AstraZeneca has concluded its inaugural Week of Service, which ran from September 16 to 20, 2024, across the African cluster.
Employees from AstraZeneca’s offices across the continent came together to volunteer their time, skills, and resources in support of communities and environmental sustainability.
This initiative highlights AstraZeneca’s commitment to driving positive societal impact as part of its corporate responsibility efforts.
Throughout the week, AstraZeneca employees from Cameroon, Ivory Coast, Senegal, Ghana, Kenya, and South Africa organized activities to strengthen community resilience, support children’s education, and promote environmental protection.
The Week of Service featured impactful initiatives such as donations to local orphanages, environmental clean-up efforts, and mentorship activities for underserved children.
In Cameroon, employees gathered and donated food supplies and essential goods to the ‘Foundation Famille Chrétienne’ orphanage. In Ivory Coast, the team purchased school kits and donated them to the NGO Les Zinzins du Bonheur, helping to improve educational access for young learners. In Senegal, AstraZeneca’s team provided food supplies and other necessities to the Nursery of Medina, managed by the Franciscan Sisters.
In Ghana, employees distributed food supplies and essential items to a local orphanage to meet basic needs and support child development. In Kenya, the team spent quality time with children at Morning Star Ministries Children’s Home, where they engaged in cooking, cleaning, mentoring, and gift-giving.
They also visited Victorious Joy Children’s Home to hold discussions with the children and provide additional support. In South Africa, AstraZeneca employees conducted door-to-door donation drives, participated in environmental clean-up activities, and engaged with children at the Princess Alice Adoption Home.
Commenting on the Week of Service, Deepak Arora, African Cluster Country President at AstraZeneca, stated: “At AstraZeneca, we believe that our success is intrinsically tied to the well-being of the communities where we live and work. The Week of Service provides an opportunity for our employees to give back, connect with communities, and work together toward a sustainable future. This year’s activities showcased the incredible dedication of our team across Africa, and we are immensely proud of the positive impact we were able to make.”
Across the African cluster, AstraZeneca employees contributed a total of 1,600 service hours, with around 200 employees volunteering their time to various causes. This cumulative effort reflects AstraZeneca’s strong commitment to fostering healthier, more resilient communities through hands-on support and volunteerism.
Amit Bhakri, Country Director, Sub-Saharan Africa at AstraZeneca, added: “Participating in the Week of Service was an incredibly rewarding experience. Whether we were supporting children in orphanages, promoting education, or helping preserve the environment, we came together with a shared purpose.
Knowing that my efforts could truly impact my community makes me proud to work for a company that values and supports giving back. It’s inspiring to stand alongside colleagues who are equally passionate about creating positive change.”
The AstraZeneca Week of Service forms part of the company’s broader sustainability agenda, which focuses on creating healthier, more resilient communities. Through this annual initiative, AstraZeneca aims to address social challenges, contribute to local development, and promote environmental stewardship across its global footprint.
