Bridging the gap for a better tomorrow Corporate Social Responsibility 2012

Transcription

1 Bridging the gap for a better tomorrow Corporate Social Responsibility 2012 المسو ولية ا جتماعية Social Commitment

2 CONTENT 02 About us 03 CSR Overview 05 Environment in February 06 Wheelchair Distribution 07 STB 09 5th Orphans Forum 11 VIVA Oasis 13 Honoring Excelling Students 15 Ramadan Iftar 17 Honoring Saleh Al Obaid 19 Kuwait Dive Team 21 The Flying Start Triathlon 23 Holy Quran Memorizers 25 Learning Difficulties

3 About us Committee Member Under the supervision of the Kuwait Telecommunications Company s board of directors, we present to you the Corporate Social Responsibility activities for Kuwait Telecommunications Company (VIVA), launched in December 2008, is the most advanced and fastest-growing telecom operator in the country with a vision of transforming communication, information and entertainment experiences. VIVA has rapidly established itself in the market through its customer and employee-centric approach. The company continues to take a considerable share of the market by offering an innovative range of advanced products and services, a state of the art network, and access to a world-class service. Adel Mohammad Ahmed Al-Roumi Committee President Abdulmohsen Abdullah Al-Kharafi Committee Member Ahmed Abdullah Ali Al-Turki Committee Member Eng. Salman Bin Abdulaziz Al-Badran Committee Member Abdulrazaq Bader Solaiman Al-Issa Committee Member Fuad Abdullah Fahad Al-Hajri Committee Member 02

4 CSR Overview Since the launch of VIVA s commercial operations in the Kuwaiti market four years ago, the company has sought to consistently present new and exclusive telecommunication, data and information services to its customers. This relentless activity and drive has helped VIVA to rapidly develop an unprecedented market position as a telecom leader in Kuwait. However, VIVA has dedicated itself to more than its market position. Since its inception, VIVA has regularly displayed its commitment towards corporate social responsibility (CSR), playing an active role in supporting the Kuwaiti community on many levels. VIVA s approach lies in seeking sustainable investments which will benefit the community in the long-term. This strategy involves building upon the company s strong foundation of ethics and corporate governance; being consistent in its commitment to ongoing, impartial, and transparent sharing of information; and making sure that its core priority CSR commitments are achievable in relation to the company s financial performance. The principal focus of VIVA s CSR strategy has always been based around education and development, caring for the environment, investing in healthcare, encouraging entrepreneurial thinking, and strengthening our bond with society.

5 The progress achieved by VIVA in keeping to these aims has resulted in it being seen as more than just a telecom leader. Today, the company takes pride in being viewed by the local community as one of Kuwait s leading socially responsible and environmentally aware commercial organizations has seen VIVA support a number of important initiatives under its Social Responsibility Strategy. VIVA hopes to continue this commitment to its beloved community to a greater extent in the coming years. 04

6 Participation in Environment in February Out of its ongoing commitment to enhance environmental awareness within Kuwait, VIVA s Corporate Social Responsibility Committee supported the first environmental initiative of its kind in Kuwait under the name Environment in February. The initiative took place on the 27 th of February and was sponsored by VIVA in cooperation with Kuwait Institute for Scientific Research. The initiative, presented by the institute researcher Dr. Noora Al-Jandal and adapted by Kuwait Institute for Scientific Research, united all Kuwaitis and residents for one hour in which everyone switched off all lights in private and public places, as a symbolic collective gesture to express the desire to save the environment, lightening the load on Kuwait s electrical grid and saving energy. VIVA also participated in this important national event by distributing informative and creative printed communications to most public organizations and malls, in addition to advertising the event in all local newspapers. An environmental awareness SMS was also sent to all of VIVA s subscribers before the beginning of the Environment Hour to urge them to participate.

7 Wheelchair Distribution through Ministry of Health VIVA s continued commitment to provide only the best to the community led to the distribution of 265 branded wheelchairs to different health facilities in Kuwait that are in need of these devices through the Ministry of Health, in an effort to facilitate the transportation process of patients within the facilities. This initiative comes in line with VIVA s mission to lend a helping hand to Kuwait s health sector and assist in the development of its facilities, through offering support, and equipping them with the devices required to offer a more comprehensive service to their patients.

