IDB, ALAS FOUNDATION WILL DELIVER AWARD IN EARLY CHILDHOOD DEVELOPMENT IN LATIN AMERICA AND THE CARIBBEAN

Apr 9, 2012

Ahead of the Summit of the Americas in Cartagena, Colombia

The Inter-American Development Bank (IDB) and the ALAS Foundation will present on Thursday, April 12 ,in Cartagena, Colombia, their joint awards to recognize innovations and excellence in early childhood development programs in Latin America and the Caribbean.

IDB President Luis Alberto Moreno and ALAS founder Shakira, a renowned artist and education advocate, will present the ALAS-IDB awards in a ceremony to be held from 6:30 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. at Napoleón de la Rosa auditorium of the Universidad Tecnológica de Bolívar.

The winners in the categories of Best Teacher, Best Publication, Best Innovation and Best Center were chosen from over 700 nominations after a three-step selection process conducted by prestigious early childhood development experts. Prizes include educational kits, training for early childhood development teachers in the Unites States, computers, video game consoles and television sets.

The ALAS-IDB awards, first of their type in Latin America and the Caribbean, will honor professionals and organizations that have made outstanding contributions to early childhood development in this region. The awards are also sponsored by partners including Coca Cola, Lego Education, United Way, Microsoft, Haier, Huggies, 3M, DELL, Cargill and Colombian American Association.

Media representatives interested in covering the event should write to Silvia Dangond (silvia@iadb.org) for accreditation.

About the IDB

The Inter-American Development Bank (IDB) is the leading multilateral source of long-term financing and technical assistance for development in Latin America and the Caribbean. The IDB has supported some 50 operations involving more than $5 billion with early childhood development components. Top experts in the field maintain that such social policies and programs offer the greatest benefits of any action governments may undertake to promote human capital.

About ALAS Foundation

The ALAS Foundation was established by Latin American leaders interested in influencing public policies and working to ensure that all boys and girls in this region reach their full potential through quality early childhood development programs.

IDB launches ALAS-IDB Award in Early Childhood Development for Latin American and the Caribbean

February 8, 2012

Luis Alberto Moreno and Shakira will present the awards to the winners.

The first series of awards will honor professionals, centers, publications and innovations in comprehensive early childhood education.

The Inter-American Development Bank (IDB), together with the ALAS Foundation, announced the launch of the ALAS-IDB Awards to recognize innovation, investments and excellence in programs that benefit children under 6 years of age in Latin America and the Caribbean.

Luis Alberto Moreno, President of the IDB, and Shakira, international artist, education activist and founder of the ALAS Foundation, will present the awards to the winners recognizing them as leaders and advocates of high quality early childhood development for Latin America.

This initiative is the first of its kind in the region that seeks to recognize programs of high quality, adequate intensity and duration that incorporate early education, psychosocial stimulation, nutrition and health. Inclusive programs that encourage the participation of boys and girls, families, caretakers and communities in a culturally appropriate manner will also be considered for recognition.

Shakira called upon organizations that work in early childhood education to participate: "This competition is a great opportunity to recognize and replicate high quality childhood development initiatives in Latin America. It is urgent that governments and organizations increase their commitments to early childhood education to give all of our children the opportunities that they deserve."

Moreno said, "The best way to change a person's future is through early childhood development.  Investments made during childhood have greater returns than at any other time in life.  For this reason, IDB and the ALAS Foundation have joined forces to promote quality early childhood development."

The first ALAS-IDB Awards will be presented at the Sixth Summit of the Americas which will take place April 14 and 15, 2012 in the city of Cartagena de Indias, Colombia.

There are four categories:
-Center of the Year
-Practitioner of the Year
-Publication of the Year
-Early Childhood Development Innovation of the Year

Proposals will be accepted from now until March 9.

The ALAS Foundation is made up of Latin American leaders who work to ensure that all boys and girls in Latin America, from 0 to 6 years of age, reach their full potential through comprehensive quality educational programs in Early Childhood Development that create change in public policy.

For more information, visit the IDB and ALAS websites:
http://www.iadb.org/alasbid o http://www.iadb.org/alasidb