Lessons on corporate social responsibility

Lessons on corporate social responsibility

by Tina Syme, Pat Kiranantawat, Simon Dartford, Lingzi Xue, Priyanka Giri

Today's theme to support our ongoing learning was corporate social responsibility, and learn we did!

We learnt about generosity of those who have little, yet gave so much, and that when you seek to give and meet a need, you receive back 100 fold.

Our lesson was at St. Sebastian’s UP School, which is a primary school in the Thodupuzha area of Kerala with approximately 800 students from largely impoverished families.

The plan was to tile the floor of a classroom and spend a couple of hours with the children (10-12 years) talking about New Zealand.

We also had the privilege of filling up our flight bag allowance with extra stationary and office/study supplies to support the ongoing needs of the school, but the gifts paled in comparison to what the school gave us first.

We were welcomed with an amazing display from the school marching band. This performance went beyond anything we have ever seen, for not only did the students play, but they also performed amazing feats of synchronisation and musical theatre depicting stories from the different faiths in the area

This was followed by warm greetings, our mini version of a powhiri (where Arun displayed his hidden talent for guitar and singing!) and fresh coconut milk.

But wait, there is more. We were delighted by a 15-year-old student Meeyna who told a story from the Hindi faith through dance. Then to close, we spent time in groups sharing some ideas and knowledge of New Zealand culture with approximately 15 students matched to five groups of MBA students.

These students are warm, bright, and delightful children who entered into everything we attempted with such enthusiasm, but the school principal explained that the school was under-funded to meet its many needs ranging from the immediate maintenance of the computer lab, library, and kitchen, to roofing of the toilets and replacement of damaged blackboards.

Despite the school always suffering from a chronic lack of funds, this wonderful school has received awards for excellence in the arts and sport, and has been selected as the best school in the Diocese of Kothamangalam.

From our observations it is apparent that there remains some wonderful opportunities for corporates to give back to the community and, in doing so, make a positive contribution to the future of children and society.

But it was obvious from today that we should not forget that when we act in a socially responsible way, that we receive back far more than we can give - as wealth is measured in more than just rate of return in money.