ALAS-BID Awards
What are the ALAS-BID Awards?
PREMIO ALAS-BID
What are the ALAS-BID Awards?
The ALAS-IDB awards were conceived to recognize and share the commitment of individuals and organizations working in the field of early childhood development in Latin America and the Caribbean. The awards are presented by the Inter-American Development Bank (IDB) and the ALAS Foundation, which is headed by Shakira, the internationally renowned artist. Awards are given in four categories: educators, centers, children´s stories, and innovations.
The awards recognize outstanding efforts to improve the lives of the youngest of citizens, often under difficult circumstances. One award honors the best example of children’s literature addressing socially relevant issues.
In 2015 some 1,200 nominations were received, which reflects the region’s growing interest in early childhood development. But despite an increase in access to early childhood development services in recent decades, significant differences in coverage and quality persist across countries and socioeconomic groups, indicating that much work remains to be done in the region. IDB and the ALAS Foundation believe that drawing attention to stellar achievements will encourage further progress where it is most needed.
The four winners and the finalists in the four categories stand out for their commitment and dedication to early childhood development, whether through their work with vulnerable children or by grappling with issues that are rarely addressed. The winners and finalists represent many other organizations and people who work tirelessly every day on behalf of the children of the region.
FAQ
What are the ALAS-IDB Awards?
The ALAS-IDB Awards originated as an initiative to recognize and encourage hard work and commitment in the area of early childhood development in Latin America and the Caribbean. The awards are given by the Inter-American Development Bank and the ALAS Foundation, the latter of which is headed by the international artist Shakira. Particularly, the awards recognize people or institutions that provide exceptional services to children ages 0 to 7 years old, and in the process, have a positive impact in difficult contexts.
What are the categories?
There are four categories: Best Teacher, Best Center, Best Children’s Book, and Best Innovation in Early Childhood Development.
Who can participate?
All individuals, public or private institutions, and government or non-government organizations based out of Latin America or the Caribbean which have initiatives that can be classified in any of the four award categories.
Can I nominate myself?
Yes, you can nominate yourself or your own project. You can also nominate other people, organization, books, or centers which have impressed you.
Can I apply in multiple categories? How many applications can I submit?
Yes, one person or institution can submit ONE nomination for each category. Please note that the quantity of nominations for a particular project or individual has no influence in the considerations for finalists and winners.
What awards do I receive if I win?
The ALAS-IDB awards are recognized for their rigorous selection process and prestige, and its recipients enjoy international respect for having been selected by a panel of leading early childhood education experts from around the world. The winners and finalists are also invited to attend the award’s ceremony.
Should the individual or project being nominated be from Latin America or the Caribbean?
Yes, the initiatives or individuals should operate in this region.
How do I submit a nomination?
You can complete a nomination by going to www.iadb.org/alasbid and select the category for which you intend to apply. After choosing the category, fill out the contact information to create a user name. With that username, you can then complete the form and send it all in by following the directions indicated on the page. Please note that once you have submitted an application, no changes will be accepted. As such, we recommend that you respond to the questions in a word document and once complete, copy and paste your responses on the nomination form.