We believe that the true value of a business lies in how it creates economic, environmental and social value. We incorporate our core competencies to engage with communities where we live and work. We hope to deepen personal links, enhance the quality of life in our surroundings and create opportunities for a better future for all people in Qatar.
In 2018, we focused our investments in three key areas:
AmanTECH, Vodafone Qatar’s hero CSR programme, equips children, parents and teachers with the right tools to navigate the digital world safely. We are very proud of the many achievements realised in 2018.
In partnership with the Ministry of Transport and Communications (MOTC) and the Ministry of Education and Higher Education, we doubled the number of online safety workshops to 20 at primary schools this year, benefitting more than 2,000 students. We also engaged communities in activities to mark World Mental Health Day under the theme, Young People and Mental Health in a Changing World.
AmanTECH’s outreach culminated in December with the annual Al Bawasil camp for children with diabetes. Since 1999, around 100 children from Qatar and the greater region have visited Al Bawasil to learn to manage the emotional and physical effects of diabetes. As part of the programme this year, we conducted a fun and interactive workshop for the children on digital safety.
Through the Better Connections Programme, we are providing internet connectivity services and devices in 1,500 labs that will benefit 1.5 million workers in Qatar. The programme began in 2017 in collaboration with the MOTC.
We make giving back to the communities where we live and work a priority. By acting together, we believe that we can become a force for good in the world. This spirit of generosity was on full display this year when employees raised QR 500,000 to build a community centre in Mali with the Qatar Charity, Al Mutanafisoon.
Through our World of Difference programme, we supported 30 employees to conduct charitable work in 2018. They helped low-income cancer patients to connect with their families, aided Filipino workers with essential food and hygiene supplies and collected toys for orphans.
Once again employees lined up for our annual blood donation drive held at headquarters. Donations supported Hamad Medical Corporation’s urgent need for blood, particularly from rare blood groups.
In the philanthropic spirit of the holy month of Ramadan, our employees were quick to volunteer to bring cheer to children being treated at hospitals. In the beloved tradition of Garangao, they packaged and distributed sweets for children in Hamad Hospital. Close to Eid, our employees surprised children with disabilities at Rumailah Hospital with gifts.
Vodafone’s Shukran campaign, meaning thank you in Arabic, spread positivity throughout the holy month and encouraged the community to appreciate everything and everyone in their lives.
On top of volunteering during Ramadan, we helped 400 people to call their loved ones back home for free with a specially designed Vodafone mobile phone booth.
We also joined hands with the Hifz Al Naema Social Centre to distribute Ramadan food baskets for more than 150 families in need and raise awareness about food waste.
We make it easy for customers to give back too. In 2018, we added the Qatar Red Crescent to the list of charities that customers can make automatic monthly contributions to as part of their Red Postpaid plan. One hundred per cent of each donation is given to the organization, which amounted to QR 310,000 in 2018.
Empowering younger generations is one of our top priorities. Across the company, we are committed to helping the exceptional number of young people in Qatar access skills, learning and employment opportunities.
In addition to actively hiring talented Qatari graduates, we look for meaningful opportunities to engage Qatar’s youth including in universities, during special events and on digital channels.
In 2018, we supported three local tech start-ups created by university graduates to present their apps to a global audience at the Arch Summit 2018 in Luxemburg. The summit brought together the corporate and start-up world to network, get inspired and partner to drive innovation.
Newly launched local coffee brand, Empire Coffee, is owned by brothers, Ibrahim and Essa Al-Khulaifi. When we let them run the Vodafone Café at the Kaffeinated 2.0 coffee festival, they gained vital learning opportunities and brand exposure. All proceeds from coffee sales went to support the Qatar Red Crescent.