Roche Hellas

The program "Life Assets, Pathways to the Future" was born from the increasing unmet need that PRAKSIS was experiencing from its antipoverty program "SYN sto PLIN " and Roche Hellas commitment for creating a better and more sustainable future in recognition of the severe consequences of the financial crisis to the Greek society. This program aims to meet the needs of the new generation for education and cultural awareness, valuable skills that will form the basis for a better future for themselves and society.

Τo the children participating at “SYN sto PLIN” program run by the NGO PRAKSIS focused on students of primary and secondary education as well as university students registered in higher institutions far from the parental houses. Secondarily, to all Roche staff based in Athens and Thessaloniki.

March 2014 - September 2015

The program is part of the “Syn sto Plin” initiative run by PRAKSIS and its sub-program “Social Housing” that aims to prevent homelessness for impoverished Greek families with children. The essential goal of the program is the successful return of at least one of the two parents to the labor market and the return of the household to a level of self-sufficiency.
 

The two year program is estimated to benefit more than 400 and indicatively covers:
 

• The tuition fees for foreign languages and reinforced learning.
• The tutorial books.
• The fees for language certification.
• The student expenses for students admitted in universities far from the parental houses.
• Other educational needs.
 

In addition, the children participating at the program will have the opportunity to enjoy creative and innovative activities, primarily of educational focus, through the voluntary participation of Roche employees.

More specifically, the cultural scheme of the program includes:
 

• "Lending Libraries": The 1st library which was created through the donations of Roche staff was inaugurated in November 2014 at PRAKSIS’s Day Center for Homeless and will operate all year round. Journalists were also involved in this initiative and were invited to contribute by donating unwanted books. The second Lending Library will be launched in 2015 September.
• "Reading Nights": The first event was held in December whereas the second will take place in April 2015. On the occasion of these initiatives, famous authors and Roche employees have been asked to read children's favorite books, in order to introduce them to the magical world of storytelling and literature.
• "Cultural Blooming Events": Through this initiative, which will take place during 2015, Roche staff will have the opportunity to accompany children participating at the program to a series of cultural day trips visiting libraries, museums, art galleries etc.
 

Finally, in order to further promote the idea of volunteering, Roche’s Management and Employees offer a "helping hand" by devoting at least two hours per month of voluntary work at the structures of PRAKSIS. At the same time, each employee can donate necessary commodities such as medicines, clothes, toys, food etc. which are gathered by the company and sent to PRAKSIS on a monthly basis.

Independent Non-Governmental Organization PRAKSIS (Programs of Development, Social Support and Medical Cooperation)

One of the main aspects of the initiative is the active participation of all Roche staff. The contribution of such activities is analyzed in the results field.

Athens & Thessaloniki

From March 2014 until October 2014, the program has assisted (measurable results):

1. In total, 256 children and 231 children aged between 7 and 18 years old from 197 families across one or more from the above mentioned educational services, 306 educational benefits were provided to these children.

The above benefits are split in the following categories:
 

- Foreign languages fees (180 children), reinforced learning (60 children), examination fees (14 children), cultural fees such as musical instrument tuition fees (9 children) and benefits for students studying away from their parental home such as rent, transportation (43 children). 187.000€ investment.
 

2. Additional recreational activities:
 

- 1st Lending Library: Approximately 330 books were donated through the participation of Roche’s employees and journalists.
- Christmas event: Attended by children participating in the program and their parents as well as Roche employees and their families. During the event, the children and their families had the opportunity to enjoy the theatrical performance of Carmen Ruggeri’s "Homer's Odyssey".
 

3. Roche staff participation:
 

- 325 employees attended all 3 Awareness Seminars held in Athens.
- 10 employees in Thessaloniki attended all 3 Awareness Seminars held in Thessaloniki. 
 

4. Installation of "donation box" within the company's buildings in Athens and Thessaloniki through which every month several commodities are collected and then donated to PRAKSIS. So far, two massive collections have been implemented: a) 1st collection: 150 books, b) 2nd collection: 120 toys. Participation of 10 employees in the creation and organization of the 1st Lending Library.

Through a questionnaire that was distributed to the company's staff before the start of the program and then again after the completion of the awareness seminars, it was observed:

- Understanding of the role and function of PRAKSIS: From 38% to 70% (32% increase).
- Understanding of the context and consequences of the crisis in the Greek society: From 50% to 75% (25% increase).
- Understanding homelessness and the function of the "SYN sto PLIN" program: From 54% to 70% (16% increase).
- Roche’s approach with regards to CSR: From 65% to 84% (19% increase).

Benefits for Roche:
 

• Help create a sustainable future for the environment in which the organization operates and help vulnerable population groups affected by the economic crisis.
• Cultivation of the concept of volunteerism and raise internal awareness in order for a percentage of Roche employees to get involved in volunteer work.
• Enhance employee engagement and the feeling of "pride" through their involvement in the majority of the actions implemented under the umbrella of the program.
• Strengthen corporate image.
• Build relationships with the wider society.
• Build relationships with non-governmental organizations.
 

Benefits for PRAKSIS:
 

• Provides substantial relief for the serving families and other vulnerable population registered in the “SYN sto PLIN” program.
• Subsidizes the educational budgets of 197 families as well as the educational needs of 256 children (data until December 2014).
• Strengthen bonds and cultivates synergies with corporations.
• Promotes the concept of volunteerism and raise awareness in various groups.