News Hub | News Direct

Education

Higher Education Preschool Primary/Secondary
Article thumbnail News Release

Niren Chaudhary, Harsha Bhogle, Raghu Raghuram, Paresh Rawal & Swaroop Sampat to participate in Akshaya Patra’s Partnerships for Hope Virtual Gala.

The Akshaya Patra Foundation USA

Akshaya Patra USA will hold its Partnerships for Hope event on Saturday, August 28th, 5 PM PT / 8 PM ET, to raise funds for COVID-19 food relief for vulnerable communities in India. The hosts of this western region virtual event include the Akshaya Patra Arizona, California, Colorado, Nevada, Oregon, and Washington State Chapters. “We are blessed to have some of the most inspiring Indian personalities from Corporate America, Entertainment, and Sports speaking at the Western Region Gala. Our audience is in for a heartwarming and inspiring treat,” said Rajiv Jain, Interim CEO of Akshaya Patra. The event will kick off with an introduction from two celebrity supporters, the talented Actor Paresh Rawal and beautiful Author and Actress Swaroop Sampat. Then Akshaya Patra’s Vice Chairman, Srivatsan Rajan, will hold a fireside chat with the world-renowned cricket commentator Harsha Bhogle. Later, Siva Sivaram, Akshaya Patra Chairman and President of Western Digital, will moderate a roundtable discussion with the astute Niren Chaudhary, CEO of Panera Bread, and prestigious Raghu Raghuram, CEO of VMware. Throughout the event guests will enjoy musical performances by the incredibly talented duo from Carnatic 2.0, composed of Mahesh Raghvan and Shravan Sridhar. Over 1,000 professionals, non-profits, government officials, and philanthropic leaders will be in attendance to celebrate Akshaya Patra beneficiaries, volunteers, and chapter teams. Mark your calendars and register now! About Akshaya Patra Established in 2000, Akshaya Patra is the world’s largest NGO school meal program, providing hot, nutritious school lunches to over 1.8 million children in over 19,257 schools through 57 kitchens in 12 states and two Union Territories in India. It costs only $20 to feed a child for an entire school year. Since the COVID-19 lockdown began on March 24th, Akshaya Patra has served more than 118 million meals to migrant workers and our beneficiaries and their families. Contact Details Akshaya Patra Foundation USA +1 781-438-3090 contact@apusa.org Company Website https://www.akshayapatrausa.org/

August 10, 2021 08:04 AM Eastern Daylight Time

Image
Article thumbnail News Release

Osmo’s Back To School Sale Starts Now: From August 8 to 14, Save 25% Off Select Kits, Games, Bundles and More

Osmo

STEAM brand Osmo ’s Back to School sale starts now. From Aug. 8 to 14, Osmo offers 25% off select kits, games, bundles and more. View Back to School deals at PlayOsmo.com, Target.com, and Amazon.com. Save 25% on these items at PlayOsmo.com: Kits: Little Genius Starter Kit + Early Math Adventure, Genius Starter Kit + Family Game Night, Genius Starter Kit, Coding Starter Kit and Creative Starter Kit Games: Math Wizard Bundle, Math Wizard and the Magical Workshop, Math Wizard and the Secrets of the Dragons, Monster Other items: Coding Family Bundle, Math Wizard Kit (features all 4 Math Wizard titles + base included), Essential Math Bundle, Early Literacy Bundle, Super Studio Artist Bundle, Pretend Play Bundle, Explorer Starter Kit, Super Osmonaut Starter Kit, Preschool Starter Kit, Elementary School Starter Kit, Ultimate Expansion Bundle Save 25% on these kits and games at Target and Target.com: Little Genius Starter Kit for iPad (base included) Genius Starter Kit for iPad (base included) Creative Starter Kit for iPad (base included) Coding Starter Kit for iPad (base included) Math Wizard and the Secrets of the Dragons (base excluded) Math Wizard and the Magical Workshop (base excluded) Save 25% on these Osmo kits, games, and bundles at Amazon.com: Genius Starter Kit for iPad (base included) Genius Starter Kit for Fire Tablet (base included) Genius Starter Kit + Family Game Night for iPad (base included) Genius Starter Kit + Family Game Night for Fire (base included) Little Genius Starter Kit for Fire Tablet (base included) Little Genius Starter Kit + Early Math Adventure for iPad (base included) Little Genius Starter Kit + Early Math Adventure for Fire (base included) Creative Starter Kit for iPad (base included) Coding Starter Kit for iPad (base included) Coding Starter Kit for Fire Tablet (base included) Math Wizard and the Secrets of the Dragons for iPad & Fire Tablet (base required) Math Wizard and the Magical Workshop for iPad & Fire Tablet (base required) Coding Family Bundle for iPad & Fire Tablet (base required) Pizza Co. for iPad & Fire Tablet (base required) Detective Agency for iPad & Fire Tablet (base required) Math Wizard and The Enchanted World Games for iPad Bundle (base included) Math Wizard and the Enchanted World Games for Fire Tablet Bundle (base included) Math Wizard and The Amazing Airships for iPad Bundle (base included) Math Wizard and The Amazing Airships for Fire Tablet Bundle (base included) Little Genius Sticks & Rings for iPad or Fire Tablet (base required) Little Genius Costume Pieces for iPad or Fire Tablet (base required) About Osmo Osmo is an award-winning STEAM brand with more than 2.5 million learners worldwide. It is building a universe of hands-on play experiences that nourish the minds of children by unleashing the power of imagination. The company brings physical tools into the digital world through augmented reality and its proprietary reflective artificial intelligence. Osmo is headquartered in Palo Alto, California, and is part of BYJU’S, a global leader in online learning. Learn more at playosmo.com. Contact Details Carolyn Kamii PR Carolyn Kamii carolynkpr@gmail.com Company Website http://www.playosmo.com

