NEW YORK, May 7, 2011 – American Associates, Ben-Gurion University of the Negev (AABGU www.aabgu.org) has received a $100,000 initial contribution from the Alliance for Global Good (AFGG www.afgg.org) for strategic program partnerships. The AFGG contribution will fund three innovative research programs at Ben-Gurion University of the Negev (BGU) that will advance education, water resource management and health care in Jordan and Ethiopia.
"The Alliance for Global Good, generously supported by Leonard Kaplan, has identified some of the most significant programs taking place at BGU that are focused on innovation and research to solve global problems," explains AABGU Executive Vice President Doron Krakow. "Our organizations' missions are closely aligned and we look forward to the success of this ongoing strategic partnership."
"One of the Alliance's central objectives is to improve the practice of philanthropy by adopting a novel business model that connects discriminating donors with the highest quality programs," says David M. Brand, AFGG chief executive officer. "Specific initiatives selected by the Alliance and its program partners reflect the interests and expertise expressed by Alliance donor partners."
The following BGU programs chosen by the Alliance are focused on making a positive change in Jordan and Ethiopia:
Israel-Jordan Academic Emergency Medicine Collaboration
Currently, 14 Jordanian students take part in this groundbreaking program at BGU, working alongside their Israeli counterparts to earn the only university-based academic degree for paramedics in the Middle East. The new initiative, funded in part by the Israeli Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MASHAV), reflects BGU's and Israel's commitment to humanitarian assistance and regional peace. These students recently participated in an Israel-Jordan earthquake response exercise, the latest example of this important cross border program. The AFGG funding will underwrite equipment and student participation.
Deworming Program in Mekele, Ethiopia
BGU's Center for Emerging Tropical Diseases and AIDS (CEMTA) focuses on the prevention and treatment of neglected tropical diseases (NTDs) in the developing world. A parasitic worm accounts for a large part of the annual deaths caused by NTDs. In Mekele, Ethiopia, BGU Prof. Zvi Bentwich has achieved dramatic results in decreasing the prevalence of schistosomiasis to nearly zero among the 70,000 treated in this city with a population of 250,000. In order to deworm the entire city within the next two years, AFGG is providing the funding for personnel, surveys and educational materials.
Israel-Jordan Solar Desalinization Program
BGU is at the forefront of cost-effective desalinization of water through solar energy. The University is conducting research in Aqaba, Jordan and Israel (Hatzeva and Ashdod) to improve the availability of and access to fresh water. Additional funding is being provided by AFGG to support doctoral fellows who can continue to refine the most promising applications.
About the Alliance for Global Good
Founded by philanthropist Leonard Kaplan out of concern for global crises that threaten the world of his children and grandchildren, the Alliance for Global Good connects smart donors to smart social investments. Seeking to avoid philanthropic inefficiency and ineffectiveness, the Alliance evaluates and engages in opportunities for impact in five areas: health, poverty, education, the environment, and world relations. It acts through a partnership model, building robust relationships with both program partners and donor partners (www.afgg.org).
About American Associates, Ben-Gurion University of the Negev
American Associates, Ben-Gurion University of the Negev (AABGU) plays a vital role in sustaining David Ben-Gurion's vision, creating a world-class institution of education and research in the Israeli desert, nurturing the Negev community and sharing the University's expertise locally and around the globe. With some 20,000 students on campuses in Beer-Sheva, Sede Boqer and Eilat in Israel's southern desert, BGU is a university with a conscience, where the highest academic standards are integrated with community involvement. AABGU is headquartered in Manhattan and has nine regional offices throughout the U.S. For more information, visit www.aabgu.org.