Citigroup awards $25K for Guam program

The Citigroup Foundation, through United Way International, has awarded $25,000 to Guam Educational Telecommunications Corp. through the television station Channel 12 – KGTF. The grant will be used to support KGTF’s educational outreach partnership with the Guam Public Library System.

The Citibank Foundation grant will help to establish a computer learning center for children at the main library in Hagatna. A library of various learning software programs available to the center’s users is also in the plan.

“We are very pleased to support KGTF’s Educational Outreach partnership with the Guam Public Library System. Our children will be the future leaders of this community. It is very critical that they have access to all the educational resources available to prepare them for the challenges ahead in our local and global economies,” said Ajay Kashyap, Citigroup Country Officer in Guam. “With the technology center at Hagatna library, the children can use their after-school time productively. Our Citibank employee volunteers look forward to interacting with the children and supporting the community through this initiative.”

KGTF and the Guam Public Library System will encourage the use of the “Citigroup Learning Center” as a site for regularly scheduled computer activities and mini-workshops for the library’s young patrons. Saturday Story Hour and Ready to learn workshops will be a regular feature at the Hagatna Public Library.

Public Broadcasting System’s Kids programs on KGTF and their related websites on pbskids.org and pbskidsgo.org will offer additional visuals and learning resources to entertain while educating the children. The literacy component of the activities is established supported by Citibank volunteers and other guests from the community. These events are free of charge and open to the public.

The Citigroup Volunteer Program encourages employees to take time off during their work-hours to volunteer their time and talents to charitable organizations. Citibank employees will be actively involved in KGTF’s educational activities like Read aloud and story-telling at the Hagatna Public Library.

Citigroup said it is committed to improve the communities in over 100 countries in which it operates. Its foundation reportedly prioritizes grants in financial education, educating the next generation, and building communities and entrepreneurs.

United Way International is a U.S. incorporated, 501(c)(3) not-for-profit organization. Its worldwide purpose is to mobilize local leaders and non-governmental organizations and to assist them in creating meaningful impact in their communities. One of UWI’s major programs is the International Donor Advised Giving Program, which is designed to assist donors like the Citigroup Foundation in supporting international philanthropy.

KGTF serves the entire population of the island of Guam. It remains the only public broadcasting TV station on Guam and within the western pacific region. While offering both national and local programming, KGTF continues to also serve the public interest by providing the people of Guam with quality educational and community-driven outreach services, which will not only entertain, educate, but also offer important information about the world to learners of all ages. (PR)

Photo Caption: From left, Henry Dela Cruz, computer technician, Hagatna Library; Liz Santos, library technician; Jacquie Ronan, general manager, KGTF; Sonia Subuiron, development director, KGTF; Cristina Watson, acting director, Hagatna Library; Ajay Kashyap, Citigroup country officer; Vivian Duke Webb, vice president & human resources director, Citibank; Connie Moral, public affairs officer, Citibank.