Corporate Citizenship
West African girls show the way in Senegal tech battle
West African schoolgirls, some not yet teenagers, have taken a starring role at an engineering competition in Senegal, busting stereotypes with robotics expertise and innovative projects for their communities.
The Pan-African Robotics competition (PARC) in the Senegalese capital Dakar on Saturday, 20 May, reflects the growing consciousness of science education as a top priority for a government growing the economy and getting development off the ground.
Rows of young women from Senegal, The Gambia and Mali distinct in their various uniforms – blue headscarves, black pinafores and white polo shirts – screamed for their teams as robots picked up plastic cones and dropped them onto markers, all adamant they would win.
Senegal’s Mariama-Ba all-girls academy won the high school category for a “made in Africa” pump solution to flooding, and girls were well represented in the winning 11-15 age group on Saturday after showing off their robotics skills.
“Our generation is definitely the one,” said Umu Tarawally, a 14-year-old Gambian who aspires to be a doctor and patiently explained to an assembled audience of dignitaries how groundnut shells could be converted into fuel.
Her friends, she added, were telling her they want to become engineers following a week of robot and tech workshops.
Resembling a cross between the TV show Robot Wars and a TEDx ideas conference, Saturday’s competition is the brainchild of Sidy Ndao, an engineering professor at the University of Nebraska-Lincoln who left Senegal for the United States as a teenager.
“(It) inspires the kids to like science, inspires them to be future engineers and scientists,” the founder said, but the World Bank-funded event now in its second year places a special importance on girls.
Saturday’s event organised by Ndao’s SENEcole project attracted 250 children, boys and girls, aged between 11 and 19.
“There’s not a lot of them, but when there are they are typically top of the class,” he said of girls studying Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM) subjects.
“In order for any country to be sustainably developed, you have to really work on science and engineering,” he added, but Senegal’s brightest minds tend to undertake studies abroad lured by hopes of higher salaries and better lifestyles.
Senegal is trying to open the sector by backing girls’ coding clubs and maths teaching in schools, while a technology hub is being constructed near the capital for research and training as part of broader efforts to fill domestic skills shortages.
“As Senegal wants to become an emerging nation, we have to master the sciences, technology, engineering sciences and maths so we have the expertise to manage our own natural resources and also to create the innovations to construct our future,” said Mary Teuw Niane, Senegal’s minister of higher education and research.
A flood of new engineers would be timely, with Senegal on the cusp of a potential oil and gas boom from important deposits being found regularly off its coast.
Ndao emphasised the need to keep the costs of science and technology resources for schools down in a country where electricity and water, let alone computers, are often lacking in rural areas.
A shortage of qualified science teachers is also a huge problem, the government has admitted.
Just over half of Senegal’s children complete school, and traditional expectations remain entrenched that girls should be content taking care of domestic duties, especially in poor families.
A focus on science, said Ndao, would “solve the cycle of problems in Africa”, where natural resources are still largely controlled by foreign firms, shipped abroad for processing and therefore stripped of a large amount of their value for the population living where the oil, gold or diamonds are taken.
For Aminata Ndiaye, 15, battling machines in a Senegalese stadium was a foundation of something much larger as she scooped the prize with her school in the northern city of Saint-Louis.
Source: AFP
LG Electronics, a global leader in technology and innovation, has once again demonstrated its commitment to making a positive impact on communities by organizing a grand IFTAR feast during the holy month of Ramadan. With a steadfast commitment to community support and giving back, LG Electronics served delicious meals to hundreds of people in need.
LG Electronics recognizes the significance of solidarity and compassion during this special time of year. The IFTAR feast, which took place in 2 major Mosques in Magodo Shangisha and Naiwarudeen Society of Nigeria, Oshodi, Lagos State, saw delicious meals being served to hundreds of individuals, bringing joy and unity to all who attended.
Ramadan is a time of reflection, spirituality, and compassion. It is a month when Muslims around the world fast from dawn till dusk and break their fasts with IFTAR meals. However, many individuals and families struggle to afford a proper meal during this sacred month. LG Electronics aimed to make a difference by organizing an IFTAR feast that brought the community together and provided nourishment to those in need.
Commenting on the initiative, the Managing Director, LG Electronics West Africa, Mr. Hyoung Sub Ji, stated, “We are delighted to be able to extend our support to the community during this auspicious month. Ramadan is a time for giving, and we feel privileged to have the opportunity to make a positive impact on the lives of others. We hope that the IFTAR feast brought joy and comfort to those who needed it most.”
“LG Electronics remains dedicated to our “Life’s Good” initiative that contributes to the well-being and happiness of society. By harnessing the power of technology and innovation, we strive to uplift communities and foster an environment of inclusivity and kindness”. Mr. Sub Ji added
Expressing gratitude to the management of LG Electronics, the President/Amir, of Islamic Education, and Faith Initiative (IEFI), Alhaji Olaide Osikoya of the Magodo Mosque said “We are immensely grateful for the generous gesture extended by the management of LG during this critical period. As the leader of the mosque, I am deeply moved by the support shown through this IFTAR initiative. The impact of this kindness is profound not just for me, but for all those benefiting from it. Such acts of compassion truly strengthen the bonds within our community and serve as a beacon of hope and unity. We thank the LG wholeheartedly for their benevolence, and may this spirit of giving continue to inspire others to make a difference in the lives of those in need.”
