MINERD and Orange Foundation Sign Agreement to Support National Literacy Plan

MINERD and Orange Foundation Sign Agreement to Support National Literacy Plan
Santo Domingo, Dominican Republic 3/20/2013

The Ministry of Education (MINERD in Spanish) signed a collaboration agreement with the Orange Foundation which has committed to support the National Literacy Plan known as “QuisqueyaLearns With You” being developed by the Dominican government with the goal of teaching more than 800,000 people around the country to read in the next two years.

Minister Pimentel expressed her satisfaction and appreciation forOrange as the first private company in the country to formalize an agreement with MINERD to support this praiseworthy national initiative.

Education Minister Josefina Pimentel and Eduardo Valcárcel, vice president of Communications and Institutional Public Relations of Orange Dominicana, signed the agreement at an event in the Education Ministry.

Minister Pimentel expressed her satisfaction and appreciation forOrange as the first private company in the country to formalize an agreement with MINERD to support this praiseworthy national initiative.

She noted that Orange’s contribution reflects the company’s social responsibility commitment and demonstrates its support and solidarity for the advancement of the country.

“I am moved because there are many needs to be filled and at times companies direct their support to other areas. For that reason, contributing to literacy is beautiful. We view it as a show of appreciation for Dominicans who have not had the opportunity to learn to read,” she said.

She suggested that employees and collaborators of Orange join in this project. She added that anyone who feels the need to improve their reading skills should contact the Education Ministry which will be offering material and training for literacy brigade volunteers.

“Through this project, we are promoting a social inclusion right as we promote this opportunity. We are calling for volunteers among the communities and cities who wish to lend a hand and support this national initiative to overcome illiteracy,” said Minister Pimentel.

“We whole-heartedly welcome this proposal. I believe this is the first of its kind which makes this initiative that much more beautiful, praiseworthy and significant if we have the opportunity to add more volunteers to our project.This helps us provide the opportunity for human development as citizens. When we teach people to read and write, the relationship between learning and teaching is enriched,” added the Minister.

Mr. Valcárcel from Orange said he was also moved by this initiative because he is a believer in social services being jointly provided by the private as well as public sector especially in cases where initiatives are so well-structured with such positive goals for the greater good of the Dominican people whose lives can be changed by education.

He said the Orange Foundation is focused on education and, above all, on how to integrate individuals with handicaps or those who lack access to technology.

“This is the beginning of more projects we can take on together in the future,” said Mr. Valcárcel.

Orange Dominicana is joining the cause expressed in Article 63 of the Constitution of the Dominican Republic that establishes that all people have a right to comprehensive education throughout his/her lifetime with equal conditions and opportunities and without limitations based on his/her aptitude, vocation and aspirations.

“The government’s commitment to reduce poverty, unemployment and illiteracy is an important part of this. For that reason, it is essential for all private companies and businesses to support these programs which are important for the future of the nation,” said Valcárcel , …

“The government’s commitment to reduce poverty, unemployment and illiteracy is an important part of this. For that reason, it is essential for all private companies and businesses to support these programs which are important for the future of the nation,” said Valcárcel, “We, as a company, are concerned. It matters to us that good things happen in the area of development of all Dominicans.”

Others present at the signing of the agreement included the Director of the Orange Foundation, Andrés Ferreiras; Belkis Medina andMónicaDespradel, Public Relations officers of Orange Dominicana. For the Education Ministry, Miriam Camilo, Director General of Education for Youth and Adults; Minerva Pérez, Director General of Community Participation; Giselle Féliz, Administrative Deputy Minister and Pedro Luis Castellanos, Director of Special Programs of the Presidency.

Education Minister, Josefina Pimentel and Eduardo Valcárcel, vice president of Communications and Institutional Public Relations of Orange Dominicana as they sign the collaboration agreement to support the National Literacy Plan known as “Quisqueya Learns With You”.