In 1978, Nestlé developed a Programme of Assistance to Schools, through which significant help was given to the school community of children from poor homes. Most of the schools are located in rural areas of the country. By means of this programme the students are provided with Nestlé products, as well as school and didactic material, school uniforms and shoes. Nestlé also cooperates in the maintenance of the buildings and their services. The Programme provides assistance to 18 primary schools across the country which are globally attended by 4,500 children.
As part of the Programme, in 2004, the situation of each participating school was analysed more deeply, and changes were introduced to the programme in order to better respond to their needs. An alliance with the Argentinean Red Cross helped to achieve this. The organisation is currently pursuing field work which will allow us to count on social indicators to better develop a diagnosis of the needs of the schools, of their students and of the neighbouring community.
Below: cooking classes organised for mothers in participating school in San José de Calasanz (June 2009)
Since 2007 we have been working with AVINA and Alternativa 3, two non governmental organisations. The project is to establish a stable group of people involved within the community with the objective of increasing the cooperation between Nestlé and the schools involved in the programme.
We are also working on the design of a Programme of Corporate Voluntary Work and have carried out a survey among staff interested in taking part in this activity. The successful response to this programme was shown also by the strong interest that was indicated in activities which the company is currently already involved in (support to children, schools, food and clothing donations). Implementation of this programme is expected in the coming months and will be open to all willing employees.