SMEC Foundation

We are excited to share an update on SMEC in Indonesia's partnership with HSI Berbagi (HSIB) to enhance sanitation and education for earthquake victims in West Pasaman. The initiative began after the February 2022 earthquake, focused on constructing sanitation and toilet facilities and providing essential learning tools for Public Elementary School 26 (SDN 26). The new sanitation facilities and learning tools have significantly improved the lives of the students and teachers at the school. The upgraded facilities promote hygiene and health while creating a conducive environment for effective teaching and learning. This followed on from SMEC’s 2022 efforts, which included donating sanitary packages and other basic necessities. Read more about this project here: https://lnkd.in/ggH-WUyX #SMECFoundation #ConnectUpliftContribute #EarthquakeRecovery #Education #Sanitation #Indonesia #HSIBerbagi

In collaboration with Fostering Education & Environment for Development, Inc. (FEED), nearly 50 SMEC staff planted 600 indigenous trees to foster biodiversity and climate resilience at the Laguna-Quezon Land Grant in Siniloan, Laguna, Philippines. This wonderful initiative reaffirms a united dedication to nurturing nature for a sustainable future. Beyond this tree planting activity, the team are also fostering sustainable livelihoods and community development, reflecting a holistic approach to corporate social responsibility. We invite you to join us in celebrating the hard work and dedication of all those involved in this initiative. Share your thoughts and support in the comments below. 👇 Read more here: https://lnkd.in/gUCWWMUb #ConnectUpliftContribute #SMECFoundation #EnvironmentalInitiative #Sustainability #CorporateResponsibility #Philippines #TreePlanting #ClimateAction #CommunityDevelopment

We’re proud to share that SMEC in the Philippines has donated an air conditioning unit and six computers to Young Focus a non-profit organisation dedicated to alleviating poverty through education. This donation will enhance Young Focus’s Elementary, High School and College Education programs, as well as the Catch-Up Education program at the Sandigan Student Center, directly benefiting children in the Smokey Mountain area of Manila. This partnership underscores SMEC’s commitment to corporate social responsibility and the transformative power of education. Read more about this impactful collaboration: https://lnkd.in/gJEaF_5R Ferdinand (Nandy) Lucero | Larry M. Pastrana | Rameses Banzuela | Stephanie Chariz Hyodo #ConnectUpliftContribute #CSR #Education #CommunitySupport #SMECFoundation #YoungFocus #PovertyAlleviation #Philippines #EducationalSupport

At the SMEC Foundation, we take immense pride in the impactful contributions of our colleagues at SMEC in Africa and South Africa. Their efforts, through various corporate social responsibility initiatives, have positively supported many communities in need. In Zambia, a 20-foot storage container from SMEC will bolster Hope for Human Nature Generation's mission to support the vulnerable, ensuring secure storage for essential donations. This youth-led charity seeks to improve people’s livelihoods. It was formed to help the most vulnerable in society, including patients referred to hospitals and health centres within Lusaka. In Ghana, renovation of facilities at the Tetteh Ocloo Boarding School for the Deaf marks a commitment to improving the lives of disadvantaged children. The updated sanitation facilities are more than just infrastructure, they are a foundation for dignity and health for 320 students. SMEC South Africa's support for LETCEE's Play-Able Project is a testament to the importance of inclusive early childhood development. The recent funding from SMEC was directed towards facilitating inclusive play sessions for 25 children with special needs. The mobile toy library, a key component of the project, is equipped with toys, educational materials, and therapy resources, fostering a supportive environment for learning and growth. These initiatives are a reminder that when we come together to support those in need, we can be powerful agents of change, fostering environments where communities and future generations can thrive. Read more in the 2023 SMEC Foundation Annual Report: https://lnkd.in/gS75Ysy8 #SMECFoundation #ConnectUpliftContribute #CorporateResponsibility #CommunityDevelopment #InclusiveGrowth

The SMEC Foundation, along with SMEC alumni the McKendrick family, are supporting Habitat for Humanity Australia to carry out the Resilient, Inclusive, and Sustainable Eastern Nepal (RISEN) project, to enhance disaster resilience in Eastern Nepal's Jhapa, Saptari, and Dhanusha districts. The project combines knowledge transfer and actionable plans to strengthen the local community’s ability to withstand and recover from the devastating impacts of flooding - the region’s most frequent threat. It also seeks to support government policies and practices regarding disaster preparedness and safe housing for the vulnerable. Additionally, the project will be making renovations to 40 homes, specifically enhancing their accessibility and disaster resilience for people with disabilities. Overall, 5,075 individuals residing in the targeted communities will benefit from this initiative. Read more in the 2023 SMEC Foundation Annual Report: https://lnkd.in/gS75Ysy8 #SMECFoundation #ConnectUpliftContribute #HabitatforHumanity #DisasterResilience #RISENProject #SustainableDevelopmen

