Suez Cement donates 5 million EGP for the children of Helwan governorate
Renews its commitment to bring greater protection for children’s rights
14 December 2008. Under the auspices of H.E. Suzanne Moubarak and on the occasion of the High-level Regional Conference "For the elimination of female genital mutilation - the Cairo Declaration + 5", co-sponsored by Suez Cement, that takes place in Cairo on 14-15 December 2008, Mr. Roberto Callieri, managing director of Suez Cement group of Companies, and H.E. Moushira Khattab, secretary general of the National Council for Childhood and Motherhood, signed a new agreement to provide a new yearly grant amounting of 4,4 million EGP for the children of Kafr El Elw and El Maasara, two poor districts located in Helwan Governorate.
“As a social responsible company, we strongly believe on investing in children’s rights and being committed to eradicate children’s poverty. Children are the future and the drivers of real change in our society. Through this new agreement and our successful partnership with the National Council for Childhood and Motherhood we will continue to provide support to the schools and medical centers of the area and promote environmental and health awareness initiatives. However, during the second phase of the project “For the smile of our children” we will provide more support to the children with special needs and in order to ensure more sustainability to the project we plan to establish a revolving fund to support the creation of new job opportunities mainly addressed to the youth of the area” outlined Mr. Roberto Callieri.
Since 2007 Suez Cement group has undertaken, in close cooperation with the National Council for Childhood and Motherhood, several initiatives focused on improving educational environment, building institutional capacity, raise environmental and health awareness, support medical care and health standards, improve recreational and sports activities as well as enhance the economic and social standards. To date the project upgraded six schools in the target area, developed two medical and health centers in Kafr El Elw and el Maasara areas, implemented 20 environmental camps involving 10 schools, 17 NGOs, 64 teachers and 1300 students to develop “green corner” spirit in schools and public places. In parallel to this, workshops and training programs are held for school directors, supervisors and teachers to discuss appropriate methods to promote education process in crowded classes and how to prepare educational tools from environmental material.
Tree planting is one of the tangible sides of the project, where more than 2000 trees were planted around Helwan Cement plant and other 2100 trees in El Maasara Youth Center. Clean-up activities are also organized with schools and NGOs in the target area as well as environmental competitions among schools with interesting incentives of trips to the winners.
As for environmental awareness, specially-designed and produced awareness material were used and distributed among the local community to raise awareness on the most important issues of NCCM mandate including child rights, best methods of sanitation, risks of drugs and smoking, as well as the female genital mutilation (FGM).
During the conference and under the auspices of NCCM and Rotary Club- Maadi, Suez Cement group signed another agreement with the Non-Governmental Organization (NGO) Bustan El Tefl for the donation of EGP 600,000 to purchase a mobile unit for the street children of Helwan governorate.
About Suez Cement group of Companies:
Suez Cement group of Companies, composed by Suez Cement Company, Tourah Portland Cement Company and Helwan Cement Company, is one of the most relevant Egyptian cement producers with an industrial network composed of five production facilities in Suez, Kattameya, Tourah, Helwan and El Minya, for a total production capacity of approximately 12 million metric tons of clinker.
The Company has a long-standing history in the market, yet is innovative in launching new brands and products to meet on-market needs.
Suez Cement is home to more than 3,000 direct employees who participate in on-going training and advancement. The group has an active safety and environmental policy, which is imperative towards building a sustainable environment for employees and the communities where it operates.
The Company’s cement has proudly built some of Egypt’s most well-know landmarks and is building its future around serving the market and growing customer demands.
