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Equipo POETA DigiSpark visitó São Paulo, Brasil 

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En el marco de la implementación del Proyecto POETA DigiSpark, del 8 al 18 de mayo de 2023 Verónica Philippe, Gerente de Proyectos y Fátima Galeazzo, Coordinadora Nacional Brasil, visitaron a socios locales y aliados en Brasil.  Durante dos semanas llenas de actividades e interacciones con los equipos de tres socios locales, el equipo de The Trust tuvo la oportunidad de conocer las diferentes prácticas utilizadas para implementar procesos de capacitación de jóvenes y adultos, así como interesantes experiencias innovadoras para generar oportunidades económicas y educativas para personas con y sin discapacidad.  Durante este recorrido, Verónica y Fátima estuvieron en las oficinas de Instituto Tecnológico Inovação (ITI), en São Paulo, donde tuvieron la oportunidad de conversar con Marcelo Pascios, Director Presidente de ITI, y con Sonia Alakaki, Coordinadora de POETA. El objetivo fue conocer más sobre la implementación de POETA DigiSpark, así como intercambiar ideas para potencializar las alianzas de la institución en Brasil.  Se destacaron las capacitaciones que ITI está facilitando a más de 100 beneficiarios POETA en materia de ciberseguridad, defensa cibernética y la Ley General de Protección de Datos de Brasil. La capacitación tiene duración de 80 horas con el objetivo de que los beneficiarios se gradúen con un perfil técnico que les permita ingresar al mercado laboral de la industria de la ciberseguridad.  De igual forma, el equipo de The Trust visitó el Centro POETA ITI, en el barrio de Tatuapé en São Paulo, que celebraría su inauguración oficial en unos días. La visita consistió en conocer el Centro, su equipo, sus procesos de capacitación y aprovechar la oportunidad de interactuar con los participantes que estaban cursando Yo Puedo Programar/Eu Posso Programar de Code.org. Se destaca la presencia de Sergio Silva – Educador y Maria da Conceição Monteiro – Asistente Social, profesionales integrantes del equipo encargado del seguimiento del proyecto POETA DigiSpark.    El Centro POETA de ITI se destaca por contar con elementos de Ciencias de la Computación como robótica, programación con Arduino, manejo y uso de impresoras 3D, así como tecnologías accesibles para personas con discapacidad.  Posteriormente, el equipo del Trust visitó las oficinas de Microsoft Brasil en São Paulo, en donde pudieron compartir con Lucia Rodrigues – Microsoft Philanthropies Brazil Lead, Ricardo Rosado y Daniel Zilenovski de Microsoft Filantropía, sobre la importancia de la Inteligencia Artificial, la Ciberseguridad y la Sostenibilidad Ambiental como temas transversales dentro de POETA DigiSpark.  Con el objetivo de avanzar la capacitación de los contenidos Future Skills Workshop de Ernst & Young (EY), Verónica y Fátima se reunieron con Luiza Ferraz, Asistente de Dirección de Responsabilidad Corporativa de EY y con Andreia Kakazu, Responsabilidad Corporativa, Diversidad e Inclusión de EY. Se comentaron oportunidades de trabajo en conjunto en favor de organizaciones sociales en Brasil, al igual que la relevancia de las ciencias de la computación para mujeres, jóvenes y niñas.  El equipo del Trust también visitó las oficinas de CTI – Centro de Tecnologia e Inovação, socio local de la Franquicia Social POETA desde 2015. En la visita, el equipo se logró reunir con la Dra Yumi Kaneko, Directora Técnica, Luciana Fugimoto, Gerente Administrativa, Marcelo Scarabeli, Kelly Vicentina da Cruz Gil y Valquiria Ribeiro Barbosa, Supervisores Técnicos, para conocer más sobre el valioso trabajo de inclusión laboral del Centro. Como temas relevantes, se habló sobre la inclusión de personas con discapacidad, el trabajo de inclusión social que se debe hacer con y desde las empresas empleadoras, y las estrategias de vinculación laboral como lo es el programa nacional de empleo Jovem Aprendiz.   Finalmente, el equipo cerró la visita con broche de oro al atender la inauguración del Centro POETA de ITI, socio local de POETA DigiSpark. El Centro POETA es posible gracias a la alianza de ITI con la Secretaría Municipal de Cultura – Sistema Municipal de Bibliotecas, especialmente con la Coordinadora General de las Bibliotecas Públicas, Raquel Oliveira. El evento conmemoró el respaldo de los diversos actores que apoyan la iniciativa del Centro. Desde representante de instancias gubernamentales, oficinas nacionales de educación, y representantes de Microsoft Filantropía, entre otros, estuvieron presentes para compartir su entusiasmo. De igual forma, el evento tuvo el honor de contar con el equipo de docencia del Centro y por participantes del curso de Banco de Datos.  Durante la inauguración, Verónica tuvo oportunidad de destacar frente a los presentes sobre la importancia de las aliadas internacionales y locales y cómo éstas hacen posible el desarrollo social y económico de las poblaciones a las que atendemos. Fátima, a su vez, destacó las diferentes iniciativas que trabajamos en el marco de la Franquicia Social y el proyecto POETA DigiSpark en todo país, con especial énfasis en el trabajo en red con diferentes actores locales, que comparten el mismo propósito de generar nuevas y mejores oportunidades económicas y sociales.  La inauguración cerró con un bonito convivió entre los invitados. Se resaltó el interés de los participantes por acercarse al equipo de The Trust y Microsoft para intercambiar ideas y pedir tips para acceder al mercado laboral. 

