Business Connexion has partnered with the United Nations Children's Emergency Fund (UNICEF) in a move that sees the group driving its vision for corporate social investment (CSI).
The group's CSI strategy is based on the belief that learning is the route to emancipation from poverty. Business Connexion has developed a unique approach to CSI with its Let Me Learn concept as the official CSI vehicle for the organisation.
Group CEO, Benjamin Mophatlane, notes that technology for social connectivity needs to teach life-skills, entrepreneurship, fundamental skills of participation, teamwork, leadership and self-esteem.
“We believe that technology can empower young people to change their lives and communities for the better and thereby unleash their potential,” says Mophatlane.
He adds that this strategy underpins the group's partnership with UNICEF - which is one of the partner's in the broader Let Me Learn programme.
“This alliance with a globally recognised humanitarian organisation focused on the protection of children's rights and the socio-economic needs of impoverished youth across the African continent, is an exceptional fit for Business Connexion's CSI vision. We hope this coalition will provide access to education to more children and truly deliver better opportunity and hope for a brighter future.”
He says the group will focus on support for UNICEF's Girls' Education Movement (GEM), which has achieved significant success in many parts of Africa.
Business Connexion's group executive, marketing and communications strategist, Ashika Kalyan, says there are GEM operations under way throughout South Africa. “These activities are part of the government's overall education initiatives. Business Connexion is specifically involved in the GEM Techno Girls programmes - which focus on promoting girls' education in the fields of maths and science,” says Kalyan.
She highlights Business Connexion's established culture of innovation and inspiration through concentrating on the development of intellectual capacity.
“The company has always recognised the need for private-sector input and has, in the past, successfully supported projects involving IT training, general education and health. Therefore, a partnership with UNICEF was first choice as it links us to an organisation with a global reach, a strong presence in South Africa and on the continent generally. This alliance is the perfect vehicle for the further development of our Let me Learn approach to CSI.”
Kalyan says Business Connexion's CSI programmes aim to create value not only for individual recipients, but for society as a whole. “Where there is value creation with individuals acquiring tangible and measurable benefit from these initiatives - our involvement with these programmes will continue,” she notes.
Share