“MEET A NEED” PROGRAMME IMPROVES SANITATION FACILITIES IN CAMBODIA

Cambodia, August 30 - Ten enthusiastic Jebsen & Jessen (SEA) volunteers travelled to Kirivong in Cambodia from July 24 – 30, 2011, to work on the construction of school latrines and rain water tanks for two primary schools. The trip was launched under the Corporate Social Responsibility project "Meet A Need" in partnership with adopted charity World Vision International and sponsored with SGD 50,000.

The team arrived in Phnom Penh on July 24 from all over the region and departed to Kirivong the following day. For one week the team worked actively at two different sites in Kirivong province (Sereivong School and Sangkruosvichea School) where they engaged in the construction of a six school latrines. Activities included digging of pits, installing of concrete rings, soil filling and carrying sand, mixing cement, sand and gravel, carrying bricks, installing mould for concreting, wiring of iron/steel etc.

The highlight of the trip formed a magnificent afternoon of cultural exchange between the international Jebsen & Jessen (SEA) team, the local children and the community of Kirivong, when all took turns to perform local dances, songs and shows. World Vision Cambodia also took the opportunity to launch their sanitation programme to the school children by teaching them the importance and the correct way of washing hands.

“This is the first time the Kirivong community had an opportunity to experience a celebration and party like this. The children are very happy and enjoyed themselves. We are also very thankful of the effort by Jebsen & Jessen’s (SEA) team of volunteers for their help in building the latrines,” said Kirivong Area Development Programme Manager Mr Pheung Phasith.

About "Meet A Need"
To live-up to the corporate commitment and philosophy, support environmental and social causes across South East Asia and involve employees in hands-on work, Jebsen & Jessen (SEA) started a “Meet A Need” programme in 2007. Twice a year, the Group organises a corporate “Meet A Need” trip with adopted charities World Wide Fund for Nature (WWF) and World Vision International (WVI). Jebsen & Jessen (SEA) sponsors each trip with SGD 50,000.

The programme is highly popular among the Group’s employees. Since the inception, more than 1,600 staff members submitted their interest and more than 100 colleagues met a local need in Malaysia, Thailand, Indonesia, Philippines and Vietnam. Jebsen & Jessen (SEA)’s chairman Heinrich Jessen is the ambassador for the Group’s Corporate Social Responsibility programme, including "Meet A Need". His message is clear and simple: “we are involved in community projects because we want to be, to us this how a business should operate – connected to and sharing experiences with the people in the communities around it.”