World Vision - Holcim partnership for development in rural communities

World Vision and Holcim (Lanka) Ltd. recently entered into a partnership to work towards sustainable development among the poorest of the poor communities in Sri Lanka.

Philippe Richart, CEO, Holcim Lanka and Suresh Bartlett, National Director World Vision Lanka, recently signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU). The partners will collaborate with each other to combine their technical, material and financial resources towards building economically and socially sustainable communities.

“Holcim being the pioneer in ‘green house’ concept and is happy to partner with World Vision Lanka, one of the largest INGOs in the country and reputed for carrying out extensive development work in disadvantaged communities. Through the partnership we are focusing on supporting shelter and livelihood projects for the most vulnerable communities,” said Philippe Richart, CEO, Holcim Lanka.

The partnership will initially focus on eight World Vision’s programme areas; and in addition to addressing shelter and livelihood needs, masonry skills training for unemployed youth; livelihoods trainings for the communities and development of child-friendly spaces that would provide a safe place for children to gather and engage in child development activities will also be covered.

Commenting on the initiative World Vision National Director Suresh Bartlett said, “World Vision is pleased to partner with Holcim to maximise our value proposition and ensure a greater impact for the benefit of the most vulnerable children and communities. As we work together and collaborate we create greater synergy and avoid duplication and waste.”

Holcim is a market leader in the cement industry with a focus on Economic, Social and Environmental performance along the triple bottom line of sustainable development engaging in activities relating to Coorporate Social Responsibility (CSR). The partnership would be instrumental in carrying out their CSR strategy.

World Vision Lanka has been in Sri Lanka since 1977 and has programmes in nearly all districts of the country carrying out development and disaster relief activities over the last 37 years. World Vision Lanka is committed to long-term and sustainable change supporting children, families and their communities to reach their full potential.