Corporate Responsibility

PricewaterhouseCoopers (PwC) is committed to making a positive difference to the lives of communities in which we operate. We aim to contribute to the improvement of society, based on PwC competencies and values. Furthermore we aim to respond promptly to the needs of the less endowed.

A core principle guides our work: PwC is at its best when we bring the cumulative power of our global network to bear on complex problems – for our clients and our communities.

In 2008, to mark the tenth anniversary of the merger of our legacy firms, the global network made the largest single donation ever – by a business organisation – to the UNHCR. This is being used to build and operate schools for refugee children who have fled the conflict in Darfur.

Across our Africa Central network of firms, we continue to look for ways to harness the energy and passion of our people. Over the past year we have made significant contributions to our communities – primarily around education, but also around a climate-related disaster. Over and above this, there have been emergencies in some countries that have warranted urgent intervention from our firms.

Education

After a lengthy selection process, we have sponsored the establishment of a computer laboratory, worth approximately $10,000 at St. Mary’s Mazinde Juu, Lushoto, Tanzania. A total of 20 computers, one printer and training materials were donated to the girls’ school. The lab opening ceremony was attended by the Deputy Minister of Education and Vocational Training, Honorable Mwantumu Mahiza and the Lushoto District Commissioner, Honorable Sophia Mjema. The laboratory is part of PwC’s efforts to enhance the education of girls in Tanzania.

In August 2007, a cheque worth $2,500 was presented to Alhassan Ghanzaba Memorial School in Ghana for the purchase of science equipment for the Junior High School. The school has a total population of 405 most of whom come from very humble backgrounds. PwC’s sponsorship was aimed at enhancing the education and future livelihoods of these needy children in this deprived area of Northern Ghana.

In Mauritius, the ‘Accompagnement Scolaire’ programme was launched in June 2008 to provide educational facilities for the progression of deprived children, under the custody of SOS Poverty in Vallée Pitot (one of the poorest suburbs of Port Louis). The aim is to help the children progress academically by providing teacher support, but also to develop extra-curricular skills and activities. The first extra-curricular activity consisted of a drawing day, facilitated by PwC staff.

In Kenya, the firm participated in the Oasis forum for future PricewaterhouseCoopers leaders. Through the contributions of Oasis members from across the globe we donated a cheque worth $10,000 and offered mentorship to Our lady of Nazareth Primary School, in Mukuru kwa Njenga, Nairobi.

Climate-related disasters

The Eastern region of Uganda was hit by floods in October 2007 which left many homeless and sick. To help those affected by the floods, staff and the firm made a donation worth approximately $3,000. Malaria, diarrhoea and water treatment drugs, plus mosquito nets were purchased. The donation was handed over to the local leaders and health ministry personnel by PwC staff who made the 820km journey to the flood-hit area of Katakwi district, North Eastern Uganda. The contribution touched the lives of over 2,000 flood victims that attended the donation ceremony.

Post-election crisis

Following the post election violence in Kenya in early 2008, PwC partnered with Kenya Red Cross Society, to help the victims of the violence. A total of Kshs.1million ($14,925) was raised through staff and firm contributions. The cash donation was presented by the Africa Central CEO and Territory Senior partner, Philip Kinisu to Abbas Gullet, Secretary General of Kenya Red Cross Society.