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Reaching U, A Foundation for Uruguay is a US-based 501c(3) organization dedicated to advancing the cause of education in the small Latin American country of Uruguay. The charity was founded in 2001, has raised over $1.3 million dollars and supported 16 individual projects to-date.

History

Reaching U was founded in the USA through the initiative of a group of Uruguayans who decided to give back to their country part of what they had received through their education. The organization is formed by people of different ages, with different beliefs, political and religious ideas, who work to improve life conditions in the most deprived sectors of Uruguay. The organization's first event, an auction of art and handicrafts in New York, was held in 2002. In 2003, the foundation was granted the status of “non-profit organization” under IRS Rule 501c3. Since then, all donations have been tax-deductible. A Spanish chapter was created in 2012 by a group of Uruguayans living in Madrid. The organization counts on a dedicated team of board directors, professional staff and volunteers in Los Angeles, Madrid, Miami, Montevideo, New York and Washington DC. In 2013, Reaching U plans to invest USD 311,000 in 16 social projects. Continued growth in support of a deeper positive impact on the lives and futures of Uruguayans is core to the organization's strategic objectives.

The Problem

Among the 16 countries of Latin America, Uruguay is ranked 13th in terms of high school graduation rates. 2 in 3 Uruguayan students do not complete secondary education. 42.9% of first year students in the Montevideo public high schools repeat the year. 55% of young people aged between 15 and 19 years do not complete junior high school due to limited educational opportunities.

Uruguay is one of the countries in Latin America with most equal wealth distribution, but it has the highest educational inequality. 93.5% of young Uruguayans living in poverty do not finish high school. Young Uruguayans in the richest quintile are 12 times more likely to finish high school than those in the poorest quintile.

The Approach

1. Identify programs with the greatest impact such as educational projects, or those that strengthen other NGOs.

2. Seek donors (individuals, corporations, other foundations) to finance the mission.

3. Teams in Los Angeles, Madrid, Miami, Montevideo, New York and Washington DC monitor the projects and keep donors informed.

4. Contribute to equal opportunities in Uruguay by promoting quality education, helping to finance elementary and high school support programs and strengthening education centers and teachers.

The organization promotes initiatives and strengthens organizations that offer educational opportunities so that all Uruguayans living in poverty can develop to their full potential.

“''Education in our country faces problems that require far-reaching solutions which in turn require the action of various actors. At Reaching U we fight and win battles on a daily basis against inequality in education. We create opportunities so that Uruguayan children and youngsters that live in poverty have access to a quality education. We can do a lot to help them develop to their full potential. They want to do it, but they face obstacles that are difficult to imagine. They want to put aside frustration and believe it is possible. They want to study, improve their present and build their future.''”

- Alejandro Rodríguez, Reaching U.

External Link:

http://reachingu.org/en