HSBC Cayman has announced its commitment to the Cayman Islands Junior Achievement ‘Corporate Ambassador’ programme by promising an annual donation of $10,000 for a three year term.

Mr Gonzalo Jalles, Chief Executive Officer of HSBC Cayman said the bank was pleased to partner with Junior Achievement of the Cayman Islands to help build the minds of tomorrow.

“We believe in the potential of every child participating in the wonderful programmes run by Junior Achievement, and it is this belief that motivates us to make a positive impact in the lives of these children and the Cayman community,” he said.

“This donation is an investment in the future of the youth of our Islands.  Through our partnership with Junior Achievement we believe we can make a real difference.”

HSBC and Junior Achievement Worldwide have a long-standing relationship, having collaborated for over 65 years in the United States and more than 25 years in the United Kingdom.

“HSBC has committed to support the communities in which we live and work with a focus on education, so becoming a local Corporate Ambassador was a natural fit for us,” Mr Jalles said.

Mr Paul Byles, President of Junior Achievement said he was grateful for the commitment offered by HSBC and was pleased the new Corporate Ambassador programme was attracting the support of some of Cayman’s leading businesses.

“Large donations such as those promised through the Corporate Ambassadors program enable us to make long-term, strategic plans for Junior Achievement Cayman,” he said.

“And through realizing these plans we will have a positive and sustainable impact on the school children of Cayman.”

The focus of the Junior Achievement programme is on nurturing and developing participants and building their educational ambitions by providing opportunities for social development, academic enrichment and personal growth.

Junior Achievement is celebrating its 20th Anniversary in the Cayman Islands in 2012.  It is supported by many corporate sponsors including its seven Corporate Ambassadors: HSBC, Rotary Central, Dunkin Donuts, Caledonian Global Financial Services, Maples & Calder, BDO and Cayman Islands Chamber of Commerce.