(E-097/01)
April 26, 2001
OAS SIGNS AGREEMENT TO SUPPORT ECUADORIANS
STUDYING IN THE UNITED STATES
The Organization of American States (OAS) today signed an agreement with Ecuador's Foundation for Science and Technology (FUNDACYT) and the Harvard University-affiliated Academic and Professional Programs for the Americas (LASPAU), under which the OAS Leo S. Rowe Fund will provide loans totaling US$300,000 to finance part of expenses for 20 Ecuadorian students interested in pursuing Master's degree programs at universities in the United States.
A quasi-government institution in Ecuador, FUNDACYT's main purpose is to promote science, technology and innovation in the academic and productive sectors through human resource development. It is current implementing a "National Science and Technology Plan," with funding from the Inter-American Development Bank and the Ecuadorian government.
LASPAU is a non-profit organization affiliated with Harvard University, and carries out academic and professional exchanges for individuals and institutions in the United States, Canada, Latin America and the Caribbean.
The agreement was signed by OAS Secretary General César Gaviria; FUNDACYT Chairman and Ecuador National Secretary for Science and Technology, Santiago Carrasco; and the Executive Director of LASPAU, Ned Strong. Ecuador's Ambassador to the OAS, Blasco Peñaherrera, signed as witness of honor.