August 08, 2021 06:00 AM Pacific Daylight Time

Article thumbnail News Release

Velocity Global hires tech operations leader Eric Schroeder as Chief Operating Officer

Velocity Global

Velocity Global, the leading provider of global employment solutions, added technology operations veteran Eric Schroeder as chief operating officer. Schroeder applies two decades of operations leadership to support clients, their distributed workforces, and scale Velocity Global’s worldwide team. “Eric led global safety operations for Uber, one of the world’s top tech companies that combines complex infrastructure with a simple human experience,” said Ben Wright, Velocity Global founder and CEO. “His global operations expertise aligns directly with our global work platform for an always-on connection between employers and the talent who rely on us for everything from timely, accurate payroll to customized compliant solutions in global markets.” Schroeder most recently was vice president of operations for autonomous driving company, Ghost. Prior to that, he was head of global safety operations for Uber and also held roles as General Manager for Utah and Northern California. Before Uber, he spent three years with McKinsey and Company in the U.S. and South Africa. Schroeder is also a proud Army veteran where he served in Special Forces and completed two combat deployments to Afghanistan. “My experience at Uber inspired a passion for the future of work — the balance of opportunity and owning how, when, and where you work,” said Schroeder. “I’ve long been impressed with Ben and the team at Velocity Global where I now direct that passion in a way the world has not yet experienced. The team built and maintains the backbone of global employment, enhanced by a first-class technology experience. The multifaceted platform connects employers with talent anywhere in the world.” The company’s global work platform simplifies the employer and employee experience through proprietary cloud-based workforce management technology, personalized expertise, and unmatched global scale. Users access a streamlined technology interface as well as partner with a dedicated experience team for individualized solutions and expertise. As the largest global Employer of Record (EoR) in 185 countries and all 50 United States, Velocity Global manages a client’s workforce and provides in-country and in-state compliance, payroll, and benefits for the supported employees. The company also offers Independent Contractor Compliance to assess a workforce, and Agent of Record (AoR) to streamline payments to contractors globally. Schroeder leads the customer experience and delivery team, global payroll and benefits, and worldwide operations with employees across five continents. About Velocity Global Velocity Global accelerates the future of work beyond borders. Its global work platform simplifies the employer and employee experience through proprietary cloud-based workforce management technology, personalized expertise, and unmatched scale. As the largest global Employer of Record (also known as International PEO) in 185 countries and all 50 United States, more than 1,000 brands rely on Velocity Global to build global teams without the cost or complexity of setting up foreign legal entities or state registrations. The company offers additional services including Independent Contractor Compliance to assess a workforce, and Agent of Record (AoR) to streamline payments to contractors. Velocity Global was named a “Leader” in Global Employer of Record services by prominent analyst firm NelsonHall. Founded in 2014, the company has hundreds of employees across five continents. For more information visit velocityglobal.com. Contact Details Velocity Global John Hall +1 720-650-4348 news@velocityglobal.com Company Website https://velocityglobal.com/

