Shakira Launches Early Childhood Charity Initiative

Wed, 24 Feb 2010 14:00:00 +0000

Grammy Award-winning artist Shakira and World Bank Group President Robert B. Zoellick have launched a US$300 million joint initiative aimed at expanding development programs for young children in Latin America and the Caribbean.

The “Early Childhood Initiative: An Investment for Life” seeks to focus cost-effective policies and resources in the region, while mobilizing public support to improve opportunities for its young citizens and thereby help overcome deep inequalities, said Zoellick during a signing ceremony of the partnership agreement between Shakira’s ALAS Foundation, Columbia University’s Earth Institute and the World Bank, held at the Bank’s Washington D.C. headquarters.

Early Childhood Development (ECD) programs provide children with adequate nutrition, healthcare and stimulating environments from the moment of conception through age six –a period of development crucial for achieving a child’s full potential. The initiative will help expand ECD programs in a region where 9 million children under five suffer from chronic malnutrition and 22 million lack access to early basic care.

Schumacher is in the Winner’s Circle for Philanthropy

Sun, 17 Sep 2006 20:53:30 +0000

Michael Schumacher, the world’s most successful racing driver, announced his retirement after spending years racing and raising millions for charity.

The son of a builder from Kerpen, near Cologne, has donated almost £30 million to projects around the world in the past four years alone and, if motor racing fails to hold its allure when he hangs up his helmet at the end of the Formula One season, it is thought that he might plough his considerable wealth into a full-time foundation.

Ferrari’s seven-time world champion has worked for the United Nations charity since 1995, and his previous donations have helped build schools and clinics.

Look To The Stars News: UNESCO

Shakira Launches Early Childhood Charity Initiative

Schumacher is in the Winner’s Circle for Philanthropy