Volunteerism against poverty
The IDB in December hosted an unprecedented meeting of 70 leaders of Jewish communities from 12 Latin American countries who explored ways religious organizations can mobilize to fight poverty. Among the issues discussed was the role of volunteerism in finding solutions to violence and insecurity, child malnutrition, poor school attendance, health problems, lack of social services, and inequities.

The meeting followed similar discussions with representatives of the Vatican and the Latin American Catholic Bishops Conference.

Quality in the schools
In its annual report, UNICEF praised Latin America for achieving a primary school attendance rate of more than 90 percent. It further said that girls have been attending primary school at the same rate as boys for decades, and that women make up three-fourths of the primary teaching staff. However, a quarter of children who start primary school drop out before reaching the fifth year, according to the report. Also, in a region with great disparities between rich and poor, low-quality instruction is a serious problem for children who must attend public school.

Colombian peace plan
Colombia has unveiled an ambitious plan to fund development projects in areas of the country beset by conflicts between government and rebel forces. The plan is part of efforts to end civil conflicts that have claimed more than 35,000 lives in the last decade alone.

According to President Andrés Pastrana, government programs will include aid for refugees and projects to help poor farmers switch from growing coca leaf to legal crops. Present at the plan's unveiling was IDB President Enrique V. Iglesias, who promised substantial Bank financing for the program.