August 04, 2021 07:02 AM Mountain Daylight Time

Image
Article thumbnail News Release

Comcast's Internet Essentials Program, Tacoma Mayor, and Local Gaming Personality Marcel Cunningham Partner to Address Digital Divide for Students at Al Davies Boys & Girls Club

Comcast Washington

Comcast today announced grants and technology donations to the Al Davies Club in Tacoma as part of its ongoing commitment to help connect more low-income students and families to the Internet. The announcement was made at an event with former Al Davies Club Member and international gaming influencer Marcel Cunningham, who goes by the name of BasicallyIDoWrk, and the Mayor of Tacoma, Victoria Woodards. In collaboration with Cunningham, Comcast contributed $10,000 and 40 laptop computers to the Boys & Girls Clubs of South Puget Sound. Sixty students also received free laptop computers to keep along with 12 months of home Internet service for eligible families through Comcast’s Internet Essentials program. The funds and computer equipment will help the club better serve its members and provide additional resources to families in need. Thirty kids attending summer camp at the Al Davies Boys & Girls Club also had the opportunity to play with Cunningham in a fun, interactive video game competition at the event. Afterwards, Cunningham, Mayor Woodards, and Comcast surprised the students by handing out the free laptops and a gift card good for a year of Internet Essentials Internet service. "It is extraordinary to be able to come back and bring resources to the Club I spent so much time at as a kid. Boys & Girls Clubs are special places that help so many kids and families, and I wouldn't be who I am today without the experiences I had at the Al Davies Club,” said Cunningham. “I appreciate the opportunity to partner with Comcast and Mayor Woodards to bring these resources to the Boys & Girls Club, the students, and their families.” “When private companies and organizations like ours can come together it can truly create something special for our community. These funds, access to internet and technology donations will have a tremendous impact on our local Clubs,the members we serve, and their families” said Carrie Holden, President/CEO, Boys & Girls Clubs of South Puget Sound. “We are grateful to Comcast for its contributions and to our alum Marcel for continuing to stay engaged with the Club and our kids.” “The COVID-19 pandemic has shed light on many of the inequities in our society, including the digital divide. In Tacoma and across the South Puget Sound, we are fortunate to have organizations like our local Boys & Girls Clubs which serve as central meeting places and can help address the issues of access and equity if they have the resources,” said Tacoma’s Mayor Victoria Woodards. “This is why it is exciting to see Comcast and Marcel collaborating with our local Clubs to support youth and their families and fill an important community need by providing crucial technology resources across our region.” As a former member of the Al Davies Boys & Girls Club, Cunningham previously received the Key to the City of Tacoma Award for his work in the local community and support of his childhood club. Cunningham continues to support the club via his foundation TeamWrk, which focuses on challenging youth to reach their full potential by teaching healthy gaming habits, character and team-building skills, and bullying prevention. Cunningham recently became a member of “Team Xfinity”, a collection of streamers, content creators, and gamers who rely on Xfinity Internet to power all their gaming and streaming needs, connecting them with audiences across the world. "We're thrilled to partner with Marcel to help give Boys & Girls Club students and families the resources to access the Internet to participate in online learning," said Carla Carrell, Senior Director of External Affairs, Comcast Washington. "The pandemic put many vulnerable students and families at risk of being left behind, accelerating the need for comprehensive digital equity and Internet adoption programs to support them." Today’s announcement comes on the heels of Comcast’s recent $1 billion commitment over the next 10 years to help further close the digital divide and give even more low-income students and families the tools and resources they need to succeed in a digital world. About Internet Essentials Internet Essentials is Comcast’s signature digital equity initiative and the nation’s largest and most comprehensive broadband adoption program. In 10 years, it has helped connect 10 million low-income Americans to broadband Internet at home, most for the very first time. Internet Essentials has a comprehensive design that addresses each of the three major barriers to broadband adoption. This includes: multiple options to access free digital literacy training in print, online, and in person; the option to purchase a heavily subsidized, low-cost Internet-ready computer; and low-cost, high-speed Internet service for $9.95 a month, plus tax. The program is structured as a partnership between Comcast and tens of thousands of school districts, libraries, elected officials, and nonprofit community partners. Comcast has never raised the price of the program. For more information about Internet Essentials and Comcast’s commitment to education and digital equity, please visit https://corporate.comcast.com/impact/digital-equity/internet-essentials To apply, visit www.internetessentials.com or call 1-855-846-8376 for English or 1-855-765-6995 for Spanish. About Comcast Corporation Comcast Corporation (Nasdaq: CMCSA) is a global media and technology company that connects people to moments that matter. We are principally focused on broadband, aggregation, and streaming with over 56 million customer relationships across the United States and Europe. We deliver broadband, wireless, and video through our Xfinity, Comcast Business, and Sky brands; create, distribute, and stream leading entertainment, sports, and news through Universal Filmed Entertainment Group, Universal Studio Group, Sky Studios, the NBC and Telemundo broadcast networks, multiple cable networks, Peacock, NBCUniversal News Group, NBC Sports, Sky News, and Sky Sports; and provide memorable experiences at Universal Parks and Resorts in the United States and Asia. Visit www.comcastcorporation.com for more information. Contact Details Comcast Nick McDonald +1 425-977-5565 Nick_McDonald@Comcast.com Comcast Andy Colley +1 425-248-5438 Andy_Colley@Comcast.com Company Website https://washington.comcast.com/

