Helping Oxfam Reach Poorest People In Guatemala
Stockholm, 3 December, 2013 – Millicom today announced that international aid organisation Oxfam and Tigo in Guatemala have signed an agreement to continue to distribute aid using mobile money to people in the areas of the country that are the most affected by malnutrition.
Oxfam, an organization that pioneers technology solutions, has chosen Tigo Money to use its secure system and the network of authorized agents to deliver funds to aid such communities.
Oxfam funds are used to cover basic needs of food and shelter for the most impoverished families.
The agreement extends the cooperation that started in December 2012 when Oxfam distributed funds via Tigo money to families who lost their homes due to the earthquake in San Marcos.
Tigo’s General Manager, Luis Fernando Valladares Guillen, said: “At Tigo Money we really appreciate that an organization such as Oxfam has chosen us as a channel to reach poor families in a fast, safe, and accessible manner thanks to our large network of authorized agents throughout the country. We are certain that through our experience, technology, services, and great enthusiasm to help our fellow Guatemalans we will meet and surpass expectations”.
From the beginning of this alliance through October 2013, Oxfam sent more than 2.25 million Guatemalan quetzals (282,000 USD) through Tigo Money, aiding 1,700 families with funds for food aid in the Territorial Region of Chiquimula, one of the worst affected by drought and child malnutrition in Guatemala.
Oxfam’s programme co-ordinator in Guatemala Iván Aguilar commented: “It is always important to explore new technologies and new services that can allow Oxfam’s humanitarian work to have effect. Tigo money offers us the possibility to get our service to communities that are most vulnerable – the communities where we work.”
Through this new system the beneficiaries of Oxfam aid can obtain financial aid in an immediate and safe manner. Additionally, recipients in remote areas gain access to a formal mechanism of money transfer without having to rely on proximity to a traditional bank.
Tigo and Oxfam are now planning a System of Emergency Reaction which will allow them to organize the delivery of aid within 48 hours to people most affected by the natural disasters that frequently devastate the country. Tigo and Oxfam are also finalizing details to start an aid project for poor communities in the region of Baja Verapaz.
Hans-Holger Albrecht, the President and Chief Executive of international telecommunications and media company Millicom, the firm behind the Tigo brand, said: “I am delighted that we have been able to support Oxfam’s vital humanitarian work in Guatemala. In an age where technology is transforming all our lives, it is so important that it serves people who stand to benefit most.”
See more and the video news release here: http://www.millicom.com/node/912
For additional information, including access to downloadable raw video footage and images, please contact for Millicom:
Julian Eccles, VP Corporate Communications, Millicom
+44 (0)203 2492 125, mobile: +44 (0)7720 409374
email: julian.eccles@millicom.com
Kristen Robinson, Portland Communications
+44 (0) 207 842 0151
email: kristen.robinson@portland-communications.com
For Oxfam:
Tania Escamilla, Regional Media and Communications Co-ordinator
Oxfam GB, Latin America and the Caribbean, Mexico City, Skype: tanyaescamilla.oxfam
Office +52 55 5061 5670 ext. 697 | Mobile: (from Mexico) 044 55 4181 3147|
(from other countries) + 52 1 55 4181 3147
Notes to Editors:
About Millicom
Millicom is the leading digital lifestyle company in emerging markets. It has operations in a total of 15 countries offering mobile phone, internet, payTV, ecommerce and financial services to over 45 million customers in countries in Africa and Latin America including Bolivia, Colombia, Costa Rica, El Salvador, Guatemala, Honduras, Nicaragua and Paraguay.
Millicom was founded in 1990, is headquartered in Luxembourg, directly employs more than 10,000 people and is listed on NASDAQ OMX Stockholm under the symbol MIC. In 2012, Millicom generated revenue of USD 4.81 billion and EBITDA of USD 2.07 billion.
About Oxfam Guatemala
Oxfam in Guatemala works to help indigenous women and other communities living in poverty to actively participate within society, fostering community organization and empowerment, as well as promoting a fair distribution of existing resources. Oxfam supports people in Guatemala with programmes that focus on gender justice, access to land and rural economy development, proper adaptation to climate change, and preparation to respond in humanitarian emergencies.
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