Inter-American Development Bank (IDB), together with ALAS Foundation, has 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, Shakira and Alejandro Santo Domingo, business leader and ALAS Foundation President, 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."
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. To nominate a candidate, head to iadb.org/alasidb.
Today
is Shakira's birthday! Here at ShakiraHQ we've received lots of
letters, messages and comments from you guys, including the amazing
mosaic shown above and this 3-part video in which fans from around the
world wish Shak many happy returns.
We wanted to say a big thanks for all of your support - it really is appreciated.
Today in Cannes, France, Shakira received the medal of “Chevalier De L’Ordre des Arts et des Lettres” from the French Minister of Culture Frédéric Mitterrand. Shakira is in Cannes to open the NRJ Music Awards tonight with her number 1 hit “Je L’Aime A Mourir”.
She was honored this afternoon by the French Minister of Culture Frédéric Mitterrand who presented Shakira with the medal, which recognizes significant contributions to the arts and literature. Shakira is the first Colombian ever to receive this honor, which has previously been awarded to TS Eliot, George Clooney, and Clint Eastwood.
Shakira commented: “I am so humbled to receive this honor in a country like France that has shared an important cultural legacy with the rest of the world.”
This became somewhat of a nightly tradition – a little pre-show dance to get us started! I can’t take credit though, those dance moves are all Chris from our audio dept! I just followed his lead… ~Shak
Today, to celebrate the beginning of 2012, we're sharing a very special video. On the player above, you can watch Shakira's version of Francis Cabrel's hit song Je L'aime A Mourir.
The video is taken from Shakira's Live From Paris DVD, which you can buy from your nearest store by clicking here or get it from the iTunes store here.
