Airtel Rwanda has appointed three members to the inaugural Committee being formed to drive the company’s Corporate Social Responsibility agenda in Rwanda.
The appointments follow the company’s adoption of a new policy aimed helping the company achieve its CSR goals in Rwanda particularly in areas of health, education and development of Youth. Airtel is embracing the direction after research identified wide gaps in solving issues in the three socio-economic areas across Rwanda and Africa.
The execution of the CSR agenda in Rwanda will see the committee, constituted by 5 persons, identify key projects within these areas, which Airtel will help directly or through partnerships.
Commenting on the appointments, Airtel Rwanda Managing Director, Mr. Teddy Bhullar said, “This is a critical step in kicking off our CSR execution in the country and comes at a time when corporate organizations like ourselves are rethinking how best to improve lives for our communities wherever we operate. Therefore, we see these appointments as a huge step forward in achieving that goal.”
Bhullar added, “The role of the business sector is becoming increasingly critical. At Airtel we acknowledge the importance of addressing common societal problems because without communities, we cannot survive as a business. Improving the health and education of a people are key pillars of our strategy but youth is also critical part for sustainability of our value systems in Rwanda and Africa.”
The appointees are; Dr. Joseph Nkurunziza, a Public Health Physician & Activist; also Founder and Chairperson of Never Again and Health Development Initiative (HDI), Ms. Mary Balikungeri, Founder and head of Rwanda Women Network and is highly involved in women’s health care and rights and Mrs. Elizabeth Rugege; and environmentalist and strong devotee to the greening initiative in public schools.
The Board will also include; Airtel Rwanda Managing Director, Mr. Teddy Bhullar, Airtel Rwanda Chief Financial Officer, Mr. Tano Oware and Head of Corporate Communications and CSR at Airtel Rwanda, Ms. Denise Umunyana.
Airtel Rwanda becomes one of Rwanda’s first private company’s pioneering the appointment of women on corporate boards aimed at driving socio-economic change in the country.
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