In this Issue:

Winrock Launches Program to Promote Technology-based Business Development

Wallace Center Convenes
Local Food Producers and Regional Buyers

Connectivity and Training Aid Villagers in Panama

Celebrating World
AIDS Day in Nigeria

Philanthropy in the
Digital Age

Celebrating World AIDS Day in Nigeria 
Partners in the AIDS Impact Mitigation (AIM) Project joined the world to mark World AIDS Day. The event, "Partnership to face the challenge of HIV/AIDS - the AIM Project Experience", celebrated the success in mitigating the impact of HIV and AIDS on the lives of orphans and vulnerable children (OVC), widows and single mothers during the project's first year. A key highlight of the day was the musical competition between the children in the Acada Learning Centers in Jiwa and Giri. The children sang their hearts out in gratitude saying, "Now we have hope... ...we have life, this is from you to me, American people". 

In line with the theme of the day, Oceanic Bank, a technical partner, made micro loan awards of $500 each to three women who have demonstrated excellence in their efforts to develop income generating activities.

In the second year, the AIM project will provide care and support to over 4000 OVC in 15 states of Nigeria. Funding for AIM is provided by USAID as part of the US President's Emergency Plan for AIDS Relief (PEPFAR) program.

Visit our website
www.winrock.org

Winrock Launches Program to Promote
Technology-based Business Development
Technology-based innovations and job creation in Arkansas will be primary thrusts of a new initiative by the Arkansas Economic Development Commission and Winrock International's US Programs unit. Innovate Arkansas will provide the necessary due diligence required to identify potential new technology products and services, assist the founders or inventors of the products with their business start-up and financial support needs, and provide mentoring to move them to commercial enterprises.
 
The only requirements for potential clients of Innovate Arkansas are: the new commercial enterprises will be located in Arkansas, and the companies created will be a source of jobs with wage bases of at least 150% of the current state individual per capita income. Innovate Arkansas will work closely with existing university research centers to assist those technology innovations already identified in the university settings, and help provide the business and financial support services that are needed.

Wallace Center Convenes Local Food
Producers and Regional Buyers
A Wallace Center effort to increase the volume and profitability of local farm products in major market outlets launched successfully at the Great Lakes Fruit and Vegetable Expo. Nearly 100 food buyers, growers, and industry representatives attended the project's "Meet the Midwest Buyers" reception. Participants included Whole Foods, Sysco, Sodexho, Meijer Retail Stores, Gordon Food Services, Goodness Greeness and Testa Produce along with more than 50 environmentally certified growers. Buyers showed a high level of interest in growers' products, and some placed orders at the event.

The Wallace Center National Value Chain Network aims to build new "value chain" links between local farms and major food companies in which farms, for example, are no longer anonymous commodity producers but strategic partners in delivering high-quality, differentiated products to consumers.

Connectivity and Training 
Aid Villagers in Panama
Several participants from the 2007 NetHope Summit embarked on a field trip to a Winrock project in San Antonio, Panama. With assistance from Intel, Peace Corps and USAID, Winrock is bringing computer literacy to a small Wounaan Indian village. The project provides computer hardware, connectivity and training to help villagers develop skills in information technology. These resources are opening up a world of opportunity for villagers as they now have the ability to market locally made crafts online.

Innovate Arkansas will help entrepreneurs  develop businesses and create high paying jobs.


Producers and buyers discuss new market opportunities.


Village crafts will be marketed online.

Philanthropy in the Digital Age
A partnership between the Case Foundation, Parade Magazine, Facebook, Network for Good, and Global Giving is geared towards developing new generation of philanthropists.

 Using online tools the Parade America's Giving Challenge and Facebook Causes Giving Challenge are providing new opportunities for individuals to support charitable causes. The challenges are a way to both build awareness and increase financial contributions.

Through the Parade America's Giving Challenge you can make financial contribution to Winrock through our "charity badge". 

If you have a Facebook page we encourage you to add Winrock to your list of "causes" and share our information with all of your friends. 

The challenges run through January 31st. The charities that receive the greatest number of donations will win additional financial contributions from the challenge sponsors.