Press releases

Marzo 2 de 2023. San Andrés, Colombia – The Trust for the Americas y la Secretaría de Educación de la Gobernación del Archipiélago de San Andrés, Providencia y Santa Catalina inauguraron el Centro POETA – Casa Lúdica del Cove.  Esta apertura se suma a los 21 centros que ya ofrecen capacitaciones en habilidades digitales en varias localidades de Colombia. Este logro fue posible gracias a la donación de 20 computadoras por parte de la Fundación Lenovo, así como licencias de Microsoft y toda la oferta educativa con la que cuenta la Franquicia Social POETA de The Trust for the Americas. La Franquicia Social POETA (Programa de Oportunidades Económicas a través de la Tecnología en las Américas) impulsa el desarrollo integral de las personas a través de la tecnología por medio de la capacitación y el entrenamiento en habilidades que mejoren las oportunidades económicas de poblaciones en situación de vulnerabilidad. Con el apoyo de la Secretaría de Educación de la Gobernación del Archipiélago de San Andrés, Providencia y Santa Catalina, más de 300 personas jóvenes y población vulnerable; principalmente en las comunidades cercanas al centro, tendrán acceso a capacitación y a beneficios para generar oportunidades económicas y aportar al desarrollo social local. Linda Eddleman, Directora Ejecutiva de The Trust for the Americas destacó que “durante 25 años, desde The Trust for the Americas hemos trabajado en pos de la igualdad y la equidad para las comunidades que viven alguna condición de vulnerabilidad. Me emociona saber que a través de la Franquicia Social POETA, continuaremos apoyando a más personas colombianas”. Por su parte, la Secretaria de Educación del Archipiélago de San Andrés, Providencia y Santa Catalina, Lucila Morelos Páez, resaltó la importancia de este centro, el cuál será sin lugar a dudas un espacio que va a permitir a la comunidad (niños, jóvenes, madres cabeza de hogar), pequeños negocios y emprendedores que puedan acceder a las herramientas digitales necesarias para brindar un mejor servicio, nuevas habilidades y ser más competitivos en el mercado local, aportando desarrollo en el territorio insular. Adicionalmente, agradeció a The Trust for the Americas y la Fundación Lenovo por el valioso aporte que le entregan a la comunidad de la isla. Asimismo, en Lenovo Colombia resaltaron que, “desde Lenovo hemos venido trabajando en fortalecer la educación como un agente de transformación social. Estamos convencidos que la tecnología está generando un impacto positivo en la pedagogía y que es un vehículo de oportunidades para el desarrollo del país. Con el propósito de seguir llevando tecnología más inteligente para todos estamos proponiendo soluciones para los retos actuales de equidad, acceso a la educación y brecha digital en Colombia”, aseguró Jorge Ramírez, Government and Education Business Manager de Lenovo Colombia. En la inauguración estuvieron presentes Linda Eddleman, Directora Ejecutiva de The Trust for the Americas, Lucila Morelos, Secretaria de Educación de la Gobernación del Archipiélago de San Andrés, Providencia y Santa Catalina, Luis Viloria Howard, Gobernador (E) del Archipiélago de San Andrés, Providencia y Santa Catalina, Estudiantes y Representantes de la comunidad del sector del Cove. 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. Colombia

Bogota Colombia. – After the COVID-19 pandemic, unemployment and underemployment rates increased in countries like Colombia. Its most vulnerable populations face difficulties in accessing training options, especially those that involve digital and technical skills. Access to these opportunities is key to revitalizing economies and increasing the competitiveness of people, particularly those looking to get their first job. In this sense, The Trust for the Americas is committed to the development and professional growth of people and, therefore, offers them the possibility of strengthening their skills and knowledge. Hand in hand with Microsoft Philanthropies and in association with a network of local partners, The Trust implements the POETA DigiSpark Project, which focuses on providing training in digital, technical and life skills, in order to facilitate access to economic opportunities and schools in Argentina, Brazil, Chile, Colombia, Mexico, Peru, Puerto Rico and Uruguay. The Trust for the Americas, as a regional NGO, strengthens ties between the public and private sectors to impact the lives of millions of people. Therefore, in 2022, EY joined the POETA DigiSpark initiative to offer Future Skills Workshops courses and help beneficiaries acquire the necessary skills for employability. Through the EY Future Skills Workshops content series, POETA DigiSpark contributes to strengthening the capacities of our network of local partners so that they, in turn, are better positioned to promote 21st century skills among teachers and vulnerable communities. . In Colombia, this alliance has the support of the local partner Fundación Laudes Infantis, which will allow face-to-face training for participants of this POETA center. In turn, hundreds of more people will benefit through training, both face-to-face and virtual, that Laudes Infantis will implement