Citi and ProLiteracy Partner in EMEA to Change Lives

February 20, 2008

London – Lucy Wanjiku of Kenya dreamed of starting her own business, but she was hampered by a lack of education, business skills and start-up funds. That was until the 25-year old mother of three joined a literacy and small business program supported by ProLiteracy Worldwide in partnership with the Citi Foundation.

“After being trained on how to start a small business and make a profit ... I am now the manager of my own vegetable and fruit stand,” Wanjiku said.

Wanjiku’s is one of many success stories resulting from the collaboration between the Citi Foundation and ProLiteracy, an education and development organization active in 65 countries worldwide.

The Citi and ProLiteracy partnership began in 2004 in Latin America, where the bank has been supporting literacy-based micro-enterprise efforts in 10 countries.

"Expanding access to financial services is important, but when combined with access to training and financial education, micro-entrepreneurs can fully recognize the potential of their businesses," said Robert Annibale, global director of Citi Microfinance.

Citi and ProLiteracy partner programs are now being launched in 10 EMEA countries – Cameroon, Congo, Ghana, Kenya, Morocco, Nigeria, Pakistan, South Africa, Tanzania and Uganda – where they will directly reach more than 7,000 participants.

“The people of Citi can be proud of what their leadership has meant,” said Lynn Curtis, ProLiteracy’s vice president of international programs. “With continued support, we can bring even more opportunities to families and communities in need.”

About Citi
Citi, the leading global financial services company, has some 200 million customer accounts and does business in more than 100 countries, providing consumers, corporations, governments and institutions with a broad range of financial products and services, including consumer banking and credit, corporate and investment banking, securities brokerage, and wealth management. Citi’s major brand names include Citibank, CitiFinancial, Primerica, Smith Barney, Banamex, and Nikko. Additional information may be found at citigroup.com or citi.com.

Citi Foundation
The Citi Foundation is committed to enhancing economic opportunities for underserved individuals and families in the communities where we work throughout the world. Globally, the Citi Foundation is focusing its giving on Microfinance and Microentrepreneurship, which helps individuals become economically self-sufficient; Small and Growing Businesses leading to economic expansion and job creation; Education, which prepares young people for personal and professional success; Financial Education, which helps individuals make informed financial decisions; and the Environment with a focus on sustainable enterprises that generate jobs and stimulate economic growth while preserving the environment. In the U.S. and Canada, the Citi Foundation supports Community Development programs that help build and revitalize neighborhoods and Education programs that prepare students for college and careers. Additional information can be found at Citigroup Foundation.