MAS, HSBC conclude Corporate Volunteerism commitment to uplift four rural schools
Saturday, 24 May 2014 00:00
-
- {{hitsCtrl.values.hits}}
A corporate volunteerism initiative between MAS and HSBC Sri Lanka resulted in fulfilling some long-awaited needs of four underprivileged rural schools.
Advancing the shared interests of the corporate citizenship agenda of the two companies, the joint project commenced in September 2013. It focused on improving the basic needs of four underdeveloped schools with a special emphasis on increasing companies’ staff engagement in volunteerism within the community.
Bodimaluwa School in Avissawella, Pimb-ura Primary School in Agala-watte, Thiththapaththara School in Hanwella, and Kamburapola School in Kuliyapitiya were benefited through this initiative. The schools were selected in close proximity to four manufacturing facilities of MAS, fostering better living standards within these communities in which the business operates. It also provided close supervision in successfully completing the project.
The project stemmed from the requests made by the schools to fulfil essential facilities which were challenged in terms of managing their daily functions. These efforts included repairing and purchasing new recreational equipment for the children’s playground, building a shrine room in two schools and restoring the water system by installing a permanent water tank. The four schools with a population of over 800 students benefited as a result of these initiatives.
The project concluded with a joint volunteerism campaign involving staff of MAS and HSBC, integrating a sense of community belonging and contribution to the initiative.
Built on MAS’ inspiring focus of ‘Change is Courage’, entwined with many unique features of empowerment at MAS, the CSR (Corporate Social Responsibility) philosophy binds the strong community endorsement of the company’s operational platform, their people and the society.
HSBC Sri Lanka and Maldives CEO Patrick Gallagher notes, “HSBC and MAS share a common goal in supporting the communities in which, we operate. Education is one of the key pillars in HSBC’s Corporate Sustainability agenda. And, we believe it is the foundation on which you build your dreams and future. Hence, it was fulfilling for us to work with MAS and provide these Schools with essential facilities to improve their learning environment. The project also encouraged collaboration between HSBC and MAS employees who volunteered their time to work together to complete the program. We hope our joint efforts will continue to benefit these students in a sustainable manner.”
The project portrayed yet another unique collaboration of the enduring corporate partnership of the two companies, complementing their community commitments.