throughout 2023. During the presentation event, Linda Eddleman, CEO at The Trust for the Americas, highlighted that “The essence of our work at The Trust for the Americas is to create solid alliances to promote the transformation of the communities of the region through inclusion economic and social. Training in digital skills and the use of technology allow people to prepare and train for work or boost their ventures. This is a very successful work model that we have been developing for 25 years and Colombia has been and is one of the countries where our impact and success have been proven since we began our work in the region.” These workshops will be led by volunteers who work at EY, who will train people over 16 years of age, especially the unemployed and/or underemployed, in digital, technical and life skills. This will make it easier for them to compete in the labor market, whether it is in the search for a job, a promotion, an internship, as well as in the creation or strengthening of a business, or when starting or advancing in their formal education. “At EY we are very excited about this collaboration that allows us to reach vulnerable communities with the knowledge, experience and skills of our professionals, and thus promote the development of talent among young people and women in search of opportunities, facilitating their connection to the labor market. . We need to promote quality education in the country, which transforms the lives of future generations. This alliance with Microsoft and The Trust for the Americas allows us to accelerate the multiplier effect of our EY Ripples corporate responsibility program, to fulfill our purpose of building a better business world,” says Beatriz Carmona, Lead Partner of Technology Consulting at EY for North Latin America. On the other hand, Almudena Rivas, Director of Social and Productive Development of the Laudes Infantis Foundation, highlights that for 11 years the Foundation has had an alliance with the Trust for The Americas – OEA, and with Microsoft through the DigiSpark project. Progress has been made in creating educational and economic opportunities through technology for young people and adults in vulnerable conditions, who live in the south of Bogotá. Almudena is pleased that EY has joined this effort, contributing its catalog of short and asynchronous courses, whose contents clarify and strengthen, in a didactic and accessible way, those skills that are required for the jobs of the future. Rivas shares that at Laudes Infantis they are excited to be able to count on a group of EY volunteers this Friday, February 24, who will develop some of these workshops in person at the POETA centers in Ciudad Bolívar and Usme. “There we will wait for them with open arms to continue working to generate more and better conditions for these young people and women from the south of Bogotá,” shares Almudena.  The Trust for the Americas, through the POETA DigiSpark Project, since 2013, has directly trained 74,838 people aged 16 and over and teachers in digital, technical and life skills. In addition to facilitating 27,287 economic and educational opportunities. 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

February 17, 2023, Mexico City. – Following the COVID-19 pandemic, unemployment and underemployment rates rose in countries such as Mexico and Colombia. The most vulnerable populations in these countries face difficulties in accessing training opportunities, especially those involving digital and technical skills. Access to these opportunities is key to revitalizing economies and enhancing people’s competitiveness, particularly for those seeking their first job. It should be noted that both countries are among the largest economies in Latin America and have been severely impacted by the pandemic. In this regard, Trust for the Americas is committed to the development and professional growth of individuals and, therefore, offers interested people the opportunity to improve their skills and knowledge. Working hand in hand with Microsoft Philanthropies and in partnership with a network of local partners, Trust implements the POETA DigiSpark Project, which focuses on providing training in digital, technical, and life skills to facilitate access to economic opportunities and education in Argentina, Brazil, Chile, Colombia, Mexico, Peru, Puerto Rico, and Uruguay. Trust for the Americas, as a regional NGO, strengthens ties between the public and private sectors to improve the lives of millions of people. Consequently, in 2022, EY joined the POETA DigiSpark initiative to offer courses from the Future Skills Workshops program and help participants acquire the skills necessary for employability. Through the EY Future Skills Workshops content series, POETA DigiSpark helps build the capacity of our network of local partners so that they, in turn, are better equipped to promote 21st-century skills among teachers and vulnerable communities.    