Corporate Social Responsibility - April 2006 - March 2008 Life is now - Vodafone Malta
←
→
Page content transcription
If your browser does not render page correctly, please read the page content below
Corporate Social Responsibility April 2006 – March 2008 www.vodafone.com.mt Life is now
Letter from the
Chief Executive
Officer
In a context of rapid societal change and a growing concern about a sustainable
environment for all, Vodafone Malta Limited is aware that its role in the
community is an important one.
Building on our past successes in the field of Corporate Responsibility (CR), we have
continued to develop our commitment, vision and reach, in order that Vodafone
remains a leader and vital player in the Maltese community we operate in.
This report is a showcase of the numerous initiatives taken on a corporate level
complimented by the Vodafone Malta Foundation’s projects that have kept
us busy throughout our last two financial years. Our dedication to operate
responsibly at all levels reflects our values, and we believe our contributions also
help us achieve our business objectives and ascertain our customers’ loyalty.
The modern world we live in faces new challenges and issues and we will strive to
continue paying great attention to needs and requirements as they arise, so that
we respond effectively and in a timely manner, and ease some of the burden for
society’s welfare.
We believe this Corporate Responsibility Report will act as a catalyst to encourage
other organisations to adopt similar affirmative action.
Iñaki Berroeta
Content
Using energy efficiently
Mobile phones, base stations and health
Network rollout
Responsible marketing
Supply chain
Handsets recycling
Our people
Vodafone Malta Foundation
This is Vodafone Malta’s second Corporate Responsibility (CR) Report,
covering the period between 1 April 2006 and 31 March 2008. This report
is structured to give an overview on the issues that are most material to
our business. We provide a more detailed picture about our dealings and
offerings on our website www.vodafone.com.mt
Content
lth Using energy efficiently
Mobile phones, base stations and health
Proġett Gardjola
Addressing concerns
Network rollout
Responsible marketing
Dual pricing
Reduced roaming rates
Easing accessibility
Supply chain
Environment friendly
Handsets recycling
Our people
Organisation & Change
Resourcing
Communication & Involvement
Learning & Development
Reward & Recognition
Health, Safety & Wellbeing
Community Service Leave
Employee Pulse Survey 2006
Performance Dialogue
Corporate Responsibility Day
Blood Donation Day
Employee Charity Contribution
Tree-planting WeekendUsing energy efficiently
Mobile telecoms has been declared to be a comparatively clean industry. How-
ever, Vodafone aims to go even greener.
Vodafone has set itself a target to reduce CO2 emissions from operations by 50%
by 2020 across the Group from the 2006/07 baseline of 1.23 million tonnes.
Vodafone Malta is committed to play its part so that Vodafone Group reaches its
targets by being more energy efficient, using cleaner alternatives, and recycling
more. Our progress in most areas of energy consumption is positive and we
endeavour to work harder to reduce our carbon footprint.
Energy 1840000
1820000
consumption 1800000
Kilowatts/hr
from national 1780000
1760000
grid by radio 1740000
sites 1720000
1700000 Apr’06-Mar’07 Apr’07-Mar’08
360000
Energy 350000
340000
consumption
Kilowatts/hr
330000
from national 320000
grid by offices 310000
300000
290000 Apr’06-Mar’07 Apr’07-Mar’08
160000
Energy 150000
consumption 140000
Kilowatts/hr
130000
from national 120000
grid by retail 110000
100000
90000 Apr’06-Mar’07 Apr’07-Mar’08
64 70000
62 Diesel 60000
Number of 60 consumption 50000
58 40000
vehicles in fleet 56
by company 30000
vehicle fleet
Litre
54 20000
52 10000
50 Apr’06-Mar’07 Apr’07-Mar’08 0 Apr’06-Mar’07 Apr’07-Mar’08180 2150
175 2100
Number of
Kilometres
170 Approx distance 2050
work-related 165
flown by LOC* 2000
flights 160
employees
1950
155 1900
150 1850
145 Apr’06-Mar’07 Apr’07-Mar’08 1800 Apr’06-Mar’07 Apr’07-Mar’08
Total GWP** of 3500
3000
refrigerants & 2500
fire suppressants 2000
GWP
replenished in 1500
the company 1000
500
0 Apr’06-Mar’07 Apr’07-Mar’08
*LOC - Local Operating Company in this case Vodafone Malta.
