Since the end of 2016, SOS Children's Villages has partnered with AkzoNobel, a leading global paints and coatings company headquartered in Amsterdam, the Netherlands. In 15 countries across Latin America, Asia, Africa and Europe, hundreds of AkzoNobel employees volunteered their time to strengthen young people’s employability skills and renovate SOS living spaces.
The programme, which runs under AkzoNobel’s Let’s Colour programme, was initially launched in 2017 in four countries: Brazil, Nigeria, Indonesia and South Africa. After a successful first year, the partnership expanded in 2018 to include Argentina, Belgium, China, Pakistan, Russia and India. In 2019 an additional five countries have joined: France, Greece, Morocco, Poland and Sri Lanka.
Youth employability
AkzoNobel and SOS Children’s Villages are reaching out to young people who are at risk of or have lost parental care to get training and practical experience to become professional painters. Additionally, other skills trainings are provided by the employees, according to needs, with the aim to support young people to transition successfully into decent jobs. The programme boosts their chances of becoming successful, independent adults who take responsibility for themselves and the communities around them.
Renovation and renewal of living spaces
The partnership also provides renovations, realized with the support of AkzoNobel employees and the recently trained young people, in order to improve the living spaces for children, young people and families.
In 2018 almost 1000 young people were engaged in employability activities, with the support of 182 volunteers providing 1000 volunteering hours. Moreover, approximately 2500 people benefitted from the renovation projects across the 10 participating countries.
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