In Mexico, this alliance will be supported by the local partner Centro Laboral México I.A.P. (Celamex), which will enable in-person training for approximately 30 people. In turn, hundreds more people will benefit from training—both in-person and virtual—that Celamex will implement throughout 2023. Pierina Nepote, Senior Manager of the Program for Economic Opportunities through Technology in the Americas (POETA), emphasized that “for POETA, it has been a privilege to have the support of Microsoft Philanthropies and to work with a partner like EY. Together, we have managed to provide practical content that contributes to the development of active and productive citizens who seek to have a positive impact on their communities. At Trust, we appreciate the support of Microsoft Philanthropies and EY in making it possible for thousands of people, including teachers, to benefit from the EY Future Skills Workshops and contribute to the comprehensive training of POETA DigiSpark participants.” These workshops will be led by volunteers from EY, who will train individuals over the age of 16—particularly those who are unemployed and/or underemployed—in digital, technical, and life skills. This will make it easier for them to compete in the labor market—whether they are looking for a job, seeking a promotion, applying for an internship, starting or growing a business, or beginning or advancing in their formal education. Diana Díaz, Director of Strategy and Head of Corporate Responsibility at EY Mexico, notes that “at EY, we are very excited about this collaboration, which allows us to reach vulnerable communities to share the knowledge, experience, and skills of our professionals, and thus promote the talent of young people who can be successfully integrated into the labor market. We need to promote quality education in the country, which transforms the lives of future generations. This alliance with The Trust for the Americas and Microsoft allows us to accelerate the multiplier effect of our EY Ripples corporate responsibility program, to fulfill our purpose of building a better business world.” On the other hand, Atenas Pérez, General Director of Celamex I.A.P., emphasized that, for Celamex, the promotion and holistic development of each of its young beneficiaries is essential. “The partnerships with The Trust for the Americas, in collaboration with Microsoft and EY, have enabled us to carry out a significant initiative to enhance the skills of each participant. We have been able to make each course more flexible and adapt it to the specific needs of each group of young people we work with, thereby achieving greater reach and impact on the population both in Mexico City and nationwide. We are very proud to be able to collaborate and to know that we are part of the same effort that effectively contributes to increasing job opportunities.” Since its inception, Trust for the Americas, through the POETA DigiSpark Project, has trained 74,838 people aged 16 and older, as well as teachers, in digital, technical, and life skills. It has also facilitated 27,287 economic and educational opportunities. 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 nonprofit organization 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 aim to promote educational and economic opportunities, as well as government accountability and transparency. Our unique alliance with the OAS gives us access to decision-makers throughout the region. This fundamental partnership serves as the foundation through which we build strong networks in all member states and the private sector. Through the development of our region, Trust continues to help overcome challenges through strategic alliances that foster 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 fostering trust in the capital markets. Through data and technology, EY’s diverse and inclusive teams, located in more than 150 countries, instill 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 CELAMEX: Centro Laboral México I.A.P. provides comprehensive care to

January 26, 2023, Buenos Aires, January 25, 2023.- As part of the partnerships developed by The Trust for the Americas to expand the network of digital skills training centers in Argentina, a new POETA program center was inaugurated today at the Hogar de Cristo headquarters in Villa Soldati. The center is coordinated by the “La Vida Como Viene” Workers“ Cooperative and was established thanks to a contribution from the company Klimber Latam and a donation of equipment from Estudio EAF in the City of Buenos Aires. The new training center will benefit the men and women living at the Hogar de Cristo Center who receive training and work there every day. Trust for the Americas works with 1,000 institutions in 26 countries and coordinates 357 digital training centers to provide vulnerable populations in Latin America and the Caribbean with an opportunity to get ahead, find a job, start a microbusiness, or return to formal education. Each year, the POETA program impacts the lives of more than 800,000 people. 56.1% of the beneficiaries are women, many of whom are victims of domestic violence and are the primary breadwinners for their families. A high percentage of the beneficiaries are migrants, people who are overcoming drug addiction or social problems, or who—having been unable to complete a formal education—simply cannot find the economic opportunities that would allow them to support themselves and their families. In this regard, Lara Bersano, Director of Communications, commented: “The Trust for the Americas business model is a ”Social Franchise” model.