AstraZeneca has announced the successful completion of its inaugural Week of Service, held from September 16 to 20, 2024, across its African cluster. This initiative, which saw employees from multiple African countries volunteering their time and skills, underscores AstraZeneca’s commitment to fostering community well-being and advancing sustainability.
Over the course of the week, approximately 200 AstraZeneca employees dedicated a total of 1,600 service hours to impactful initiatives spanning education, environmental protection, and community resilience. Employees from Cameroon, Ivory Coast, Senegal, Ghana, Kenya, and South Africa participated in various activities that supported underserved communities, emphasising the company’s broader mission to create healthier and more resilient societies.
Highlights of AstraZeneca’s Week of Service
• Cameroon: Employees donated food supplies and essential items to the Foundation Famille Chrétienne orphanage, directly supporting children in need.
• Ivory Coast: AstraZeneca teams collaborated with the NGO Les Zinzins du Bonheur, providing school kits to help young learners gain access to education.
• Senegal: Employees contributed food supplies and necessities to the Nursery of Medina, operated by the Franciscan Sisters, supporting childcare efforts.
• Ghana: The team distributed food supplies and essential items to a local orphanage, helping to meet basic needs and foster child development.
• Kenya: AstraZeneca staff engaged with children at the Morning Star Ministries Children’s Home, participating in activities such as cooking, cleaning, mentoring, and gift-sharing. Additionally, they visited Victorious Joy Children’s Home, engaging with children through discussions and further support.
• South Africa: Employees undertook door-to-door donation drives, environmental cleanup projects, and activities at the Princess Alice Adoption Home, where they interacted with children to provide care and encouragement.
Deepak Arora, AstraZeneca’s African Cluster Country President, highlighted the company’s commitment to community engagement:
“At AstraZeneca, we believe that our success is intrinsically tied to the well-being of the communities where we live and work. The Week of Service provides an opportunity for our employees to give back, connect with communities, and work together toward a sustainable future. This year’s activities showcased the incredible dedication of our team across Africa, and we are immensely proud of the positive impact we were able to make.”
Amit Bhakri, Country Director for Sub-Saharan Africa, added:
“Participating in the Week of Service was an incredibly rewarding experience. Whether we were supporting children in orphanages, promoting education, or helping preserve the environment, we came together with a shared purpose. Knowing that my efforts could truly impact my community makes me proud to work for a company that values and supports giving back. It’s inspiring to stand alongside colleagues who are equally passionate about creating positive change.”
Commitment to sustainability and community resilience
The Week of Service aligns with AstraZeneca’s broader sustainability agenda, focusing on building healthier and more resilient communities. The initiative reflects the company’s dedication to addressing social challenges, supporting local development, and fostering environmental stewardship.
Through hands-on support and volunteerism, AstraZeneca aims to create lasting impacts across its global footprint, embodying its belief in the importance of corporate responsibility. The Week of Service, now an annual initiative, serves as a testament to the company’s vision of combining innovation in healthcare with a commitment to social and environmental progress.
With the success of its first Week of Service, AstraZeneca plans to build on this initiative, expanding its reach and deepening its engagement with local communities. By continuing to invest in social impact and sustainability efforts, AstraZeneca reaffirms its role as a leader in corporate responsibility and a trusted partner in creating a better, more sustainable future.
Source: AstraZeneca
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