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Summary
Grammy Award-winning artist Shakira and World Bank Group President Robert B. Zoellick launched a $300 million joint initiative aimed at expanding development programmes for young children in Latin America and the Caribbean. The Early Childhood Initiative: An investment for life seeks to focus cost-effective policies and resources in the region, while mobilizing public support to improve opportunities for its young citizens and thereby help overcome deep inequalities, said Zoellick during a signing ceremony of the partnership agreement between Shakira's ALAS Foundation, Columbia University's Earth Institute and the World Bank, held at the Bank's Washington D.C. headquarters. Early Childhood Development (ECD) programs provide children with adequate nutrition, healthcare and stimulating environments from the moment of conception through age six a period of development crucial for achieving a child's full potential. The initiative will help expand ECD programs in a region where 9 million children under five suffer from chronic malnutrition and 22 million lack access to early basic care.