8 Twelve STB Finalists go to London As part of its ongoing commitment towards the support of Kuwaiti youth and initiative, VIVA sponsored twelve young Kuwaiti entrepreneurs on a trip to London to attend a specific management course at Kings College London between the 11 th and 17 th of March This trip was the second annual Small to Big trip aimed at reaching out and helping the brightest business minds take the next step in becoming business owners. Finalists were selected from both small businesses and employees that excelled from among their peers. The finalists of STB for 2012 were Farah Al Fadhalah, Abdulrahman Al Nouri, Lama Al Fadala, Hebah Al Mansour, Fawaz Al Roudhan, Omar Al Othman, Fatemah Al Hai, Dana Madouh, Fahd Al Yahya, Abdullah Bu Ftain, Dari Al Huwail, and Mohammed Al Nusif.

9 Twelve STB Finalists go to London 08

10 Children From 12 Countries Visit VIVA As part of the 5 th Orphans Forum activities, organized by Zakat House, VIVA hosted a visit and a party for children from 12 countries at its headquarters on Tuesday 10 th of April VIVA s corporate communication team welcomed the Zakat House representatives and delegates from each country along with the children, who had all lost parents, and gave them a brief description on the workings and functions of the offices and departments within the company and how they operate. Mr. Fawaz Al Shimari, Head of the Media Committee from Zakat House, along with other supervisors, accompanied the children during the visit. The 5 th Orphans Forum activities organized by Zakat House hosted orphans from: Egypt, Yemen, Lebanon, Morocco, Jordan, Djibouti, Mauritania, Mali, Sudan, Bangladesh, India and Sri Lanka. The children were selected due to their outstanding achievements in various fields such as academic excellence, memorization of the holy Quran and Hadith, sciences, and sports.

11 Children From 12 Countries Visit VIVA 10

12 The Largest Oasis of Buckthorn and Willow Trees in the Nuwaiseeb Desert Stemming from its strong belief in the importance of protecting the environment and as part of its commitment towards society, VIVA s Corporate Social Responsibility Committee sponsored VIVA Oasis, a project that planted more than 3000 Buckthorn and Willow trees in the Nuwaiseeb desert south of Kuwait. Kuwait Oasis Team, a group of young Kuwaitis affiliated with the Environmental Voluntary Foundation (EVF), implemented the project in only three weeks. The trees were distributed along 14 lines, each 250 meters in length, covering a total area of 6 square kilometers, visible from an airplane. Trees help maintain environmental balance by attracting migrating birds, breaking the wind, reducing dust, fostering wild animals such as the Fennec fox, and providing food and water to cattle. Mr. Khaled Al Kulaib, founder of the Kuwait Oasis Initiative, pointed out that VIVA Oasis is equipped with drip irrigation systems. Used for one year only, these systems will be removed after tree roots are established and start reaching natural water. The project will reach full fruition in one year, after the trees have grown to maturity.

13 The Largest Oasis of Buckthorn and Willow Trees in the Nuwaiseeb Desert 12

14 Honoring Excelling High School Students VIVA honored the top ten high school students who achieved outstanding results in their final examinations in early July of this year. Driven by its belief in the importance of education and its vital role in society and the future of Kuwait, VIVA invited the top ten graduating high school students to recognize and reward their outstanding achievement and encourage their continued excellence, thanking their parents for their unforgettable role in their children s success.

15 Honoring Excelling High School Students 14

16 VIVA Offers Iftar Banquets Throughout the Holy Month of Ramadan In celebration of the holy month of Ramadan this year, VIVA s Corporate Social Responsibility Committee launched its annual Iftar meals program for Ramadan. The program offered free Iftar meals each day to fasting Muslims in the areas of Jahra and Jleeb Al Shuyoukh. VIVA s Iftar program has become something of a tradition for the company. Ramadan is the month of kindness and giving, and offering Iftar meals to those who fasted is very rewarding. As the Prophet, may peace be upon him, said: Whoever feeds a fasting person has the same reward as him, except that the reward of the fasting person will not be diminished. During the program, a team from VIVA was present to oversee meal distribution, ensure the cleanup of halls before and after sunset, and look after the needs of any fasting person while at the halls. In addition to Iftar meals, VIVA also provided a wide range of religious and charitable activities.

