Eight ArcelorMittal employees from eight countries are joining 45 Liberian employees in a major volunteering program that will benefit hundreds of people.
ArcelorMittal Liberia has joined forces with other ArcelorMittal sites around the world to take part in the ArcelorMittal Foundation’s solidarity holiday program. Sponsored by the ArcelorMittal Foundation – a non-profit organization that supports the social and economic developments of communities in regions where ArcelorMittal has business operations — the objective of the program is to encourage ArcelorMittal employees and local communities to develop a spirit of volunteerism.
This year’s activities include the construction of a four-classroom school building for Suwetha School situated near Buchanan in Bigjoe Town, Grand Bassa County, with more than 300 students expected to benefit from this project.
In addition, three doctors – one ophthalmologist, one optometrist, from one of the best ophthalmology clinic in Spain and a dentist who is an ArcelorMittal volunteer from Brazil – will work as part of a mobile health clinic, sponsored by the ArcelorMittal Foundation, ArcelorMittal Liberia and CLS (Canada Steamship Lines). Using local hospitals and schools, the clinic will offer its services to Nimba and Grand Bassa communities, offering free eye checks, treatment and – if needed – glasses.
ArcelorMittal’s solidarity holiday program involves individuals dedicating a portion of their work time to implement the Foundation’s projects and other programs for those in need. This year, the program will run from May 24 to June 2. The program’s eight international volunteers travelling to Liberia were chosen from more than 600 applicants from ArcelorMittal sites around the world and come from: Brazil; France; Canada; Luxembourg; Mexico; Macedonia; South Africa and Spain.
According to Mr.Vaanii Kiazolu, manager of the community liaison department which manages the Foundation’s projects in Liberia, the theme of this year’s celebrations, which will mark the country’s second solidarity holiday program.
With a goal of finishing the projects by June 2, 2014, the Foundation is calling on everyone to join the effort, donate some of their time, and experience the personal reward of volunteering. Lest we forget, “Service is the rent we pay for the space we occupy on earth!”
ArcelorMittal Liberia encourages Liberian employees and our surrounding communities to sign up for this event by signing one of the signup sheets posted around the company’s operating sites, or by contacting department head Vaanii Kiazolu on 0777 956 370 / 0886 991924 or email: vaanii.kiazoluII@arcelormittal.com.
The time, expertise and support of our colleagues can make a real difference to the success of these initiatives.
Previous successful volunteering initiatives from ArcelorMittal Liberia include the digging of wells, building of the schools in Nimba and Bong communities such as Makinto, Zolowee and Wamah Town schools, building clinics and several medical outreach programs.
About the ArcelorMittal Foundation
The ArcelorMittal Foundation was set up in 2007 to coordinate the company’s community investment activities. It focuses on communities where ArcelorMittal carries out its operations. The aim of the Foundation’s activities is to make a positive contribution to the socioeconomic development of the areas around our operating sites.
The ArcelorMittal Foundation focuses on three key areas: education, health, and community development. It also offers immediate and urgent help to communities affected by emergencies. The Foundation always encourages ArcelorMittal employees to take part in its projects.