August 04, 2021 05:57 AM Pacific Daylight Time

Article thumbnail News Release

STEAM Brand Osmo Introduces 8 Exclusive Starter Kits to Walmart In Time for Back to School

Osmo

Award-winning STEAM brand Osmo introduces 8 exclusive starter kits for iPad to Walmart and Walmart.com, in time for back to school. Osmo’s product displays are located in the preschool aisle of the toy department at Walmart stores nationwide, and its 8 starter kits for iPad include: Detective Agency Starter Kit (includes base set) - Retail $39.97 Super Studio Disney Mickey Mouse & Friends Starter Kit (includes base set) - Retail $39.97 Super Studio Disney Princess Starter Kit (includes base set) - Retail $39.97 Numbers Starter Kit (includes base set) - Retail $49.44 Monster Starter Kit (includes base set) - Retail $49.44 Words Starter Kit (includes base set) - Retail $49.44 Sticks & Rings Starter Kit (includes base set) - Retail $49.44 Pizza Company Starter Kit (includes base set) - Retail $60 To see the entire collection of Osmo’s products, visit its Walmart store. Osmo’s award-winning products are currently used in over 2.5 million homes and 50,000 classrooms. About Osmo Osmo is an award-winning STEAM brand with more than 2.5 million learners worldwide. It is building a universe of hands-on play experiences that nourish the minds of children by unleashing the power of imagination. The company brings physical tools into the digital world through augmented reality and its proprietary reflective artificial intelligence. Osmo is headquartered in Palo Alto, California, and is part of BYJU’S, a global leader in online learning. Learn more at playosmo.com. Contact Details Carolyn Kamii PR Carolyn Kamii carolynkpr@gmail.com Company Website http://www.playosmo.com

