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Last year in June, we launched the GfK Commercial University, an exciting initiative aimed at onboarding and refreshing our client-facing new joiners' essential commercial knowledge and skills. But we wanted to take it a step further. That's why we partnered with an incredible global learning-focused charity called "School in a Bag," which operates in 56 countries worldwide. Today, I want to share the amazing impact we've created since the program's inception, empowering young minds and making a difference through the GfK Commercial University and School in a Bag charity partnership.
Making a Difference: How GfK's Commercial University Gives Back to Disadvantaged Children
At GfK, we've always been committed to providing learning opportunities for all. So, instead of giving the usual disposable gifts to our Commercial University participants, we decided to do something more meaningful. We came up with a unique idea that not only rewards our participants but also benefits others in need.
In line with our philosophy, for every participant who goes through the Commercial University program, GfK donates to the charity School in a Bag. Founded by Luke Simon in 2005, after he lost his brother in the Boxing Day tsunami, the charity holds a special connection to our company. In 2004, we tragically lost a board member in the tsunami and subsequently raised funds for the local community. School in a Bag has been making a significant difference by delivering over 142,000 bags to disadvantaged children in 56 countries worldwide.
Sustainability and Education: GfK and School in a Bag Repurpose Waste for a Greater Cause
What's inside these bags, you ask? Each bag is carefully filled with essential items that enable these children to write, draw, color, calculate, express themselves, and even enjoy a meal. It's all about creating an environment where they can learn and thrive.
The first beneficiaries of the School in a Bag initiative were 200 children attending Ayikuma Memorial M.A. Basic School in Balagonor, Ghana. But our support continues beyond there. In Ghana, School in a Bag collaborated with another local partner called Trashy Bags. This inspiring organization produces bags from discarded plastic waste, employing over 40 locals to collect, clean, and stitch the plastic trash into fashionable, functional bags and other products.
Since then, we've continued to make a difference. The next batch of 100 GfK bags has been distributed to school children in the Democratic Republic of the Congo, with another 100 bags soon to make their way to the Philippines. As the latest wave of our Commercial University program comes to a close, we're thrilled to announce that GfK will fund an additional 203 bags for recipients in Mongolia.
Empowering Young Minds for a Brighter Future
Together, we empower young minds and provide them with the tools they need to succeed. Our collaboration with School in a Bag not only supports education but also creates sustainable solutions by repurposing waste. It's a testament to GfK's commitment to positively impacting the world around us.
So, let's continue this incredible journey together. Through the GfK Commercial University, we are shaping not only the future of our company but also the lives of children who deserve a chance to learn and grow. Stay tuned for more inspiring stories and updates as we work hand in hand with School in a Bag to make a difference, one bag at a time.
We can be the shapers of tomorrow, together.
Learn more about how we support our colleagues to learn and develop at GfK:
