

2023/06/22 Washington DC, June 21, 2023. – The Secretary General of the Organization of American States (OAS), together with the Native Women’s Association of Canada (NWAC) and The Trust for the Americas, announced the launch of the “Empowering Indigenous Peoples through Digital Skills Project”. This landmark initiative, unveiled during the week of the OAS General Assembly in Washington, D.C., aims to enhance the livelihoods and opportunities of Indigenous communities across Québec, British Columbia, and Alberta. The meeting brought together important stakeholders, including the Secretary General of the Organization of American States (OAS), HE Luis Almagro, the Secretary for Hemispheric Affairs, Ambassador James Lambert, the Chief Executive Officer of the Native Women’s Association of Canada Lynne Groulx, the Chief Executive Officer of The Trust for the Americas, Linda Eddleman, and the Special Advisor on Indigenous Affairs of the OAS, Daniel Cano. As a prominent international organization dedicated to promoting democratic governance, human rights, and social and economic development in the Americas, the OAS plays a pivotal role in driving inclusive growth and sustainable development in the region. The Native Women’s Association of Canada (NWAC), a renowned national Indigenous organization with over 40 years of experience, contributed invaluable expertise to the discussions. NWAC has been at the forefront of advocating for social, economic, cultural, and political equality among Indigenous and LGBTQIA+ people, making them a key partner in the project. Their commitment to empowering Indigenous communities and promoting inclusivity aligns perfectly with the project’s goals. The Trust for the Americas, an organization affiliated with the OAS, brings its expertise in fostering social and economic development to the project. With a track record of implementing innovative programs and establishing strategic partnerships, The Trust for the Americas is well-equipped to support the empowerment of vulnerable communities to drive sustainable change. The “Empowering Indigenous Peoples through Digital Skills” Project will commence its 12-month implementation phase in October 2023, thanks to combined financial and in-kind contributions from Microsoft Philanthropies, NWAC, and The Trust for the Americas, underscoring the commitment of these stakeholders to advancing the digital skills and opportunities of indigenous populations. The project’s primary focus is to build digital skills and job readiness of individuals aged 16 and above, thereby facilitating their entry into the labor market and the digital economy. Through a combination of on-site and online training in digital and life skills, the project aims to create digital equity fostering equal access to livelihood opportunities. Acknowledging the unique needs and characteristics of the Indigenous communities, the “Empowering Indigenous Peoples through Digital Skills” Project will incorporate a culturally sensitive approach, ensuring the project’s activities are grounded in cultural awareness and respectful accompaniment. Key objectives of the project include training 350 individuals aged 16 and over in digital and life skills, while also equipping 50 facilitators, community leaders, and elders with the necessary knowledge to replicate the training within their communities. By empowering these local leaders, the project aims to create a sustainable ripple effect of skill development and knowledge transfer. The Trust for the Americas, in collaboration with NWAC, will curate a tailored selection of courses designed to meet the specific needs and desires of community. Leveraging the Microsoft Community Training (MCT) e-learning Platform, participants will have access to a range of courses, including Microsoft’s Learning Pathways and Ernst & Young (EY) Future Skills Workshops. These courses will cover essential computer skills, project management, data content management, digital and financial literacy, entrepreneurship, environmental sustainability, and workforce readiness. Beyond skills development, the Empowering Indigenous Peoples through Digital Skills Project will facilitate access to employment opportunities and support the creation and development of entrepreneurship and businesses within the Indigenous communities. To ensure smooth implementation, The Trust for the Americas has conducted a comprehensive survey of NWAC’s systems and technologies and has already provided Microsoft Office and Windows 11 licenses for all computers used in the skilling initiative. The skilling activities are scheduled to commence in July 2023, with the first cohort of graduates expected to be announced by December 2023. This collaborative effort between the OAS, NWAC, and The Trust for the Americas represents a significant stride towards empowering Indigenous Peoples, fostering digital inclusion, and creating sustainable socio-economic growth within the targeted regions. “This partnership and this project are important to NWAC on two fronts: it aligns with both our economic empowerment agenda and our ‘Go Global’ strategy – which aims to enhance the social, economic and cultural well-being of Indigenous women, girls, transgender, Two-Spirit and gender-diverse people across Canada, the Americas and the world. With a mere 2.2% of Indigenous workers in the tech workforce, it is well beyond time to step up and fill in this unacceptable gap. Ending economic marginalization stands a fighting chance with concrete