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DIA Program was selected by the Global Data Barometer to promote the opening of thematic data in Panama 

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Data-driven decision-making has become a key factor in addressing complex development agendas and improving administrative processes. Transformative priorities such as climate action, education systems, corruption prevention, and health require effective data management to drive inclusive and effective policies and efforts.  Earlier this year, the Global Data Barometer (GDB)—an initiative that seeks to advance the understanding and use of data to promote more democratic and inclusive governments—launched a call for proposals aimed at supporting the use of GDB data for the public good. Our proposal, “Roadmap for Thematic Open Data,” was selected as one of six initiatives that will receive funding to, in this case, strengthen Panama’s open data strategy.  This initiative is driven by the DIA Program of The Trust for the Americas, which seeks to promote collaboration and the development of strategic and technical capacities among both governments and citizens to support the implementation of local open data initiatives.   The Global Data Barometer call for proposals sought innovative proposals that utilized GDB data and focused on governance, inclusion, and the impact of data on development. In this regard, our proposal will use this data to identify thematic areas where Panama shows weaknesses in terms of data availability and quality. Based on this, workshops will be organized with Panama’s open data group, ANTAI, the AIG, and other institutions responsible for thematic datasets, with the goal of developing a roadmap that will enable the Panamanian government to prioritize actions to open up and improve data quality in the short, medium, and long term.  In an increasingly digital and interconnected world, the use of data has become a valuable and powerful resource. The implementation of initiatives such as this one not only strengthens governance and inclusion but also promotes sustainable development and informed decision-making. 

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Leveraging AI for Sustainable Development: JET Project Jamaica Recognized as IRCAI Global Top 100 

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Artificial Intelligence (AI) can help solve some of society’s most pressing challenges. From healthcare to climate change, AI is being used to tackle issues once considered impossible to address. The International Research Centre on Artificial Intelligence (IRCAI), a Category 2 Center under the auspices of UNESCO, recently launched a call for proposals to identify the top 100 projects utilizing AI to address the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). IRCAI functions as a network of institutions and experts worldwide, providing funding and helping to accelerate approaches to the UN SDGs that utilize AI.    The DIA Program’s ’Unleashing the Potential of Jamaican Youth through Empowerment & Training’ Project (JET Project Jamaica) was selected as one of the IRCAI GLOBAL TOP 100 AI projects addressing issues related to the 17 UN SDGs. The JET Project focuses on reskilling and upskilling youth with the most in-demand digital and soft skills to facilitate their access to job opportunities, local freelancing options, or support them in developing their entrepreneurial ventures. How does AI fit into the JET Project? Through collaboration with Citibeats, we developed an AI platform called the Employment and Skills Monitor, which enables us to gain insights into citizens’ needs and identify labor market requirements in Jamaica, the Caribbean, the United Kingdom, and the United States. By tailoring its training curricula to address the prevailing market opportunities and challenges faced by Jamaicans seeking entry-level positions, JET actively contributes to the achievement of the UN 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development:   #1: End Poverty, #4: Quality Education #5: Gender Equality #8: Decent Work and Economic Growth #10: Reduction of Inequalities #17: Partnerships for the Goals Being selected as one of the IRCAI Global Top 100 UNESCO Outstanding AI Solutions is a testament to the JET project’s commitment to leveraging AI for sustainable development. This recognition not only showcases AI’s potential to make a positive impact but also highlights the importance of responsible and ethical AI practices. As the results of the Global Top 100 are shared with the public, it further reinforces the significance of AI-driven solutions in achieving the UN SDGs. Through initiatives like JET, we can inspire and pave the way for a future where AI is harnessed for the betterment of society. By Valeria Tafoya, Technology Consultant, The Trust for the Americas 

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How to start looking for your first job? – DIA Program Officer participates in networking event with university students 

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Looking for your first job can feel like an uncertain experience, where we end up questioning our preparation and professional skills, wondering how to start applying for a new job, and also how to ace a job interview.   I identified several of these questions during my participation in the Job Journey on April 19 in Puebla, Mexico. This was an event for students majoring in Economics, Law, and International Relations. As a DIA Program Officer representing The Trust, I participated alongside eight other professionals who, in turn, represented various organizations. Each of us had the opportunity to have very interesting conversations with the students about the different career paths they can choose; we helped them practice their networking skills, and they asked us plenty of questions to learn more about our jobs. 