“ We work through well-known, established institutions in each country in the region. We identify these institutions and provide them with content, training, classes, support, follow-up, performance metrics, and software licenses so they can offer training to their beneficiaries. That is why a key factor in the success of our work is having the support of private companies like Klimber and Estudio EAF, which are essential partners in ensuring these programs reach more people, have the necessary resources to operate, and obtain the equipment needed to deliver the courses. We contacted the worker cooperative through the Office of Institutional Relations of the Government of the City of Buenos Aires, a key partner to whom we are very grateful for helping us identify institutions that carry out essential social work.” Federico López, president of the worker cooperative that coordinates the training center, commented: “The Cooperative opened its first facility, Juan Pablo II, in 2014—an outpatient center where neighborhood residents could find a comprehensive response to their issues with problematic substance use, homelessness, and social exclusion. In 2017, we opened the San Expedito shelter in Villa Soldati, where the new POETA center operates; in this outpatient facility, participants deepen their progress in both the therapeutic and the social-occupational dimensions of the process. This is achieved through workshops focused on vocational training, therapeutic groups, and spaces for social, psychological, and psychiatric support. We consider it extremely valuable to have a computer lab that promotes digital inclusion and the acquisition of digital tools that enable better social integration, as we seek to create dignified and healthy workspaces—places that support, accommodate, provide a sense of belonging, and enhance everyone’s abilities, while also fostering teamwork and community.” Andrea Falcone, director and founder of Estudio EAF, commented: “At Estudio Falcone and Comunidad + 55, we are convinced that strategic partnerships for employability and education are key to transforming the reality of many people. We deeply believe in generational diversity as an agent of change in society. That is why we are always collaborating on innovative projects in which young people and their families can acquire skills and competencies that enable them to enhance their development. We are transforming the present for the silver generation through high-impact initiatives that promote dialogue and action among different actors and sectors of society. Of course, for us, technology is both a tool and a bridge for strengthening intergenerational ties.” Diego Naveira, Chief ESG Officer at Klimber, commented: “These types of initiatives, which provide real opportunities for development to people who otherwise would not have access to them, are only possible through collaboration. We are proud to be part of the collaborative ecosystem made up of private-sector companies, NGOs, and governments that makes #POETA possible. Ensuring access to financial education and digital inclusion is one of the pillars that underpin our mission to bridge gaps. Actions aimed at creating opportunities are fundamental to our sustainability plan.” The member institutions of the Social Franchise that are part of the alliance with Klimber receive from The Trust for the Americas, the benefits of advanced membership, which include, among other things, access to Virtual Classroom content on digital life skills and entrepreneurship, Microsoft licenses for computers, and training to strengthen their institutional capacity (communication, monitoring, and evaluation, among others). — About the “La Vida como Viene” Workers’ Cooperative We are part of the community of the “La Familia Grande Hogar de Cristo” Federation (FGHC), which brings together neighborhood centers dedicated to providing a comprehensive response to situations of social vulnerability and/or problematic use of psychoactive substances, always putting the individual and their qualities first. We are part of the Virgen Inmaculada parish in Villa Soldati. About KLIMBER Klimber is the insurtech company that has been transforming the insurance industry since 2018, with the goal of closing the coverage gap in Latin America. It pioneered the region’s first digital life insurance policy and, since then, has continuously innovated, offering personal accident, health, auto, and assistance products through its end-to-end automated digital infrastructure. Its disruptive model