actions such as this digital skills project,” said Ms. Groulx. “We are honored to be partnering with NWAC for the first time and continue our work with Microsoft with whom we have worked in over 20 countries over the past 2 decades. As The Trust celebrates its 25th anniversary in 2023 it continues to grow, impact and provide economic opportunities to vulnerable individuals in the western hemisphere. This will be our first project in Canada and we could not have wished for better partners in NWAC and Microsoft. Along with the OAS we look forward to bringing digital, entrepreneur and life skills to the Indigenous peoples in Canada and throughout the Americas,” said Linda Eddleman, CEO, The Trust for the Americas. — About The Trust for the Americas The Trust for the Americas is a non-profit organization affiliated with the Organization of American States (OAS). Established in 1997 to promote public and private partnerships, The Trust is incorporated in the U.S. and has legal presence in Canada. The Trust has implemented projects in 27 countries and worked with over 1,000 organizations in the region. Our initiatives seek to promote educational and economic opportunities as well as government accountability and transparency. Through the evolution of our region, The Trust continues to endure by facing challenges through strategic partnerships that promote

2023/06/09 Monterrey, Nuevo León, 31 de mayo de 2023 – The Trust for the Americas, en alianza con la Universidad Tecnológica Santa Catarina (UTSC), se complace en anunciar su lanzamiento oficial como Centro Autorizado Certificador de Microsoft, Certiport. Esta importante certificación posiciona a la UTSC como un referente en la formación y certificación en tecnología de vanguardia en el país.   En colaboración con Certiport, líder mundial en certificaciones digitales, la UTSC ahora es reconocida como un Certiport Authorized Testing Center para la obtención de Certificados de Microsoft Learn. Esta alianza estratégica permitirá a los participantes del Programa de Educación y Oportunidades Tecnológicas para América (POETA) en la UTSC acceder a una formación de calidad y obtener certificaciones oficiales de Microsoft.   La UTSC ha sido seleccionada como socio local de POETA DigiSpark desde el año 2014, y este nuevo logro fortalece su posición como referente en la educación tecnológica en la región. A través de su experiencia y compromiso con la excelencia académica, la UTSC ha demostrado su capacidad para preparar a los estudiantes y profesionales para los desafíos del mundo digital.  Verónica Philippe, Gerente de Proyecto en The Trust for the Americas resaltó: ”Desde The Trust for the Americas, agradecemos a la UTSC por la alianza que nos permite celebrar los casi 10 años del Centro POETA. Ahora como Centro Certificador Microsoft, la UTSC desarrolla aún más su rol protagónico en la capacitación en habilidades digitales claves para responder a la oleada de empresas del sector tecnológico que llegan a invertir a Nuevo León.”  Como Centro Autorizado Certificador de Microsoft, la UTSC estará equipada con los recursos necesarios para brindar una experiencia de examen óptima y confiable. Los participantes podrán acceder a una variedad de programas de capacitación y evaluación, incluyendo certificaciones en áreas como desarrollo de software, administración de bases de datos y análisis de datos.   En este sentido, Lara Bersano Calot, Directora de Comunicación de The Trust for the Americas, felicitó a las autoridades de la UTSC e invitó a los cientos de jóvenes presentes en el acto protocolar a “pensar en todas las oportunidades de vida que pueden tener los jóvenes de Monterrey a través del acceso a la tecnología, impulsando proyectos conjuntos en beneficio de su comunidad y para construir un futuro brillante para todos.”   En dicho acto, The Trust for the Americas otorgó a la UTSC una placa de reconocimiento, destacando su compromiso con la excelencia académica y el desarrollo de habilidades digitales. Esta distinción es un testimonio del trabajo arduo y el esfuerzo constante de la UTSC en la promoción de la educación tecnológica.    MAAP Laura Madrigal González, rectora de la UTSC, reconoció “la alianza estratégica que la Universidad Tecnológica Santa Catarina tiene con The Trust for the Americas desde 2014. El apoyo brindado a través del centro POETA y laboratorio DIA ha tenido un gran impacto social y son herramientas que nos ayudan a trabajar todos los días en el campo de la educación, pero con una visión más alta.”  Asimismo, The Trust for the Americas aprovechó este hito para auspiciar su primera reunión de Junta Directiva de 2023. Durante este encuentro, los directivos de la organización tuvieron la oportunidad de conocer las historias de algunos de los participantes del programa, gracias al fortalecimiento de sus habilidades digitales y tecnológicas proporcionadas por los programas #POETADigiSpark y #DIA.   Durante este encuentro, Emmanuel Loo, Subsecretario de Inversión de la Secretaría de Economía del Estado de Nuevo León, en representación del Gobernador Samuel García Sepúlveda, felicitó a ambas instituciones por crear un proyecto de alto impacto social en el desarrollo de competencias y habilidades del capital humano del estado. Esto es crucial, ya que las empresas que cada día deciden asentarse en Nuevo León buscan personas altamente capacitadas.       ***  Sobre The Trust for the Americas:    The Trust for the Americas es una entidad sin fines de lucro afiliada a la Organización de los Estados Americanos (OEA). Establecida en 1997 para promover alianzas público-privadas, The Trust ha implementado proyectos en 27 países y ha trabajado con más de 1,000 organizaciones en la región. Nuestras iniciativas buscan promover oportunidades educativas y económicas, así como la responsabilidad y transparencia del gobierno. Nuestra alianza única con la OEA nos permite tener acceso a los tomadores de decisiones dentro de la región. Esta asociación fundamental es la base a través de la cual creamos redes sólidas en todos los estados miembros y el sector privado. A través del desarrollo de nuestra región, The Trust continúa contribuyendo a superar los desafíos a través de alianzas estratégicas que promueven la cooperación para resultados sostenibles.  Mexico