In the same vein, the Amir of Naiwarudeen Society of Nigeria, Oshodi, Alhaji Alaran Muhibdeen said, “LG’s thoughtful gesture during this sacred time has surely resonated with Allah by acknowledging those who fast to meet their needs. This act of kindness will not go unnoticed and will be rewarded abundantly. We express our heartfelt gratitude to you and your organization for this compassionate action.”
The IFTAR feast hosted by LG Electronics exemplified the company’s core values of empathy, inclusivity, and social responsibility. Through initiatives like this, LG aims to contribute to the well-being of communities worldwide, spreading joy and making a meaningful difference in the lives of those in need.
LG Electronics’ dedication to social responsibility serves as a prevailing reminder that businesses can play a pivotal role in driving societal change and fostering sustainable growth. By prioritizing community connections and making a difference, LG Electronics is exemplifying how corporate leadership transcends profits to create a better world for all.
Corporate Citizenship
Fawry Launches “Kheirak Wasel Fawry” Campaign To Support Good Deeds Charity In Ramadan
Fawry, renowned for its innovative banking technology and electronic payment services, launched an impressive campaign called “Kheirak Wasel Fawry” This campaign aimed to support charitable endeavors and spread kindness throughout the community.
Accompanied by the enchanting melodies of the musical band Massar Egbari, the campaign’s theme song, titled “خيرك سابق…خيرك واصل” captivated listeners with its memorable lyrics. The song beautifully reflected the genuine Egyptian identity, showcasing individuals who genuinely cared about doing good deeds in their everyday lives, whether through their words or actions.
What made this campaign truly special was its focus on the essence of humanity and the enduring spirit of the Egyptian people, not just during Ramadan but throughout the entire year. The song’s lyrics were carefully crafted to inspire acts of kindness, reminding people that the true essence of goodness lies within them. It encouraged individuals to express their generosity in various forms, by extending a helping hand to others, speaking kind words, or simply sharing a warm smile.
Fawry has organized interactive activities in several shopping malls such as City Center Almaza, Arkan Plaza, Tivoli Plaza, and Park Street, in order to be present near the donors in these locations. This is done through its distinctive booth that contains interactive donation screens supported by 3D technology, which allows visitors to donate easily to some charitable institutions such as Magdi Yacoub Heart Foundation, Bahia Hospital, and Al-Nas Hospital throughout the month of Ramadan. Donations can be made using any bank card, helping in the recovery of patients and bringing joy and smiles to Egyptian families.
Fawry, being the preferred choice of the Egyptian community, played a pivotal role in facilitating acts of kindness across all segments of society. With their user-friendly solutions and services, Fawry made it possible for people to donate to over 250 charitable institutions and associations. Among these notable organizations were Hayah Kareema Foundation, Tahya Misr Fund, 57357 Children’s Cancer Hospital, the Misr El Kheir Foundation, Bahia Hospital, Dar Al Orman, Mersal, and Al-Nas Hospital.
Donations could be conveniently made through the myfawry application or via Fawry’s widespread network of Point of Sale (POS) machines throughout Egypt.
This heartwarming campaign served as a beacon of hope, reminding everyone of the power of small acts of kindness and the profound impact they can have on individuals and communities. It celebrated the rich tapestry of Egyptian culture and the unwavering generosity that flows within its people.
And so, the “Kheirak Wasel Fawry” campaign became a symbol of unity, compassion, and the collective effort to make the world a better place, not just during Ramadan, but every day of the year.
McEnies Global Communications CEO, Dr. Omolaraeni Olaosebikan has been honoured with the chieftaincy title, Gimbia of Durumi, (meaning Women Leader) in FCT, Abuja, North Central Nigeria. Dr Olaosebikan recorded this latest feat on Friday, March 22, 2024, during the global commemoration of the United Nations World Water Day, where a solar-powered borehole was donated to the Gudu Community in Abuja by the LG Electronics, a global leader in technology and innovation.
The theme of this year is ‘Water for Peace’, emphasizing the vital significance of water in ensuring the stability and prosperity of human existence. Expressing her joy during a chat with some journalists, the integrated marketing communication expert said:
“A chieftaincy title has been conferred on me this last Friday, March 22, 2024, as, GIMBIA of DURUMI, meaning Women Leader. I am so pleased to announce that I am now Dr. Chief (Ms) Omolaraeni Olaosebikan. It’s a huge privilege for me to have been conferred and honoured with the distinguished title, Gimbia Of Durumi in Abuja”.
“Durumi (Gbagi) is a small community in the Northern part of Nigeria that has decided to recognize my tenacity to bring some goodness for the first time into their community through a corporate organization and I assure them that I will not disappoint neither will I disappoint humanity in the journey of life. This worthy honour simultaneously came during the drilling of a solar-powered borehole for the people of Durumi, Gudu. The CSR initiative was part of the well-thought-out programme to celebrate the United Nations World Water Day”.
“I so much love and appreciate everyone who has been part of the feat, particularly the traditional institution in Gudu community, FCT Abuja. I feel so elated to extend my appreciation to the District Head, Garki, Chief Tanko Zekeri, as well as Chief Iya Bawa and others.” She said.
