CaribPR Wire

Full-tuition certificate program opportunities reflect university’s mission of positive social change

MINNEAPOLIS, Sept. 5, 2012 /PRNewswire/ — After the 2010 earthquake devastated Haiti, Walden University made a commitment to put its mission of social change into action by providing educational opportunities to Haitians who could then use their knowledge to help others and make an impact in their communities. To achieve this goal, Walden partnered with the Organization of American States (OAS) to identify Haitians residing on the island who would be eligible to receive five full-tuition scholarships for certificate programs in the School of Public Policy and Administration. 

(Logo: http://photos.prnewswire.com/prnh/20110920/MM71012-b)

"Helping students and graduates lead positive social change has been a part of our university’s mission for more than 40 years. These five remarkable Haitians are committed to improving the future of their country, and we are proud to play a role in helping them achieve their goals," said Dr. Cynthia G. Baum, president of Walden University.

The Walden OAS Haiti Scholarship program is administered in part through the Organization of American States Department of Human Development, Education and Culture (OAS-DHDEC), which has worked tirelessly since the earthquake to provide Haitians with opportunities to redevelop and enhance the nation through its people. OAS also is providing a dedicated space at the Port-au-Prince Education Center with computers and Internet service for the scholarship winners to study and pursue their online programs.

"I believe this opportunity will strengthen my professional development as well as help me better understand leadership management. It will also provide me with the knowledge and skills to become a change agent in my community and build a nonprofit organization with a mission to help the most vulnerable," said Patricia Dufane, a project manager for Catholic Relief Services-Haiti from Port-au-Prince and recipient of a Graduate Certificate in Nonprofit Management scholarship.

In addition to Dufane, four students were awarded Graduate Certificate in Public Management and Leadership scholarships:
• Jeannot Chataigne, tour and visit administrator for Compassion International in Haiti from Port-au-Prince
• Charles Myrlande Gaspard, agronomist and part-time radio operator for UNOPS from Les Cayes
• Marie Laura Jean, finance assistant for the World Food Programme from Les Cayes
• Raphney Rendel, logistic officer for ActionAid Haiti from Port-au-Prince
"It is a great privilege for me to receive this scholarship. I plan to share my skills with the people in my community in order to improve their way of thinking and act as agents of social change," said Jean.

Since its founding in 1970, Walden has attracted a community of lifelong learners who share a common desire to make a difference. Walden students, alumni and faculty and staff members bring Walden’s mission to life through research, conferences and service projects focused on effecting positive social change. To learn more about Walden’s ongoing commitment to social change, including the recent release of the Social Change Impact Report, visit www.WaldenU.edu/socialchange.   

About Walden University
For more than 40 years, Walden University has supported working professionals in achieving their academic goals and making a greater impact in their professions and their communities. Today, more than 48,500 students from all 50 states and more than 140 countries are pursuing their bachelor’s, master’s or doctoral degrees online at Walden. The university provides students with an engaging educational experience that connects them with expert faculty and peers around the world. Walden is the flagship online university in the Laureate International Universities network—a global network of more than 60 campus-based and online universities in 29 countries.

Walden offers more than 65 degree programs with more than 330 specializations and concentrations. Areas of study include health sciences, counseling, human services, management, psychology, education, public health, nursing, public administration and information technology. For more information, visit www.WaldenU.edu. Walden University is accredited by The Higher Learning Commission and a member of the North Central Association, www.ncahlc.org.

Urges donors to call (877) 572-4484 to support relief effort

 WASHINGTON, Jan. 14 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ — Jimmy Jean-Louis, who plays the “Haitian” on NBC’s hit series “Heroes,” is leading a public awareness campaign to raise money for the survivors of the devastating earthquake in Haiti, the Pan American Development Foundation and the Organization of American States announced.

 ”Haitians are desperate for help, and I am glad to collaborate with PADF on its national campaign to raise relief money,” says Jimmy Jean-Louis, who will appear in television public service announcements, print ads and online.

 He is asking people to donate to PADF’s secure website: www.PanAmericanRelief.org Donations are also accepted by a toll-free number: (877) 572-4484. PADF responds to natural disasters in Latin America and the Caribbean.

 Fortunately, Jimmy Jean-Louis found out today that his parents in the Haitian capital are safe but their home was destroyed by the earthquake. Unfortunately, other family members died in the collapse.

 Jimmy is making plans to return to Haiti. PADF will provide him with a satellite telephone so he can maintain contact and provide first-hand reports on the situation on the ground.

 ”Jimmy’s kind heart and dedication to his countrymen are outstanding and we are proud to work with him on this national campaign,” says John Sanbrailo, PADF’s Executive Director.

 PADF – the natural disaster relief arm of the OAS – has more than 150 people in Haiti working on economic development, human rights and disaster relief. PADF’s office in the Dominican Republic will be the staging area for all its shipments to the island. It is sending emergency relief supplies including food, tools, telecommunications equipment and other immediate relief supplies.

 ”PADF is working with civil protection authorities, the private sector and community organizations to provide immediate and long-term assistance,” Sanbrailo says.

 As part of its response effort, PADF is coordinating with other Inter-American partners including the OAS, the Pan American Health Organization (PAHO) and Inter-American Institute for Cooperation on Agriculture.

 At the same time, the non-profit organization is also working with major corporations to coordinate their response. In other recent natural disasters, PADF worked with DIAGEO, Chevron, Royal Caribbean International Ltd., Citi and Federal Express.

 About PADF

PADF has more than 150 people throughout Haiti working on a number of projects, including community driven development, disaster mitigation and protecting human rights.

 PADF is an independent, non-profit organization that creates public-private partnerships to assist the least advantaged people in Latin America and the Caribbean.

 Through these partnerships and as a unique affiliate of the Organization of American States, PADF creates economic opportunities, strengthens communities and prepares for and responds to natural disasters.

 Having worked in every country in the region, PADF engages community-based groups, governments and the private sector in the process of implementing appropriate solutions for sustainable development.

 In the past year, more than 5 million people in 18 countries benefited from PADF and its programs. www.padf.org