August 04, 2021 04:00 AM Pacific Daylight Time

Image
Article thumbnail News Release

Cyvatar Launches First-Ever Cybersecurity Side Hustle

Cyvatar

Cyvatar today announced the release of the CydeHustle, a customer referral program that helps everyday people earn extra money on the side by referring organizations in their network to Cyvatar. The CydeHustle is easy work you can do in your spare time. In just a few minutes, you can not only bring in more money for yourself, but you can also enable people from all walks of life to help tip the cyber scales in favor of the good guys by stopping threat actors from breaching the brands and businesses we love. Organizations face more than 100,000 malicious websites and 10,000 malicious files every single day. Last year, malware increased by 358% and ransomware by 435% -- in fact, ransomware alone is now a multibillion-dollar industry staffed with expert researchers, strategists, technologists, and front-line hackers. Cyvatar’s ground-breaking cybersecurity as a service (CSaaS) levels the playing field so that any organization regardless of size or budget can combat threat actors. Joining the CydeHustle means you can enjoy the rewarding experience of keeping the businesses in your network safe... and get paid for it. "The Cyvatar CydeHustle program is a no-brainer, and the corresponding partner portal makes it easy to earn money on the side,” said CydeHustler Chris W. “Just as much as Cyvatar simplifies cybersecurity management for customers, it’s absolute simplicity to earn easy commissions with Cyvatar, even while juggling a full-time position and family responsibilities. Now anyone can be a deal-making machine!" Every CydeHustle referral that becomes a sale earns money for the person who introduces them: 20% of the sale price when the contract is signed, 10% of any upgrades purchased in the first year, and an additional 5% each year the referral renews. It’s easy money. Everybody needs better security, and Cyvatar’s CSaaS enables organizations to get better security outcomes fast. “The CydeHustle is so easy and so lucrative that we’ve already paid hundreds of thousands of dollars to CydeHustlers,” said Edward Preston, vice president of sales at Cyvatar. "Partners get paid for referring companies in their networks, those businesses get a game-changing cybersecurity program, and our world becomes safer from the onslaught of cyber threats.” Importantly, Cyvatar CSaaS is both accessible and affordable: For as little as $20 a month, customers receive out-of-the-box cybersecurity that includes products and services, a platform to manage them, and an expert team to support them -- all for one fixed monthly price. What’s more, Cyvatar sells itself -- it’s one of the 50 Most Trustworthy Companies recognized by the Silicon Review and has won 20 awards for cybersecurity innovation and excellence. CydeHustlers can keep their day jobs or Hustle between classes, after work, or from the far reaches of the world, because the Hustle is real -- and risk-free. Cyvatar keeps individual participation completely private unless participants explicitly choose to share their activity publicly. So what are you waiting for? Make a difference. Make an introduction. Make the world a safer place by keeping threat actors away from the businesses you know and love. All you have to do is sign up. Share the Cyvatar story. And get paid. Sign up and start earning today! About Cyvatar Cyvatar is committed to effortless cybersecurity for everyone. As the industry’s first subscription-based, cybersecurity-as-a-service (CSaaS) company, it’s our mission to transform the way the security industry builds, sells, and supports cyber solutions. We empower our members to achieve successful outcomes by providing expert advisors, proven technologies, and a strategic process roadmap to guarantee results that map to their business drivers. Our approach is rooted in proprietary ICARM (installation, configuration, assessment, remediation, maintenance) methodology that delivers smarter, measurable security solutions for superior compliance and cyber-attack protection faster and more efficiently, all at a fixed monthly price. And because we’re a subscription, members can cancel anytime. Cyvatar is headquartered in Irvine, California with locations around the world. Begin your journey to security confidence at cyvatar.ai and follow us on LinkedIn and Twitter. Contact Details Cyvatar KC Higgins +1 303-434-8163 kc@cyvatar.ai Company Website https://cyvatar.ai/

August 03, 2021 08:00 AM Eastern Daylight Time

Video
Article thumbnail News Release

Singer-Songwriter Charlie Marie Lyons’ Latest Music Video “Change” Released to Support Dikembe Mutombo Foundation Humanitarian Work in Congo