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Empowering Communities for Sustainable Development

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To build a sustainable future, we need innovative and dedicated organizations that offer unique solutions. Since 1997, The Trust for the Americas, a nonprofit affiliated with the Organization of American States, has had a substantial impact in the Western Hemisphere. As the saying goes, actions speak louder than words. Our projects have benefited 4.3 million people across 27 countries, thanks to our network of 372 technology centers and innovation labs within the civic, academic, private, and public sectors. Some of our achievements include training 72,000 women in Mexico to acquire new skills, helping young entrepreneurs in the Caribbean expand their businesses, improving government transparency in Central America through open data, and supporting migrants across the continent in using technology to achieve their goals. Our success stems from our focus on social and economic inclusion through the use of technology, entrepreneurship, partnerships, and good governance. Our strong social franchise ensures brighter futures in communities by providing access to high-quality content and software, and by training individuals to think creatively in addressing pressing local challenges. Our projects are effective, engaging, and far-reaching, aligning with the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) that are vital for social development and equal opportunities. As a member of this organization, I am proud to be part of such an innovative and unique team. We have achieved a lot; we are going for more!

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CARIRI participates in UWI WOW Recruitment Fair 2023 featuring the DIA Lab TT 

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On April 14th, the University of the West Indies (UWI) Campus St. Augustine JFK Auditorium hosted the annual World of Work (WOW) Recruitment Fair, where employers and over 1,000 students from years 1-3 were brought together to explore job and career development opportunities. Among the participants was the Caribbean Industrial Research Institute (CARIRI), our local partner at the DIA Lab TT, which showcased the lab’s offerings to interested young people. CARIRI used the WOW Recruitment Fair to inform students with backgrounds in Psychology, Physics, Engineering, Chemistry, Agribusiness, Computer Science, and Marketing about potential employment opportunities within the organization and personal and professional development and entrepreneurship opportunities available through the DIA Lab TT, a collaborative space to support young innovators and entrepreneurs in Trinidad and Tobago. Photo courtesy of CARIRI The participation of CARIRI in the WOW Recruitment Fair highlights the importance of democratizing innovation and entrepreneurship. The DIA Lab TT is part of a regional DIA Labs network that provides Caribbean youth with technology, collaborative spaces, training, and competitive seed funds and has a current presence in Jamaica, the Dominican Republic, and Belize. At the Democratizing Innovation in the Americas (DIA) Program, we believe that innovation and entrepreneurship will play a vital role in shaping the future of work; therefore, networks like the DIA Labs are at the forefront of promoting these values. They empower young people and build stronger, more resilient communities. 

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Equipo POETA DigiSpark visitó a socios locales en Chile

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Durante una visita al centro social de The Trust for the Americas, se vivieron momentos inspiradores y emocionantes en el marco del Proyecto POETA DigiSpark. Luz Marina Correa, Gerente de Proyectos en The Trust for the Americas, se reunió con los Socios Locales Innovacien, Lace Educación y CDI Chile. Estas organizaciones trabajan juntas para impulsar oportunidades económicas en empleabilidad y emprendimiento de sus participantes, con el apoyo financiero de Microsoft.  Constanza García, representante de Microsoft Filantropía en Chile, asistió a todos los eventos y actividades realizadas por los distintos Socios Locales. En una primera sesión, representantes de las tres instituciones aliadas compartieron sus experiencias y generaron estrategias para ampliar la cobertura del proyecto, además de aprender buenas prácticas que han beneficiado a miles de personas en el país.  Luz Marina también ofreció una capacitación a formadores del equipo de CDI Chile, mejorando los procesos y metodologías para los socios locales a través de la formación virtual. Durante su visita a Innovacien, junto a Constanza García, participaron en el evento de certificación a mujeres madres adolescentes que se certificaron en el curso de Microsoft Dynamics Marketing, en alianza con la Fundación Soy Más.  Luz Marina también ofreció una capacitación a formadores del equipo de CDI Chile, mejorando los procesos y metodologías para los socios locales a través de la formación virtual. Durante su visita a Innovacien, junto a Constanza García, participaron en el evento de certificación a mujeres madres adolescentes que se certificaron en el curso de Microsoft Dynamics Marketing, en alianza con la Fundación Soy Más. .