2023/06/09 Santiago, Chile (May 25, 2023) – With the mission of catalyzing employability and transforming the lives of vulnerable populations in Chile, The Trust for the Americas establishes a strategic collaboration with Ernst & Young (EY) and Microsoft. This alliance aims to empower people through training in digital and technical skills, increasing their competitiveness in the labor market and opening the door to new economic opportunities, especially for those looking for their first job. The Trust for the Americas, an international NGO with a significant impact in the Americas, promotes synergies between the public and private sectors, seeking to generate a positive change in the lives of millions of people. In 2022, Ernst & Young (EY) took the initiative and joined the POETA DigiSpark project to deliver Future Skills Workshops, a platform to help beneficiaries acquire the necessary skills for employability in today’s world. It should be noted that Microsoft and The Trust have been allies for more than 15 years in favor of empowering vulnerable communities in the Americas through the access, use and appropriation of technology. Funded by Microsoft Philanthropy, the POETA DigiSpark project continues to spearhead Microsoft’s Global Skilling Initiative in Latin America and the Caribbean. This is thanks to access to training and mentoring to people most affected by the recent loss of jobs or who are at risk of being replaced by automation processes. During the opening of this meeting, Verónica Philippe, Manager of the POETA DigiSpark Project of The Trust for the Americas, highlighted that “It is thanks to the alliance between different actors such as private companies, social organizations and NGOs, as well as international organizations that we can bring international development efforts like today’s training.” Verónica proceeded to thank the local partners POETA DigiSpark in Chile – Innovacien, CDI Chile, Fundación Lace – for their enormous support; as well as Fundación de las Familias for their willingness and commitment in offering us the space of their training center to celebrate the event. Within the framework of this alliance, EY volunteers led these workshops, providing training to people over the age of 16, especially those who are unemployed or underemployed, in the FSW Entrepreneurship and Financial Literacy content. This training opens ways to compete in the labor market, whether it is looking for a job, a promotion, an internship, creating or strengthening a business, or starting or advancing in their formal education. In this sense, Patricio Cofre, a partner in Data Analytics Consulting at EY Chile, commented: “Contributing to people improving their economic opportunities through the use of modern tools is something that brings us closer to our purpose as a company. We are very satisfied with the result of this event, and we hope to continue multiplying this effect in future activities”. The Trust for the Americas, together with EY and Microsoft Filantropías, underscore a solid commitment to professional development and growth in Chile through its local partners such as Innovacien, Fundación Lace, CDI Chile and Fundación de las Familias. With this, they seek to amplify the scope of the training initiative of The Trust for the Americas’ POETA DigiSpark Project, which seeks to promote economic and educational opportunities in Argentina, Brazil, Chile, Colombia, Guatemala, Mexico, Peru, Puerto Rico and Uruguay. Microsoft has been a crucial pillar in the development of The Trust for the Americas’ POETA DigiSpark project. In this sense, Jorge Cella, Director of Philanthropy Microsoft Latin America, pointed out that “collaboration, technological learning and inclusion are key for Microsoft. By providing people with digital skills, we seek to support them so that they can improve their employment situation and thus better adapt to the changing needs of the market. We cannot achieve these objectives by working alone, the only way to begin to solve these social problems is by working in collaboration with different organizations. This alliance will allow us to continue building together in favor of the needs of people quickly and effectively, so that they obtain new and better job opportunities.” Since its inception in 2013, The Trust for the Americas through the POETA DigiSpark project has made a tangible impact, directly training nearly 75,000 people ages 16 and older and educators in digital, technical, and life skills. For more information visit: https://www.trustfortheamericas.org/programs/POETA/poeta-digispark Facebook: The Trust for the Americas Twitter: @Trust4Americas About The Trust for the Americas: The Trust for the Americas is a non-profit entity affiliated