SANTO DOMINGO, Dominican Republic – Thanks to Microsoft — Latin America, Alexander Celedenio’s future is a bright one. Celedenio, 20, a graduate of Children International, a U.S.-based humanitarian organization, started a new job at a local call center after successfully completing computer training provided by the software giant and Children International.

Officials from Microsoft – Latin America, Carmen Gonzalez, Business Manager for Latin America, and Rafael Lara, Global Program Manager, toured Children International’s Mendoza Community Center in Santo Domingo where the corporation donated a computer lab and $40,000 in software that made Celedenio’s training possible.  Gonzalez and Lara also took time to teach enthusiastic teens from the Children International® Youth Program basic computer skills.

The officials hope their visit to the community center may encourage Microsoft employees to lend their time and talents to help 30,000 children in the Dominican Republic who are supported by the charity.

In the past, Microsoft – Latin America has also made other key contributions to Children International that have advanced the education of young Latinos:

• $10,000 for computer training in Mexico
  
• $20,000 salary for an education coordinator in Mexico
  
• $120,000 for software in Quito, Ecuador
  
• $9,000 in products in Cartagena, Colombia

Children International’s President and CEO Jim Cook said, “Children International values Microsoft — Latin America for being a passionate advocate for children living in crushing poverty throughout the region. Their support has made a difference for thousands of youth like Alexander!”

About Microsoft:

Through donations, Microsoft is committed to helping people — especially those who are underserved and disadvantaged — to realize their potential. By sharing resources, innovative technology, and ideas and by working in partnership with others, Microsoft works to find sustainable solutions that make a real and lasting difference in people’s lives. Further information about Microsoft’s community affairs may be found at http://www.microsoft.com/giving.

About Children International:

Established in 1936, Children International is a nonprofit organization with its headquarters in Kansas City, Missouri. Children International’s programs benefit more than 325,000 sponsored children and their families in 11 countries around the world including Chile, Colombia, the Dominican Republic, Ecuador, Guatemala, Mexico, Zambia, Honduras, India, the Philippines and the United States. For more information about Children International, visit www.children.org.