The Partnership in Opportunities for Employment through Technology in the Americas (POETA) is a hemisphere wide initiative established by the Trust for the Americas, the OAS and Microsoft to fight poverty, promote social inclusion and improve competitiveness by increasing access to technology and jobs for persons with disabilities and other at-risk population. Through a combination of Information and Communication Technologies and Adaptive Technologies, POETA provides persons with disabilities with the necessary skills and the opportunity to apply for and hold a job, earn a living, and become more independent. This opportunity can not only improve the quality of life for disabled people, but also that of their families.

In Costa Rica, more than 5.3% of the population suffers from some form of disability, and the majority is unemployed and consequently lives in poverty. To address this challenge, the CRUSA Foundation and Amigos of Costa Rica have teamed up with POETA, the Omar Dengo Foundation and the Centro del Movimiento de Trabajadores to provide training and support to these marginalized communities in the use of the information technology and to create long term, lasting change for marginalized communities.

Up to date, there are three training centers operating in the country. Our goal is to establish four additional ones and to impact the lives of 1200 people with disabilities.

Please consider supporting this program by making an express donation and selecting POETA from the drop-down menu.