TORONTO, ONTARIO--(Marketwire - Sept. 29, 2011) -
If you are unable to view this release, visit www.iamgold.com.
IAMGOLD Corporation ("IAMGOLD" or the "Company")
(TSX:IMG)(NYSE:IAG) today announced that it has embarked upon an
innovative Canadian Public-Private Partnership to improve educational
opportunities and provide greater access to 'job-readiness' training
for the youth of Burkina Faso in West Africa. The Canadian
International Development Agency (CIDA) has approved funding of
CDN$5,654,980 to support this five-year project which was jointly proposed
by Plan Canada and IAMGOLD. Together, Plan Canada and IAMGOLD have
committed CDN$1,919,830 to the project, which represents one of the
largest public-private partnerships with an extractive company in
CIDA's history.
"The Canadian extractive industries are the largest in the world,
working in many developing countries that have an abundance of natural
resources. Working in partnership with the private sector, these
resources can contribute to poverty reduction in many of these
countries and improve the standard of living for their
populations," explained Hon. Beverley J. Oda,
Minister of International Cooperation. "CIDA is supporting
Canada's Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) Strategy for the
Canadian International Extractive Sector with initiatives that will
contribute to sustainable economic growth, create jobs and long-term
poverty reduction."
Steve Letwin, President and CEO of IAMGOLD,
said, "The partnership demonstrates how responsible businesses can
take an active role and form working relationships with non-profit
organizations to help improve the lives of children and the economies
of the developing world. This project has received strong support from
the Government of Burkina Faso and was developed in collaboration with
local and regional authorities throughout the country. Although we
operate in one small corner of the country, support for this
comprehensive project is the right thing to do and is aligned with our
core purpose to enrich the lives of all our stakeholders.
In particular, I thank CIDA for supporting this initiative. Their
support is an excellent example of the strong leadership role that
Canada continues to take in support of education and promoting
sustainable development in many parts of the world."
"Our first commitment is to the best interests of children and the
communities in which we work," said Rosemary McCarney,
President and CEO of Plan Canada. "We believe that NGOs and the
private sector have different but important roles to play in ensuring
that major economic investments by Canadian companies translate into a
pattern of development that benefits all. Our partnership with IAMGOLD
will create safe training and decent work opportunities for youth in
Burkina Faso."
Entitled Building Young People's Human Capital for Economic Growth: A
Canadian Public-Private Partnership for CSR in Burkina Faso, the
project's highlights are to:
-- Focus on non-formal technical and vocational training for youth of ages 13 to 18 in two regions of the country; -- Support the transition of youth from pre-professional education to professional training; -- Double professional secondary education enrolment and education completion rates in targeted zones; -- Provide life skills training needed to help youth to make the transition to the job market and self-employment; -- Make a direct contribution to Burkina Faso's human resources by investing in the country's youth, with a strong emphasis on girls; and -- Showcase a CSR partnership that brings together industry, civil society and the governments of Canada and Burkina Faso.
Meetings involving all interested parties were
held throughout the week in Burkina Faso to formally begin the
implementation of this project.
About IAMGOLD
IAMGOLD (www.iamgold.com) is
a leading mid-tier gold mining company producing approximately one
million ounces annually from five gold mines (including current joint
ventures) on three continents. IAMGOLD is uniquely positioned with a
strong financial position and extensive management and operational
expertise. To grow from this strong base, IAMGOLD has a pipeline of
development and exploration projects and continues to assess accretive
acquisition opportunities. IAMGOLD's growth plans are strategically
focused in West Africa, select countries in South America and regions
of Canada. IAMGOLD also operates Niobec, a
niobium mine in the Canadian province of Quebec.
Plan Canada
Plan is a global movement for change, mobilizing millions of people
around the world to support social justice for children in developing
countries. Founded in 1937, Plan is now one of the world's
oldest and largest international development agencies, working in
partnership with millions of people around the world to end global
poverty. Not for profit, independent and inclusive of all faiths and
cultures, Plan has only one agenda: to improve the lives of children. For more information visit
www.plancanada.ca
Please note:
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