Dikembe Mutombo Foundation

Los Angeles-based singer-songwriter Charlie Marie Lyons’ new music video “Change”, based on her new single inspired by the humanitarian work of NBA Global Ambassador Dikembe Mutombo, was released today on YouTube as Mutombo builds support for construction of a new school in his impoverished home country of Congo. The NBA Hall of Famer and board member at UNICEF USA has worked tirelessly since 1997 to improve primary health care, disease prevention and education in his native land. His latest project is construction of a modern pre-K to sixth grade school in a region where 240,000 children have no access to modern education. Seeing Dikembe’s passion for bringing equal educational opportunities to boys and girls outside the city of Mbuji-Mayi in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC), Charlie was inspired to write “Change”. “The only way to change the world is to contribute selflessly,” said Lyons.“ I wanted to identify a story of hope that will encourage restoration and prove that focus and unity can go a long way to achieving constructive change.” “Your song is a gift of life that you’re giving to the young Congolese people so they can have a better education, and I want to thank you for doing that, and for being who you are,” said Mutombo after seeing the video. Lyons has committed all streaming revenue from the single and music video to support the work of the Dikembe Mutombo Foundation. Named after Dikembe’s late father, a teacher and school superintendent, the future Samuel Mutombo Institute of Science & Entrepreneurship broke ground in July 2020 with opening slated for this October. In its first phase, the school will welcome 440 girls and boys to its classrooms. The school will include a “Change” classroom devoted to music and art. Lyons and the Mutombo Foundation plan a long-term relationship to support the school, and Lyons will help build the curriculum that’s taught in the classroom. In addition to the supplies and equipment necessary for teaching music and art, the classroom will host an artists’ wall of signatures to commemorate all the students who pass through the music and art program. Mutombo eschewed becoming a doctor in favor of a bigger paycheck in the NBA so he could do more for his homeland. “Whether it’s my work as NBA Global Ambassador, as a board member at UNICEF USA or through the initiatives of the foundation that bears my name, I see myself first as a humanitarian,” said Mutombo. “I can’t do it alone, which is why I’m touched knowing that Charlie’s new single and music video are inspired by my work and will earmark all their revenue to supporting the foundation.” A Music Video for the Greater Good The “Change” music video takes a fresh approach to its production, employing the music and lyrics to inform and inspire support for a man and his work for the greater good. And unlike the majority of music videos with their polished, fictional material, content in the “Change” music video is real – drawn from archives and other factual sources. About the Foundation The Dikembe Mutombo foundation was launched in 1997 and in 1999 its first project along with several international and local partners vaccinated 8.2 million children in the DRC, resulting in a virtually polio-free country for four years. That was followed by construction of the Biamba Marie Mutombo hospital in the capital city of Kinshasa. It was the first hospital of its kind built in the DRC in 45 years. Opened in 2007 with 170 beds, the hospital is named after Dikembe’s mother and, to date, has treated almost 600,000 people. The foundation also worked with the U.S.-based Starkey Hearing Foundation to provide free hearing aids to almost 10,000 people. To donate, go to the Dikembe Mutombo Foundation web site at dmf.org. Computer animation of the completed school is available on YouTube. See the “Change” music video on YouTube. “Change” is available on Apple Music, Spotify, iHeart Radio or wherever you stream music. For more on the artist, visit charliemarielyons.com. The Dikembe Mutombo Foundation is dedicated to improving the health, education and quality of life for the people of the Democratic Republic of the Congo. The Foundation strives to accomplish this goal through an emphasis on primary health care and disease prevention, the promotion of health policy, health research and increased access to health care education for the people of the Congo. Contact Details SilversJacobson, LLC Paul Jacobson +1 303-548-6684 paul@silversjacobson.com Company Website https://dmf.org

July 29, 2021 01:05 PM Eastern Daylight Time

Image
Article thumbnail News Release

Singer-Songwriter Charlie Marie Lyons and Dikembe Mutombo Foundation Ally to Support School Construction in Congo

Dikembe Mutombo Foundation

Los Angeles, July 26, 2021 – The philanthropic work of NBA Global Ambassador Dikembe Mutombo is the inspiration for Los Angeles-based singer-songwriter Charlie Marie Lyons’ new single “Change”, and she will donate all streaming revenue from the single to support the Dikembe Mutombo Foundation’s work to build a new school in his home country, the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC). “Not only did I literally look up to Dikembe Mutombo, but I also saw his heart and what he wants to achieve in this world,” said Lyons, whose compositions and performances share unfiltered stories of pain and hope and intimacy. “He inspired me to use my voice as a tool for change.” The new single was released today and is available on Apple Music, Spotify, iHeart Radio and other streaming platforms. “This is not a story about tragedy, in fact, this is a story about overcoming. It’s a story about hope, and Dikembe Mutombo really inspires the people around him to have hope with a presence that encourages selflessness, self-reflection and self-improvement,” added Lyons. Located in a rural area outside the Mbuji-Mayi district, the ancestral home of the former NBA superstar’s parents, the modern pre-K through 6 school broke ground in July 2020 and is scheduled to open this October. In its first phase, the school will welcome 440 girls and boys to its classrooms. Named after Dikembe’s late father, a teacher and school principal, the future Samuel Mutombo Institute of Science & Entrepreneurship will serve a region where 240,000 children have no access to modern education. The DRC spends 1.5 percent of its gross domestic product on education, 166 th in the world. By comparison, the United States spends 5 percent. France spends 5.5 percent. As part of the planned long-term relationship between Lyons and the foundation, the school will include a “Change” classroom devoted to music and art. Lyons will help build the classroom’s curriculum, and the room will include an artists’ wall of signatures to commemorate the student-artists who pass through the program. “This project will build a modern high school in the Congo emphasizing science, technology, engineering, mathematics and the arts,” said Mutombo, who after 18 seasons in the NBA became the league’s first global ambassador. He has devoted his post-basketball career to improving primary health care, disease prevention and education in his native land. “I don’t see myself as a basketball player; I see myself as a humanitarian – someone who wants to see the world get better. I want to create the great leaders of tomorrow, but I cannot do it by myself,” he added. The school is not Mutombo’s first humanitarian project in his homeland. After its launch in 1997, the foundation’s first initiative, along with several international and local partners, was leading a 1999 campaign to stop the spread of polio. In three days 8.2 million children were vaccinated resulting in a near polio free DRC for four years. Next, the foundation spearheaded construction of the Biamba Marie Mutombo hospital in the capital city of Kinshasa. Named after Dikembe’s mother, the 170-bed facility opened in 2007 as the first new hospital of Its kind constructed in the DRC in 45 years and, to date, has treated almost 600,000 people. In addition, the hospital collaborated with the U.S.-based Starkey Hearing Foundation to provide almost 10,000 hearing-impaired people with new hearing aids at no cost. To donate, go to the Dikembe Mutombo Foundation web site at dmf.org. Computer animation of the completed school is available on YouTube. “Change” is available on Apple Music, Spotify, iHeart Radio or wherever you stream music. For more on the artist, visit charliemarielyons.com. The Dikembe Mutombo Foundation is dedicated to improving the health, education and quality of life for the people of the Democratic Republic of the Congo. The Foundation strives to accomplish this goal through an emphasis on primary health care and disease prevention, the promotion of health policy, health research and increased access to health care education for the people of the Congo. Contact Details SilversJacobson Paul Jacobson +1 303-548-6684 paul@silversjacobson.com Company Website https://dmf.org

