AstraZeneca has concluded its first Week of Service, a pan-African initiative held from September 16 to 20, 2024. Employees from across the continent spanning Cameroon, Ivory Coast, Senegal, Ghana, Kenya, and South Africa united to volunteer their time, skills, and resources to support local communities and advance environmental sustainability. This effort reflects AstraZeneca’s strong commitment to creating positive societal impact and promoting sustainability as part of its corporate responsibility agenda.
The Week of Service saw a wide range of activities aimed at strengthening community resilience, supporting children’s education, and promoting environmental protection. AstraZeneca’s employees across the African cluster engaged in initiatives that showcased their dedication to giving back. From donations to local orphanages to environmental clean-ups and mentorship activities, the events were designed to make a tangible difference in the communities where they live and work.
In Cameroon, employees gathered food supplies and essential goods for the ‘Foundation Famille Chretienne orphanage. This initiative was aimed at addressing immediate needs by providing nourishment and other essentials to vulnerable children in the community. The gesture highlighted AstraZeneca’s focus on supporting local communities and helping families who are grappling with economic difficulties.
In Ivory Coast, the team focused on education by purchasing school kits for students and donating them to the NGO Les Zinzins du Bonheur. This donation was not only a support to the children’s education but also a significant effort to reduce barriers to learning. The initiative was in line with AstraZeneca’s broader goal of promoting educational access and equity for young learners across Africa.
Senegal witnessed AstraZeneca’s employees contributing food supplies and other necessities to the Nursery of Medina, a local facility run by the Franciscan Sisters. This effort was particularly aimed at supporting those most in need, including young children and families in underserved areas. The team’s involvement was an expression of AstraZeneca’s commitment to fostering resilience and providing essential support to marginalized communities.
In Ghana, AstraZeneca’s efforts involved collecting and distributing food supplies and essential items to a local orphanage. By meeting basic needs, such as nutrition and clothing, the employees provided not just material support but also a sense of community and care, critical for child development and well-being.
In Kenya, the focus was on engaging directly with communities. AstraZeneca employees spent quality time with children at Morning Star Ministries Children’s Home, participating in activities such as cooking, cleaning, mentoring, and sharing gifts. They also visited Victorious Joy Children’s Home, holding discussions with the children and providing additional support. These interactions not only brought joy and hope to the children but also emphasized AstraZeneca’s role in creating supportive and nurturing environments for the young.
South Africa saw employees participating in door-to-door donation efforts, environmental cleanup activities, and interacting with children at the Princess Alice Adoption Home. This part of the Week of Service reflected AstraZeneca’s efforts to promote environmental stewardship alongside social support, demonstrating a holistic approach to community development.
“At AstraZeneca, we believe that our success is intrinsically tied to the well-being of the communities where we live and work,” said Deepak Arora, African Cluster Country President at AstraZeneca. “The Week of Service provides an opportunity for our employees to give back, connect with communities, and work together toward a sustainable future. This year’s activities showcased the incredible dedication of our team across Africa, and we are immensely proud of the positive impact we were able to make.”
The Week of Service was not only a success in terms of community engagement but also in the cumulative impact made across the continent. AstraZeneca employees contributed a total of 1,600 service hours, with around 200 employees volunteering their time. This collective effort underscores the company’s belief in fostering healthier, more resilient communities through hands-on support and volunteerism.
Amit Bhakri, Country Director, Sub Sahara Africa at AstraZeneca, added, “Participating in the Week of Service was an incredibly rewarding experience. Whether we were supporting children in orphanages, promoting education, or helping preserve the environment, we came together with a shared purpose. Knowing that my efforts could truly impact my community makes me proud to work for a company that values and supports giving back. It’s inspiring to stand alongside colleagues who are equally passionate about creating positive change.”
The AstraZeneca Week of Service is part of the company’s broader sustainability agenda, which focuses on creating Healthier, More Resilient Communities. Through this annual initiative, AstraZeneca aims to address social challenges, contribute to local development, and foster environmental stewardship across its global footprint. As the company looks to the future, its commitment to sustainability and community service remains a cornerstone of its corporate responsibility efforts, inspiring positive change across the continent.
