To realize a sustainable global society as well as meet its responsibilities as a member of the international community, the MCHC Group has supported school building projects in developing countries since 2006. More than simply providing capital, our support involves various creative methods designed to promote the independence of local communities and children from the perspective of solving the problem of poverty.
Realizing a sustainable global society requires that the problem of poverty receive the same level of attention given to the environment. The United Nations established the Millennium Development Goals1, action guidelines for the international community that address global problems that are beyond the ability of any one country to solve, with the objective of halving the number of people who live in extreme poverty around the world by 2015.
To fulfill its responsibilities as a member of the international community, the Mitsubishi Chemical Holdings Group (MCHC Group) is engaged in initiatives to solve the problem of poverty. Specifically, after announcing our endorsement of the UN Global Compact in 2006, we began funding and planning the Local Citizens Building Schools Operations, which local residents and NGOs pursue jointly. As the Millennium Development Goals treat education as a key to eliminating poverty, schools educate the next generation while serving as the center of community development.
Regarding project management, the local community is responsible for the planning, construction and use of school facilities, drawing on the inherent strengths of the community and promoting independence. In terms of project planning and selection, we strive to provide the most effective support through close-knit sharing of information with multiple NGOs and public institutions.
In 2008, the MCHC Group provided a solar power system using its knowledge and technology to an elementary school in Burkina Faso, where residents suffer from very low adult literacy rates despite stable public safety. The solar power system makes night school possible.
In 2009, with student volunteers from Waseda University we will familiarize the people in Laos with the custom of washing hands and verify and demonstrate the effects.
Positioning international contribution activities as one of its social investments, the MCHC Group will continue to deliver the expertise and ideas of its employees to developing nations and support the autonomy of local communities.
1 The Millennium Development Goals are to (1) Eradicate extreme poverty and hunger, (2) Achieve universal primary education, (3) Promote gender equality and empower women, (4) Reduce child mortality, (5) Improve maternal health, (6) Combat HIV/AIDS, malaria and other diseases, (7) Ensure environmental sustainability and (8) Develop a Global Partnership for Development.
For a village with a large number of school children, this school is indispensable. With the installation of solar panels at the school, children are now able to come to school and study at night. The teachers are happy about the improved environment for preparing their lessons.
Mr. Barsi Kabore,
Director of Kamsaongho Primary School
90 first-year elementary school students learning in a new classroom
Safe drinking water from the new well
Rooftop solar panels
Class by fluorescent light
Photos: Plan Japan
Takayuki Yoneda
Corporate Marketing Department
Mitsubishi Chemical Corporation(MCC)
Upon hearing of the Burkina Faso primary school construction project, I wondered if we could offer support unique to Mitsubishi Chemicals, so I proposed the provision of a solar power system. I thought about which system would be the most appropriate for the school, and conducted thorough demonstrations at Tsukuba Solar Park, Mitsubishi Chemical's R&D base. The system was transported to the school through the cooperation of the Mitsubishi Chemical Logistics Corporation, with the project turning into a larger-scale effort than expected and involving various the Mitsubishi Chemical Group (MCC Group) companies. I was extremely happy to hear that night classes had begun after installation, and I look forward to development in the region centered around this school.
This is the first time I have attended classes in such a wonderful classroom, and I am really excited. I can clearly hear the teacher's voice and I am able to concentrate and study. I am especially happy that I no longer have to worry when it rains. Also, I am very happy that I can use the installed toilet facilities in privacy and comfort. I will work hard on my studies and on keeping the school clean.
Hay Sovoeun, age 13
Completed school building
Employee volunteer affixing translation stickers in a picture book
Picture books with translation stickers were donated to Anlong Choa Primary School through a local NPO to help literacy and awareness education
Photos: Shanti Volunteer Association