December 12, 2022, Costa Rica – The Trust for the Americas, in partnership with the Costa Rican national government, local and international organizations, and with financial support from the U.S. Embassy in San José, implemented the project “Innovation and Civic Technologies for Greater Transparency in Government Services,” aimed at strengthening the capacities of municipal governments and public institutions in the post-pandemic recovery.  After two years of implementation, the project fostered collaboration among different sectors of society and established a process to stimulate innovation in public administration and the use of data to improve government services. In this regard, the five proposed components were successfully carried out: Rodrigo Iriani, Senior Manager of the DIA Program, commented: “All these efforts are aligned with the standards and best practices recommended by the Inter-American Open Data Program (PIDA) and facilitated the use of emerging technologies to support the Government of Costa Rica in maximizing efficiency, improving relations with citizens, and ensuring transparency in the allocation of resources and services.”   In this regard, the project’s impact was as follows: Furthermore, the implementation of this project will have a long-term impact that will be reflected in effective collaboration between government entities and different sectors of society, as well as in improved quality and coverage of government services during the post-pandemic recovery. Costa Rica

December 6, 2022, Washington, D.C. December 6, 2022. By signing the agreement to join the POETA Social Franchise (Program for Economic Opportunities through Technology in the Americas), Fundación Terra will join forces with The Trust for the Americas to open four POETA centers in Honduras in 2023 and subsequently throughout the region. The POETA Social Franchise seeks to promote the social and economic inclusion of vulnerable populations in Latin America and the Caribbean through access to, use of, and adoption of technologies and comprehensive in-person and virtual educational strategies. As a member organization of the Partnership for Central America (PCA) and in line with its ongoing commitment to promoting economic opportunities to address the root causes of migration in the region’s Northern Triangle, is entering into this partnership with The Trust for the Americas, convinced that the POETA Centers will provide comprehensive and inclusive educational opportunities that foster digital and life skills, with the goal of developing citizens committed to the development of their communities. Pierina Nepote, POETA Program Manager, emphasized that “For The Trust for the Americas, it is an honor to welcome Fundación Terra into our POETA Social Franchise network. The POETA team is very excited to work closely with the great team behind Fundación Terra to empower Hondurans, particularly by promoting skills and tools that are useful for people who want to start and grow their own businesses.” Initially, the centers that will open their facilities for the implementation of the POETA Social Franchise will be located in the Department of Francisco Morazán; the Department of Cortés, and the Department of Choluteca in Honduras, where participants will have access to: The President of Fundación Terra, Architect Fredy Nasser, commented: ”We thank The Trust for the Americas for the trust they have placed in us; and we are confident that this partnership will allow us to continue working to create conditions that facilitate access to connectivity for educational purposes among vulnerable populations lacking technological tools, as well as to strengthen the capabilities, skills, and abilities that will enable them to access employment and achieve economic growth.” 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 nonprofit organization 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 opportunities, as well as government accountability and transparency. Our unique partnership with the OAS gives us access to decision-makers throughout the region. This vital partnership is the foundation through which we build strong networks across all member states and the private sector. As our region develops, The Trust continues to help overcome challenges through strategic partnerships that promote cooperation for sustainable results. About Fundación Terra: Fundación Terra is a nongovernmental development organization with extensive experience in implementing programs and projects in Honduras, Guatemala, El Salvador, and Nicaragua. Its social work focuses on objectives aimed at improving the quality of life, socioeconomic well-being, and the environment of our communities through four areas of action: quality education, social infrastructure, entrepreneurship, and the environment. Honduras

December 2, 2022 Washington, D.C. November 30, 2022.—The Trust for the Americas kicked off its 25th anniversary year by presenting its Humanitarian Award on November 30 to the founding members of its Board of Directors. The Humanitarian Award honored Enrique Segura, June DeHart, and Susan Benson for founding an institution dedicated to promoting the socioeconomic inclusion of all people and for embodying their belief that everyone deserves an opportunity to excel. The award was presented by Secretary General Luis Almagro Lemes during a ceremony at the Organization of American States headquarters in Washington, D.C.  