July 26, 2021 06:55 PM Eastern Daylight Time

Image
Article thumbnail News Release

Akshaya Patra Partners with the Elanco Foundation to Receive $100,000 for COVID-19 Food Relief Efforts across India.

The Akshaya Patra Foundation USA

Akshaya Patra recently announced a new partnership with the Elanco Foundation, which has pledged $100,000 to help increase the impact of COVID-19 related food security efforts across India. As a result of the COVID-19 pandemic and Indian government lockdown, over 1.3 billion individuals and thousands of vulnerable communities were significantly burdened and impacted by the crisis. In particular, the lockdown forced school closures limiting Akshaya Patra’s mid-day meal program with millions of students not receiving meals resulting in a spike in food insecurity and malnutrition. “This is a significant moment for us at Akshaya Patra, as we work alongside the Elanco Foundation--under a unified mission--to alleviate hunger,” Jyothi Sathyan, Finance Director of Akshaya Patra, stated. “We believe that food assistance has a crucial role in humanitarian disaster relief efforts. Together with our supporters, we have been able to serve over 151 million meals to individuals and families in need since March 2020.” The partnership with the Elanco Foundation will help provide thousands of packaged meals, kitchen supplies, groceries, and hygiene kits to the tens of thousands of vulnerable individuals and communities affected by the pandemic. “As an organization committed to advancing the health and well-being of people in need, we are proud to work with the Akshaya Patra Foundation to help alleviate pressure on vulnerable communities,” said Jared Skok, Executive Director of the Elanco Foundation and Head of CSR and Sustainability at Elanco Animal Health. “The Elanco Foundation’s mission aligns well with Akshaya Patra’s efforts to promote food security for disadvantaged children and their families. Collaborating with our community partners on the ground, we are able to improve the livelihoods of those who would otherwise not have food on the table in these difficult times of the pandemic.” About Elanco Foundation The Elanco Foundation is driven by the power of animals, the promise of health, and the potential for change. Established in 2019 by Elanco Animal Health, the Foundation is committed to improving the well-being of people and animals around the world through philanthropic investments and strategic partnerships focused on enhancing food security and promoting the human-animal bond. To learn more about the Elanco Foundation, visit https://www.elanco.com/en-us/sustainability/the-foundation. About Akshaya Patra Established in 2000, Akshaya Patra is the world’s largest NGO school meal program, providing hot, nutritious school lunches to over 1.8 million children in over 19,257 schools through 57 kitchens in 12 states and two Union Territories in India. It costs only $20 to feed a child for an entire school year. Since the COVID-19 lockdown began on March 24th, Akshaya Patra has served more than 136 million meals to migrant workers and our beneficiaries and their families. Visit us at https://www.akshayapatrausa.org. Contact Details Akshaya Patra Foundation USA Ankita Narula +1 781-438-3090 ankita@apusa.org Elanco Foundation Jared Skok jared.skok@elancoah.com Company Website https://www.akshayapatrausa.org/

July 21, 2021 06:04 AM Mountain Daylight Time

1 ... 3435363738 ... 40