Initiatives

_ – CONFERENCE: The Challenges of How and Why Commemorate National Independence in Latin America
_ – A Roof for my Country
_ – Doncel Program
_ – Water Alliance Central America and SpainCONFERENCE: The Challenges of How and Why Commemorate National Independence in Latin America

February 26 – 27, 2009 The New School, New York

Three themes will be discussed including; 1. the different modes by which Latin American countries constructed their national centennial commemorations and how they left their mark on their respective cities and visual imaginary; 2. interpretation of present reflections and preparations of the Bicentennials in these countries; and 3. comparison of these themes between past and present and across Latin American countries. [Link->http://www.observatorylatinamerica.org/events_x_26feb2009.html]

A Roof for my Country
Montevideo, Uruguay

A Roof for my Country Uruguay was started in 2003 replicating a similar Chilean experience. It includes (i) building emergency housing, (ii) permanent social inclusion based on community organization, the handing of educational tools and activities, production support, trades and leadership training, and (iii) the creation of a sustainable neighborhood starting from the search of well located land to the handing over of a permanent home with good standards, organizing the applicants and representing them before other institutions. [LINK->http://www.elagora.org.ar/site/un-techo08.htm]

Doncel Program
City of Buenos Aires, Argentina

This is a social inclusion program geared to youth ages 17 to 21 that now live in communal institutions (totaling around 20,000 children and youths throughout the country). It deals with youths, adolescent mothers and therapeutic institutions of the City and Province of Buenos Aires. Companies and educational organizations participate in the social and employment network of the program. It seeks to support these children in order to facilitate their social and work inclusion before they exit the institution. [LINK->http://www.elagora.org.ar/site/doncel08.htm]

Water Alliance Central America and Spain

The Alliance seeks to increase drinking water coverage and basic sanitation in Central America and foster water saving practices in Spain. It therefore promotes (i) extending water availability and sanitation to the Central American rural and peri-urban population in conditions that ensure the quality of the service rendered and the preservation of natural resources, (ii) mobilizing local and Spanish resources in order to fund water and sanitation interventions in Central America, (iii) the commitment of the Spanish and Central American societies, respectively, in behaviors related to water saving and a more sustainable every day use of hydro resources. It intends that by 2005 around 5,000,000 more Central Americans have access to drinking water and basic sanitation and that 5 % of the Spanish population join the Water Alliance, saving a minimum of 5 % in consumption.[LINK->http://www.alianzaporelagua.org/]