In his speech, Almagro stated, “The Trust for the Americas is recognizing three exemplary individuals who have contributed in practical and significant ways to improving opportunities for vulnerable and marginalized people and to strengthening the sustainability of democracy in many countries across our hemisphere. I should add that the work has not always been easy. To build a beautiful structure, you have to do a lot of digging, and June, Susan, and Enrique have been there alongside the staff of The Trust and other members of the Board of Directors, shouldering the burdens.  The result of all their hard work is the noble edifice we now call The Trust for the Americas. Millions of people are better off because of the work they began in 1997.” After the awards were presented, Dr. Enrique Segura and Mrs. DeHart, speaking on behalf of herself and Mrs. Benson, described their experiences in founding The Trust for the Americas and the work they spearheaded to promote social and economic inclusion for vulnerable communities in the Americas by mobilizing public and private resources.   Mrs. DeHart mentioned that “it has been an honor and a privilege to be part of the growth and success of The Trust, fostering hope and inclusion for millions of vulnerable and marginalized people in the Americas.  ”Linda Eddleman, CEO, and her very talented and capable team at The Trust are all our heroes.“ Dr. Enrique Segura reaffirmed his commitment to The Trust.  As a well-known philanthropist, he recalled his support for The Trust and his early provision of ”seed capital” and sponsorship of anti-corruption summits. Dr. Enrique Segura is the founder and majority shareholder of the ENSE Group, a group of companies with annual revenues of four billion dollars. Prior to his work at the ENSE Group, Dr. Segura held several diplomatic posts. He is also the Chairman of the Board of the Smithsonian Museum of American History and a member of the Advisory Board of the Smithsonian Institution. June L. DeHart is a partner at Manatt, Phelps & Phillips, LLP. Prior to joining the law firm in 1987, she served as a legislative assistant/counsel and as chief counsel for a subcommittee in the U.S. Senate.  A creative problem-solver for her clients, Ms. DeHart specializes in federal legislative and regulatory matters before the U.S. Congress, the Administration, and federal agencies.  She is Vice Chair of the Board for The Trust for the Americas; Vice Chair of the Board for the International Foundation for Electoral Systems (IFES); and a Member of the Board and Chair of the Governance Committee for the Chesapeake Bay Maritime Museum. Mrs. Susan Shattuck Benson founded The Trust for the Americas in 1997, drawing on her experience at the Organization of American States in the fields of information systems, library and community development, and the marketing of handicrafts.  Susan set The Trust in motion with programs focused on technology for marginalized populations and on increasing government integrity, which evolved into today’s programs supporting increased access to technology and the internet for marginalized populations, as well as improved governance.  About The Trust for the Americas The Trust for the Americas is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit 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 and foster innovation in vulnerable communities throughout 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.trustfortheamericas.org Facebook: The Trust for the Americas Twitter: @Trust4Americas United States

November 16, 2022, Kingston, Jamaica – November 9 & 10, 2022. At an in-person event held at the University of the Commonwealth Caribbean (UCC), The Trust for the Americas, through its Democratizing Innovation in the Americas (DIA) Program, celebrated the DIA Summit 2022. Under the theme “Global YOUth: youth in the context of the globalized world,” the DIA Summit 2022 aimed to foster meaningful connections and empower youth through networking opportunities and discussions on cutting-edge topics.    Attendees at the event included Linda Eddleman, Chief Executive Officer of The Trust for the Americas; Rodrigo Iriani, Senior Manager of the DIA Program at The Trust; Cheryll Stewart, Acting Managing Director of GEN Jamaica; Dr. Andre Hill, National Literacy Coordinator; Milton Samuda, Chairman of the Institute of Law and Economics (ILE); Dayne Gutzmer, CEO of ILE; and Laura D’abreau from the Caribbean Industrial Research Institute (CARIRI) of Trinidad and Tobago.   Additionally, the summit featured the following four panels: At the event, Linda Eddleman, CEO of The Trust, stated, “Here at The Trust, we have spent a great deal of time thinking about ways to achieve our mission of helping young people in the Caribbean and Latin America build a better future. Through the DIA Program, we provide collaborative spaces and training, and we help young people take their ideas and turn them into businesses. We are thrilled that we began in Jamaica in 2016, and now we operate in seven countries, with approximately 15,000 young people having participated in our program.”   