with the Organization of American States (OAS). Established in 1997 to promote public-private partnerships, The Trust has implemented projects in 24 countries and has worked with more than 1,000 organizations in the region. Our initiatives seek to promote educational and economic opportunity, as well as government accountability and transparency. Our unique alliance with the OAS allows us to have access to decision makers within the region. This fundamental partnership is the foundation through which we create strong networks in all member states and the private sector. Through the development of our region, The Trust continues to contribute to overcome challenges through strategic alliances that promote cooperation for sustainable results. About EY: EY exists to build a better business world, helping to create long-term value for its clients, its people and society at large, as well as building trust in the capital markets. Through data and technology, EY’s diverse and inclusive teams, located in more than 150 countries, deliver confidence through audit and help clients grow, transform and operate. EY’s multidisciplinary approach across audit, consulting, legal, strategy, tax and transactions empowers EY teams to ask better questions to find new answers to the complex issues facing our world today. About Innovacien: they are a non-profit Organization that promotes creativity, innovation and entrepreneurship in the educational system, seeking to develop new learning models from practice that will allow people to be protagonists of the global knowledge society. To promote the thoughtful and creative use of new information and communication technologies (ICT), Innovacien conducts training and accompaniment with different audiences in educational establishments, with entrepreneurs and other foundations. Expanding its original range

Washington, DC – May 31, 2023 – The Trust for the Americas is proud to announce the  election of Hadi Partovi and Guillermo Areas as new members of its Board of Directors. The Board voted unanimously to welcome both Mr. Partovi and Mr. Areas. With a remarkable career spanning over two decades, Mr. Partovi has been instrumental in driving transformative change and fostering innovation. As the CEO and co-founder of Code.org, a nonprofit dedicated to expanding access to computer science education, he has made significant strides in empowering students and educators worldwide. Mr. Partovi’s expertise in technology, coupled with his passion for education, has enabled him to spearhead groundbreaking initiatives that have reached millions of learners and inspired a new generation of tech innovators. His unwavering commitment to inclusivity and diversity has been pivotal in making computer science accessible to underrepresented communities. His invaluable insights and strategic thinking will help The Trust for the Americas continue to harness the power of technology to improve lives.  Mr. Guillermo Areas brings a wealth of experience and a distinguished track record in the automotive industry to his new role as Board member of The Trust. His extensive knowledge of the Latin America, combined with his deep understanding of needs and preferences of employers there, will be invaluable assets as we strengthen The Trust´s work in the region. Throughout his career, Mr. Areas has consistently championed innovation and sustainability so his leadership and collaborative approach will undoubtedly inspire the The Trust’s team as they continue to shape the future of training, innovation, green initiatives, democratic governance, sustainability and economic opportunities in the Americas. Linda Eddleman, CEO of The Trust for the Americas, said: “As the newest members of our distinguished Board of Directors, Hadi and Guillermo will play pivotal roles in steering our strategic initiatives and shaping the future of The Trust for the Americas. Their extensive private sector knowledge and leadership abilities, will elevate our brand presence and strengthen our commitment to delivering unparalleled training and economic opportunities for millions of people in the region.” After his election as new Board Member Hadi Partovi mentioned: “I’m honored to join the Board of Trust for the Americas. I believe technology can be a powerful tool to drive positive change, and I look forward to working with the Trust to leverage computer science in innovative ways to further our shared goals.” Mr. Guillermo Areas also acknowledges the work of the Trust as he described his new role as Board Member: “I would like to thank the Board of Trust for the Americas for the privilege and honor to serve as part of an extraordinary Board of Directors. As a new member, I am eager to contribute to the invaluable work the Trust has done over the years in advancing the social and economic development of Latin America and the Caribbean region.” The Trust for the Americas is a non-profit 501(c)(3) organization affiliated with the Organization of American States (OAS). It was established in 1997 to promote public and private sector participation in social and economic development projects in Latin America and the Caribbean. Our initiatives, implemented through local partner organizations, seek to improve access to economic opportunities as well as to foster innovation in vulnerable communities in the hemisphere. To this end, The Trust also promotes social inclusion and good governance. The Trust has offices in Washington, D.C., Colombia, and Canada.  Estados Unidos