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POETA Team visited Local Partners in Honduras

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At the end of March, Regional Coordinator Maite Capra visited Honduras, a country where we have three Local Partners (LPs) that provide hundreds of youth with training in the productive use of ICTs to improve their chances of decent employment, allowing them autonomy and the opportunity to stay in their beautiful country. These LPs are: Aldeas SOS Honduras, Fundación TERRA Honduras, and Teletón Honduras. During this visit, Maite conducted various training sessions on topics such as the inclusion of people with disabilities and how to facilitate a POETA space, with the participation of staff from the partner institutions and center participants. The first location she visited was Aldeas SOS HN, a partner whose facilities house children and youth so they grow up safe, stimulated, and in a family environment. Everyone attends school, and of course, they have POETA Centers where they learn to use technology and prepare for life outside the institution, whether by pursuing a career or working. Aldeas is beginning to reach out to the community, inviting individuals who can benefit from the use of ICTs. In addition, she had the opportunity to visit Fundación TERRA HN, which recently inaugurated two POETA centers that have started training young people who want to specialize in the use of technology to support the development of their families, communities, and country. They plan to begin expanding their reach to surrounding communities. Maite participated in the inauguration of the project implemented by Teletón HN in partnership with the Ministry of Education to train a total of 1,400 teachers who are engaged in the important task of integrating children with disabilities into regular schools. This visit was a collaborative space with the POETA local partners, as it allowed for the generation of plans and strategies to grow and diversify actions that will enable us to benefit more people in the country.

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Showcasing the DIA Lab TT at the Village Wallawah Event 

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On March 30th, our local partner in Trinidad and Tobago, the Caribbean Industrial Research Institute (CARIRI) participated in the Village Wallawah event, providing a platform for entrepreneurs to increase their visibility and gain experience selling and interacting with customers. CARIRI showcased the Democratizing Innovation in the Americas (DIA) Lab TT as part of the program\’s outreach to encourage entrepreneurs to sign up for the 2023 cohort and join the DIA Labs network.  The event featured Atisha Mitchell, a 2022 seed funding beneficiary and founder of \”Tubanistic.\” Atisha\’s experience with the DIA Lab has been instrumental in helping her grow her business and increase her reach. So, during the Village Wallawah event, she had the opportunity to sell her turbans and interact with customers, gaining valuable experience and networking.  

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DIA Team Presents the JET Project Jamaica Training Curriculum to Upskill Jamaican Youth in On-Demand Digital Skills 

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On March 30th, the DIA Team carried out the orientation session of the JET Project with the first cohort of participants. The  JET Project Jamaica, an initiative of the Democratizing Innovation in the Americas (DIA) Program, aims to reskill and upskill youth in the most in-demand digital and life skills and later connect them with jobs, local freelancing opportunities, or support them in developing entrepreneurial ventures.   JET addresses the mismatch between the digital skills of youth and those in demand by the labor market, as training contents and curricula are often obsolete in covering the current market needs. Higher education and vocational training programs and systems must be structured to respond quickly to the shifting demands of private sector companies operating in the digital economy. Further, there needs to be more aware of job opportunities and the skills required for available jobs.  During the orientation session, participants were presented with the Curriculum Package, composed of soft skills and digital courses. The soft skills component ranges from communication, problem-solving, and leadership to financial literacy, conflict management, and decision-making. Moreover, the mandatory digital skills courses cover artificial intelligence, web, programming and app development, and social media management. The optional tracks offer cybersecurity training, digital image and video editing, or machine learning. \”This experience will give you leverage on having been exposed to these critical abilities required more than ever in the digital economy. Our team is motivated to keep progressing with this crucial project and support youth in joining the innovation movement,\” said Naketa West, JET Project Coordinator.  The JET Project is a cutting-edge initiative that uses technology to empower Jamaican youth to join the digital transformation. To design the training curriculum, the DIA Team partnered with Citibeats, whose ethical artificial intelligence created the Employment and Skill Monitor to identify the leading trends, social insights, and labor market indicators. The DIA team then developed the presented training program, focusing on the people behind the data and their needs.  Innovation goes beyond creating technology; it is how technology can improve or solve some urban challenges faced by youth and vulnerable communities. The JET Project Jamaica is a step in the right direction. The passion and eagerness of the participants in the orientation session serve as a reminder of the impact the JET Project can have on the lives of Jamaican youth.  * The implementation of the JET Project is possible thanks to the financial and/or strategic collaboration of the following partners:

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