For his part, Dwayne Gutzmer commented: “The Summit is strategically held during Youth Month as we strive to focus on our youth and their development. The Summit gives young people an opportunity, a voice, and a platform to inspire others. We want you [the youth] to be part of the conversations about the pressing issues around us, and we can only do that if we provide opportunities like this so that you can get involved.” Finally, Laura D’Abreau reaffirmed: “DIA has impacted thousands of lives over the past couple of years. Collectively, the initiative will impact millions of lives through The Trust for the Americas, the Organization of American States, and the support of the Citi Foundation. Young people need opportunities like this to broaden their perspectives, encourage them to improve their circumstances, and harness their creativity and talent to create things that benefit society.”  The DIA Summit is an annual event that brings together members of the DIA community and other stakeholders to celebrate the DIA program while offering attendees insightful discussions, training workshops, and featured speakers.  *** About Trust for the Americas:  Trust for the Americas is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit 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 and foster innovation in vulnerable communities across 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 – Jamaica – Trinidad & Tobago – Dominican Republic

November 14, 2022, Kingston, Jamaica – November 8, 2022. At an in-person event, The Trust for the Americas, together with the Inter-American Development Bank Lab (IDB Lab), celebrated the official launch of the project “Unleashing the Potential of Jamaican Youth through Empowerment & Training,” known as JET.   This project is an initiative designed by The Trust for the Americas through the Democratizing Innovation in the Americas (DIA) Program and implemented with financial support from the NCB Foundation, Microsoft, the Citi Foundation, and the IDB Lab, as well as the leadership of the Jamaica Chamber of Commerce (JCC), the Private Sector Organization of Jamaica (PSOJ), the Caribbean School of Data (CSOD), and the Ministry of Education and Youth.  JET used artificial intelligence (AI) to identify labor market needs in Jamaica, the Caribbean, the United Kingdom, and the United States. JET’s training is now tailored to current market opportunities to ensure that participants have the digital skills required to secure good entry-level jobs in Jamaican companies and government agencies.  Participants at the event included Linda Eddleman, Chief Executive Officer of The Trust for the Americas; Rodrigo Iriani, Senior Manager of the DIA Program at The Trust; Sudaney Blair, Operations Associate at the IDB office in Kingston; Nadeen Matthews-Blair, Chief Executive Officer of the NCB Foundation; Colonel Martin Rickman, Chairman of the JET Steering Committee; Imega Breese-McNab, Executive Director of the Private Sector of Jamaica; and Yanique Williams, Senior Director of the Youth and Adolescent Policy Division at the Ministry of Education and Youth.  Mr. Michael Lee-Chin, CEO of Portland Holdings and a member of the Board of Directors of The Trust for the Americas, stated, “The Trust for the Americas has been providing training to Jamaican youth since 2017. As a Board member of The Trust, I have witnessed firsthand the organization’s commitment to our young people’s success. I am delighted that the Trust will continue its good work through its new project, ”Unleashing the Potential of Jamaican Youth through Empowerment & Training.“ A stronger Jamaica is built on the strength of our empowered youth.” At the event, Nadeen Matthews-Blair said, “There is no shortage of brilliance in Jamaica, but what is mostly missing are opportunities. So, at that time, we embarked on this journey to help Jamaicans without access to higher education acquire skills, because our fundamental philosophy is that to build a better Jamaica, you have to build its people. JET is what all of this is about; it is education, with a special focus on skills that are in high demand globally.”  For her part, Linda Eddleman, CEO of The Trust, commented, “The Trust for the Americas has been operating for the past 25 years, and one of our main goals is to provide young people with skills and access to economic opportunities. All of this has been achieved through alliances, which is why the JET project is an excellent example of partnerships. We have representatives from all sectors committed to helping young people find 1,200 jobs of the future.” Digital technologies continue to spread rapidly. Jamaican employers, therefore, are demanding advanced digital skills from their employees. But many otherwise capable young Jamaicans have yet to have the opportunity to develop those skills. JET is addressing that gap. This project aims to train 1,200 young innovators in Kingston and St. Andrew over the next three years in relevant digital and employability skills and provide 500 of them with three months of relevant work experience. In addition, it will offer entrepreneurship opportunities, business mentorship, seed funding, and networking opportunities to Jamaican youth who successfully complete the program. It is expected that many thriving participants in the program will be able to develop the skills necessary to transition into the future of work, capitalize on freelance opportunities, and apply innovations to create new businesses.    “Unleashing the Potential of Jamaican Youth through Empowerment & Training” is working to fulfill the UN 2030 Agenda development goals listed below: ***    About the Trust for the Americas:  The Trust for the Americas is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit 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 and foster innovation in vulnerable communities throughout the hemisphere. To this end, 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. Jamaica

