October 2008, CSR Wire
Barrick Gold Corporation and Teleton, Un Techo para Chile and America Solidaria, three non-governmental organizations (NGOs), announced today the creation of an alliance to assist the most impoverished communities in northern Chile's Atacama Region. Through the Atacama Commitment, the company and its partners will implement a series of targeted programs and initiatives to improve housing and education for people living in poverty, provide services for disabled children and support socio-economic development in the region.
The first phase of the Atacama Commitment is expected to benefit some 4,000 of the region's most underprivileged residents, including 700 families currently living in substandard housing or slums, known as "campamentos". Initiatives include a new housing program, support for a new rehabilitation centre for disabled children, a program to bring digital learning and laptops to 12 area schools, and the development of a sustainable development strategy for the region. Full implementation of these initiatives will range from three to five years.
