Acer empowers with solid social responsibility drive

In a climate where both the public and private sector view social responsibility in a serious light, the sincere efforts of corporates can often disappear into an abyss of need without achieving the purpose for which they were intended, namely empowerment.

"Putting social responsibility policies in place is the easy part, however, it is necessary for companies to analyse the results of these practices - do they really achieve that which we intended them to?" asks Stella Helwick, marketing manager at Acer. She believes that for a corporate empowerment policy to be truly effective, it has to empower individuals, on all levels.

During a time when the exodus of business experts and sportsmen is being felt in SA, Acer, together with partners such as Kaizer Chiefs, are aiming to recognise and develop local potential. "This country can overcome the loss of intellectual capital by investing in the development of local skills. That investment can take many forms, however, we believe technology to be central to developing the talents of young South Africans.

"Technology has long been touted as the enabler of education and business, however, using it to benefit individual South Africans starts with providing access."

One of the many projects that Acer and Kaizer Chiefs have joined forces on was establishing of Chiefs Cyber Centres. The first Chiefs Cyber Centre is at the Chiefs Village in Naturena for the Chiefs players and staff. These IT hubs, sponsored by Acer, will establish online communications within the Kaizer Chiefs community around the country, with an intranet connecting the local branches. Despite the initial phase focusing solely on the Kaizer Chiefs players and staff, the intention is to create centres around the country that will benefit communities and combat technophobia. A fully comprehensive training programme will be offered certified trainer from Torque IT.

Says Helwick: "By making technology available in the outlying areas, we are offering learners an opportunity to enhance their skills and knowledge, while also presenting budding entrepreneurs with a helping hand by offering e-mail and Internet services. By providing business men with the tools they need to grow their commercial endeavours, we are indirectly investing in the well-being of the community itself."

Kaizer Motaung, MD of Kaizer Chiefs, adds: "In keeping with our mission statement, our aim is to unlock the full potential of individuals in a scientific and professional manner, both on the field and through education, to attain standards of distinction and thereby contribute to the well being of SA."

In 2002, Acer focused its efforts on the fight against woman and child abuse, while also investing in women`s golf with the establishing of the Girl`s Golf Programme. This initiative is aimed at encouraging young girls between the ages of six and 18 to play golf, hopefully recognising it as a possible career.

Helwick says the empowerment of young girls in the sports arena forms a crucial part of Acer`s social responsibility drive. "Acer believes in developing individuals on all levels, creating an infrastructure that will allow for the development of their social, mental and physical abilities and add value to their lives by broadening their frame of reference.

"Corporates can aid in developing the potential of South Africans by ensuring that their social responsibility projects do not merely impress on paper but truly enable individuals to reach their full potential," she concludes.