October 28, 2022 Bogotá, Colombia – The M&M Formando Líderes Foundation and The Trust for the Americas announced the opening of a new POETA Center in Colombia. This center, part of the POETA Social Franchise, will serve residents of the municipality of Villanueva in the department of Casanare. This partnership reinforces both organizations“ commitment to supporting vulnerable populations. The M&M Foundation joins the 18 active POETA centers already operating in Colombia. These centers offer training in technology, computer science, and entrepreneurship, with the aim of contributing to the personal and professional development of the beneficiary communities by providing tools to secure better job and educational opportunities. Hermes Eduardo Mojica, Director of the M&M Foundation, commented that ”education is one of the most important tools, and we must ensure it is the best possible—this is precisely the goal of the M&M Foundation, which is why we work every day with great energy and passion to achieve it. To achieve all of this, we are forming partnerships with the best institutions in the country and around the world—such as The Trust for the Americas, a partnership that today allows us to open this POETA Center.“ This new collaboration will provide more than 120 people in Colombia with access to training programs each year. Likewise, they will have access to all the services and benefits offered by the POETA Social Franchise to strengthen the capabilities of the M&M Foundation and its team. Pierina Nepote, Senior POETA Program Manager for The Trust for the Americas, emphasized that for The Trust for the Americas, ”it is a pleasure to have partners like the M&M Foundation, who are joining the POETA Social Franchise. At The Trust, we seek to build the capacity of organizations and individuals through a series of online tools, including our two e-learning platforms, as well as dedicated technical assistance from a team ready to work closely with our Local Partners. Through this partnership, we will contribute to the development of leaders, preparing them for today’s jobs by building technical, digital, and life skills.” These centers implement the Program for Economic Opportunities through Technology in the Americas (POETA), which aims to promote the comprehensive development of individuals through technology by providing training in vulnerable communities to facilitate their access to economic and educational opportunities that contribute to their quality of life. The Trust for the Americas donated the software for the computers at this POETA Center to provide access to more than 70 courses through its various educational platforms, as well as to connect this center with the more than 350 POETA Centers in Latin America and the Caribbean. Present at the inauguration were Oswal Fontecha, mayor of Villanueva; Yasbleidi Vargas, president of the community action board of the San Agustín district; Erlinda Diaz Bohorquez, president of the community action board of the Buenos Aires district; Ana Toloza, a teacher at Ezequiel Moreno y Diaz School; as well as parents and young beneficiaries of the M&M Foundation. https://www.trustfortheamericas.org/programs/POETA Facebook: The Trust for the Americas Twitter: @Trust4Americas About The Trust for the Americas: The Trust for the Americas is a nonprofit organization 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 opportunities, as well as government accountability and transparency. Our unique partnership with the OAS gives us access to decision-makers throughout the region. This vital partnership is the foundation through which we build strong networks across all member states and the private sector. Through the development of our region, The Trust continues to help overcome challenges through strategic partnerships that promote cooperation for sustainable results. About the M&M Formando Líderes Foundation: The Foundation was born out of a father and mother’s need to provide their daughters with a quality education and protect them from the armed conflict that gripped the municipality of Villanueva, Casanare, during the 2000s. Having experienced firsthand the consequences of violence—such as poverty, drug addiction, and, above all, a lack of education—the Mojica Millán family felt the need to help more children and young people and thus break the cycle of poverty in the region. Although at first they only taught their two daughters at home due to the dangers of going to school in the village where they lived, more children from the area began to join these classes. Today, the foundation not only offers tutoring in English, Mandarin, programming, and the exact sciences, but also provides hope, a home, and food for those in need. Colombia