SEACOM plans continent-wide series of community initiatives

"Doing something valuable with some of the communities we assist through our corporate social investment programme has become tradition for our annual Foundation Day. Once again, this celebration is a perfect platform for a range of community development activities in appreciation of the communities in the countries where we operate", says Byron Clatterbuck, chief commercial officer of SEACOM

"What makes the initiatives we have planned for each country so exciting is that they allow each SEACOM employee to directly engage in social upliftment. This is a sustainable approach that is empowering for everyone involved - it's about genuine partnership with the community and not just donating money." Clatterbuck continues

Nairobi

The SEACOM team in Nairobi intends to have the kitchen completed at the Watoto Wema Children's Home in Ruai, prior to their visit, so that they can commission it and prepare their meals from there on the day. They have also committed to making a quarterly donation of cereals and basic medication to ensure the children are fed and cared for throughout the year.

The director of the home will receive a laptop, an internet dongle and personal contributions will be made by the team towards the internet use of approximately 1.5GB a month (ksh1000) by the home.

In their personal capacity, the Nairobi team members will also provide professional and spiritual development, including mentorship to the children and the staff.

The Mombasa team will be visiting Shika Adabu Primary School. They will be donating textbooks and desks for the school as well as hosting sporting activities and mentoring sessions throughout the day.

South Africa

SEACOM South Africa and SEACOM subsidiary, Pamoja will join forces with Adopt-a-School, for their corporate 'Back to School for a Day' initiative on 18 July 2014 (Mandela Day). They will celebrate Foundation Day at Tshilidzi Primary School in Soweto, revamping the Grade R classrooms, the feeding scheme kitchen that serves food to 800 learners and placing dustbins around the school for litter collection.

Mozambique

This year, SEACOM Mozambique, will be donating medicines, powder milk and disposable diapers to the Obra Don Orione Centre. The centre cares for 35 disabled children, aged between four and eleven who are 100% dependent on their caretaker.

Mauritius

SEACOM Mauritius will be supporting the Ebene Accelerator-a non-profit organisation set up to help new entrepreneurs to boost, launch and work on projects related to the IT field. It is donating an iPhone, laptop and pool table to the Accelerator. The Mauritius office will also make a cash donation to Ti Rayons Soleil, an NGO established in 2007 to provide educational support, nutrition, medical care, and access to recreation to children living in poverty.

Tanzania

SEACOM Tanzania will again be supporting the Buguruni School of the Deaf, Dar es Salaam. The team donated a computer lab in 2012 and implemented a software solution for the hearing impaired the following year. This year, SEACOM Tanzania will be donating more computers to the lab. The children at the Buguruni School will enjoy jumping castles, clowns, games, and lunch as part of the event.