17 VIVA Offers Iftar Banquets Throughout the Holy Month of Ramadan 16

18 Saleh Al Obaid, First Place Winner of the 16 th Dubai International Holy Quran Award Saleh Al Obaid, the first place winner in the 16 th Dubai International Holy Quran Award competition, was honored by VIVA at its headquarters in the presence of VIVA s Chief Executive Officer, Eng. Salman Bin Abdul Aziz Al Badran. This initiative is a part of VIVA s continued efforts and its belief in the importance of supporting young Kuwaiti talent, and contributing to the development of Kuwait in many aspects. The small ceremony and token gift were a result of the company s admiration of Saleh Al Obaid and its appreciation of the efforts made to memorize the Holy Quran, and in elevating the name of Kuwait at international events. The Dubai International Holy Quran Award is an annual competition held during the holy month of Ramadan under the sponsorship of His Highness, Sheikh Mohamed Bin Rashed Al Maktoum, Vice-President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai. His Highness, Sheikh Maktoum Bin Mohamed Bin Rashed honored the first 10 winners in the International Holy Quran Award at the closing ceremony that was attended by preacher Yusuf Estes, key figures, directors of government departments, and members of the diplomatic and consular service.

19 Saleh Al Obaid, First Place Winner of the 16 th Dubai International Holy Quran Award 18

20 Two Year Agreement with Kuwait Dive Team VIVA signed a two year sponsorship agreement to support the environmental initiatives of the Kuwait Dive Team, an affiliate of the Environmental Voluntary Foundation (EVF) in September this year. The Kuwait Dive Team s initiatives are an excellent example of how we can contribute to the preservation and protection of the environment. They are also an ideal way to raise awareness and promote a culture of volunteering and working in the community to ensure a better future for coming generations. The Kuwait Dive Team s activities and projects are highly regarded and were well received by all groups and sectors in society. VIVA s decision to support this group of divers is driven by the hope that the community s various segments, including businesses, will become more aware and interested in the environment we live in as it is an issue that affects not only the entire country of Kuwait, but the continuity of our planet s resources. The Kuwait Dive Team s projects involving VIVA will include clearing shorelines and coral reefs of hazardous waste, planting new coral colonies on the seabed and documenting the positive effect on the environment. The team will take on initiatives such as restoration of existing coral colonies and planting of new ones with photographic reports, installation of small marinas in Kuwaiti islands on behalf of VIVA, awareness campaigns launched at schools and youth organizations across Kuwait over two years, and cleaning coastal areas and monitoring rounds of the coral reef conditions among many other activities.

21 Two Year Agreement with Kuwait Dive Team 20

22 The Flying Start Triathlon In line with its corporate social responsibility strategy of supporting various sports initiatives that cater to the wellbeing of the society, VIVA sponsored The Flying Start triathlon which took place on 19 th of October 2012, at Seashell Julaia, Kuwait. Over 250 athletes participated in the race, which was the biggest held to date. The Flying Start Triathlon was established and organized by The 3 Club, an extension of Pro-Vision Sports Management company, and consists of three continuous and sequential endurance activities; swimming, running and cycling. Sports create a sense of challenge and competition, two vital ingredients that stimulate the mind and body, hence, the importance of encouraging programs and activities such as a triathlon.

23 The Flying Start Triathlon 22

24 Distinguished Memorizers of the Holy Quran VIVA s Corporate Social Responsibility Committee was eager to take part in the Holy Quran Memorizing Contest that was held by the General Secretariat of Awqaf under the patronage of His Highness the Amir of Kuwait. Therefore, it held an honorary ceremony for the distinguished memorizers of the Holy Quran and awarded the winners in the youth category with monetary prizes during a ceremony. The event was held on Wednesday 5 th of December 2012 at Hotel Missoni, and was attended by VIVA s management, senior executives and Awqaf officials. The ceremony was held in an effort to honor the memorizers and to recognize the efforts of those who supported and contributed to this prestigious and blessed contest. The contestants participated under five different categories; Elementary Student Boys, Elementary Student Girls, Middle School Students Boys, Middle School Student Girls and a special category.

25 Distinguished Memorizers of the Holy Quran 24

26 VIVA Sponsors the Second International Conference on Learning Difficulties VIVA sponsored the Second International Conference on Learning Difficulties and Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder: Assessment and Intervention. The two day conference was organized by the Kuwaiti Association for Learning Differences (KALD), in collaboration with Fawzia Sultan Educational Company (FAWSEC) and the Middle East Psychological Association (MEPA) and took place at the American University of Kuwait. The conference was led by a group of 67 professionals, experts and lecturers from Kuwait and the MENA region, India, USA and the United Kingdom. A series of lectures, workshops and symposia were provided by this group that focused on parents, teachers and specialists and their significant role in the lives of these children.