CSR Activities for 2007-2008
Two projects (The G4S 4teen and the G4S sponsorship matching programmes) were initiated this year and we are proud to announce the successes of such innovative initiatives.
The innovative global sporting programme, G4S 4teen programme was launched 08 June 2007 to support the next generation of sports stars.
Four aspiring young athletes from Africa were chosen through their respective National Olympic Commitees to be part of the global G4S 4teen. The athletes from Pretoria-South Africa, Gaborone-Botswana, Kenya and Enugu-Nigeria are amongst a group of hopeful young athletes from around the world who seek to fulfil their potential on sport's biggest stages over the coming years. Mentored by inspirational double Olympic Gold medalist Haile Gebrselassie, the initiative will provide support to the athletes as they seek to realise a common Olympic dream and in doing so help inspire the next generation of young athletes to take up sport.
In South Africa, 16 years old, Zodwa Maphanga from Pretoria in Atteridgeville was chosen as one of the G4S 4teen. She is receiving immense support and encouragement through the sponsorship to realise her dream of being the internationally recognised best table tennis player.
Zodwa has won two silver medals in the table tennis single and double tournaments at the Zone 6 games which include some African countries.
Each member of the team will enjoy the ongoing support of their local G4S office and the global G4S family, support from employees of over 480,000. In addition to receiving financial support enabling them to focus on training for, and competing at, junior and world championships, G4S will also provide training in key life skills, language skills and help to raise their profile at home and abroad.The Employee Sponsorship Matching project began in February and G4S employees were invited to apply for assistance on their community development projects.
The CSR project operates on the following guidelines:
- The Group fund is created to match monies raised directly by employees for local community project.
- The participants must be G4S employees and monies raised should be through their own efforts.
- The project will be subjected to certain criteria focused on uplifting communities
- Simple application process via business unit head
- Examples are used as case studies to further encourage activities and build G4S story
One of the projects that fulfilled the set requirements and was selected is the Port Elizabeth's Betach Home community project spearheaded by our colleague Gary Koekemoer. Gary Koekemoer is a Customer Services Manager at Aviation Eastern Cape who worked for G4S for more than ten years. He and his wife take young prostitutes off the street and rehabilitate them back into society. One of the girls, Jacqui has qualified as a pre-school teacher and works as a volunteer at an Aids orphan pre-school. The other has recently started as a casual worker at Woolworths during the Christmas season. Until recently Gary and his wife received no financial support. They live on small contributions, for running costs from a trust and he also used his personal salary to fund the home. Four of the girls are HIV positive and received necessary support in this regard. Gary and his wife offer the girls, physical, emotional and spiritual support. We have also received sponsorship for three of the girls to study for their grade ten and so far all have passed every assignment they have completed and submitted.;
CSR Activities for 2007-2008
G4S 4teen members with the children from St. Paul's Children's Home in Nairobi, Kenya.