Since 2020, the SMEC Foundation has partnered with Action on Poverty, and we are proud to share the recent completion of joint efforts across the School Kitchen Storeroom Project. Funded by the SMEC Foundation and implemented by Self Help Africa, this initiative is part of the larger Home-Grown School Meals Project. The aim is to combat hunger and enhance nutrition in schools across Zambia, supported by the World Food Programme and the Zambian government. The Foundation, along with SMEC alumni the Busbridge family, supported the construction of kitchen storerooms across four primary schools, which now serve as a hub for nutrition education and better food management practices. These storerooms, built adjacent to the school kitchens, address the critical issue of storage space, ensuring that cooking utensils and non-perishable foods are stored hygienically and conveniently. Over 5,000 students at Kansangwa, Mwambanzovu, Nsangano, and Sala primary schools now benefit from improved school kitchens and feeding programs. This support is a step closer to creating a brighter future for these children, one meal at a time. Read more in the 2023 SMEC Foundation Annual Report: https://brnw.ch/21wKHEI #SMECFoundation #ConnectUpliftContribute #ActionOnPoverty #EducationForAll #ZeroHunger #SustainableDevelopment

This World Environment Day, we are delighted to share that SMEC colleagues in Hanoi, Vietnam, joined forces with the Center for Nature Conservation and Development (CCD) for an impactful tree planting event in Pu Luong Nature Reserve. The dedicated team planted 350 indigenous trees, contributing to the restoration of this biodiverse and stunning reserve. This initiative not only enhances carbon sequestration and habitat restoration, but fosters stronger connections with local communities, reinforcing our unwavering commitment to sustainability. Read more about our environmental efforts and the impact of this event here: https://brnw.ch/21wKrw1 #SMECFoundation #ConnectUpliftContribute #CommunityDevelopment #Sustainability #CSR #TreePlanting #EnvironmentalStewardship #CommunityEngagement #WorldEnvironmentDay

📢 We are thrilled to announce the 2023 SMEC Foundation Annual Report is now available! From supporting education and healthcare initiatives to fostering economic development, this report proudly details our project highlights from 2023. Each initiative has empowered local communities, contributing to the establishment of a lasting impact for future generations. A huge thank you to our charity partners, SMEC alumni, and team members, who have joined forces with us to support, fund and deliver these transformative projects and corporate social responsibility initiatives. Together, we are making a difference! Check out the full report to see how we're turning challenges into opportunities and uplifting lives one project at a time. 👉🏻 Read now: https://brnw.ch/21wKgk2 Roger Bayliss | Karen Atkinson | Suzanne Gibbs | Philip Wilcox | Virginia Anderson | Jemma Norton #SMECFoundation #ConnectUpliftContribute #CommunityDevelopment #Sustainability

On April 22, 2024, SMEC in Pakistan participated in the Earth Day 2024 clean-up activity at Kinara Park, Rawal Lake, Islamabad. This event was organized by Friends of Margallah Hills National Park (FoMHNP), and co-hosted by the US Embassy and the ISLAMABAD WILDLIFE MANAGEMENT BOARD (IWMB). Students from the National University of Sciences and Technology (NUST) also joined in. Over a span of two hours, dedicated volunteers collected an impressive 50 bags of plastic waste from Kinara Park. Aligned with this year’s Earth Day theme of ‘Planet vs. Plastics,’ FoMHNP focuses on raising awareness about plastic among tourists, visitors, and hikers. They encourage individuals to refrain from bringing plastic packaging items along various trails at Margallah Hills National Park. The clean-up activity symbolised the collective commitment of all organisations involved toward a plastic-free planet. During the event, Mr. Andrew Schofer, Deputy Chief of Mission at the US Embassy in Islamabad, emphasised the detrimental impact of plastic on the environment and our daily lives. Tassadaq Malik, Founding President of FoMHNP, acknowledged the positive mindset shift among people due to the consistent efforts of volunteers. He highlighted that sustained actions can bring about change, as evidenced by the positive impact on Margallah Hills National Park. Congratulations to all involved! #SMECFoundation #ConnectUpliftContribute #CSR #EarthDay2024 #PlanetVsPlastics #EndPlastics

SMEC was represented by Ferdinand (Nandy) Lucero on a recent two-day tour to the Talomo District, Davao, Philippines, to visit projects jointly supported with AFFLIP (Australian Foundation for Fostering Learning in the Philippines). The visit allowed firsthand insight into the transformative outcomes of these efforts, which included the mushroom production unit aiming to bolster income and nutrition, and other health and nutrition projects. Other initiatives like the Multipurpose Outdoor Learning Domain (MOLD) were seen to be creating dynamic educational hubs within school premises. “Our partnership with SMEC signifies a powerful alliance for positive change, rooted in our shared commitment to community empowerment,” noted Alastair Douglas, AFFLIP Founder. “Together with SMEC, we’re not just improving schools but we’re also nurturing futures.” Yvonne Zeegers, the new Chair, added “I’m inspired by the progress we’ve made and excited to explore new avenues for enhancing educational opportunities.” Ferdinand Lucero, representing SMEC, said “I am impressed with the progress of these initiatives. Witnessing firsthand their positive impact to the students and schools reaffirms our dedication to making a difference in communities.” This collaboration exemplifies dedication to sustainable community development, promising brighter educational horizons despite pandemic challenges. Read more about this transformative journey here: https://brnw.ch/21wJgB6 #SMECFoundation #ConnectUpliftContribute #CSR #CommunityEmpowerment #Health #Nutrition #EducationForAll