**GWP - Global Warming Potential is a measurement to estimate the mass of greenhouse gas.Mobile phones, base
stations and health
Mobile phones have been a part of our lives and improving the
way we communicate for 20 years.
Vodafone Malta offers nationwide network coverage (over
98% of the Maltese Islands and 99% of the population).
But some people are still concerned about the effects
mobile phones and base stations may have on our health.
Thousands of studies have been commissioned by international
organisations into the effects of radio frequency (RF) fields on
health. All conclude that the low-level RF fields from mobile phones
and base stations are unlikely to have adverse effects on health.
The International Commission for Non-Ionizing Radiation
Protection (ICNIRP) has issued guidelines on levels of
exposure to RF fields, including that from mobile phones and
base stations. The guidelines are available at www.icnirp.de/
documents/emfgdl.pdf.
These guidelines have been adopted by the Ministry of Health
and the Malta Communications Authority (MCA), which is the
local regulator. All mobile phones sold by Vodafone Malta
comply with ICNIRP standards.
Based on current scientific information, the World Health
Organisation (WHO) states there is no indication for special
precautions to be taken for use of mobile phones. However, if you
are worried and would like to take precautions, the WHO
suggests you might wish to use a hands free device to
keep mobile phones away from the head and body, or
limit the length of calls.
To read the WHO’s recommendations visit: /www.vodafone. Vodafone Malta also submits an emission report to the MCA
com/start/responsibility/mpmh/mobiles_health/WHO_ within eight weeks of a base station being installed.
advice.html or www.who.int.
Vodafone Malta has specifically designed its radio base
It is important to keep in mind that mobile phones use the stations and roof-mounted antennae to fall below the
minimum RF field strength needed to communicate with the applicable exposure limits established by the “Report on
base station. The better the signal from the base station, the Recommendations for Limiting Human Exposure to Time-
lower the RF field strength from the mobile phone. Varying Electric, Magnetic and Electromagnetic Fields in the
Frequency Range from 0Hz to 300GHz” issued by the Ministry
Base stations’ emissions are well below the ICNIRP guidelines. of Health in August 2000, based on the ICNIRP guidelines.
The emissions are regularly monitored by Vodafone Malta. The
MCA carries out frequent audits on sites to measure emission All base stations installed in Malta are also certified for type-
levels and results are posted on its website at www.mca.org.mt. approval by the local Department of Wireless & Telegraphy.Proġett Gardjola Typical reading of a Probe
Apr-06 St Lucia Probe
To help the public monitor RF radiation levels around Malta 50
Field Strength Level ----------------
General Public Exposure Limit ----------------
and Gozo in real time, the University of Malta’s Department of 45
Communications and Computer Engineering, in association 40
with Vodafone Malta, embarked on Proġett Gardjola in 2004. 35
30
Proġett Gardjola takes its name from the traditional coastal 25
watch tower and aims to enable citizens concerned about RF 20
radiation levels to have immediate access to data to help put 15
their mind at rest.
10
Vodafone Malta Limited has allocated 10 electro-magnetic 5
radiation probes installed around Malta to be used in the 0
29/00 05/00 12/00 19/00 26/00 03/00
project. Electro-magnetic radiation probes measure RF field
day of month/time of day (24 hour clock)
Apr-08 St Lucia Probe
levels emitted within the 100kHz - 3 GHz range including tv, 50
Field Strength Level ----------------
radio and GSM transmissions. 45
General Public Exposure Limit ----------------
40
The readings from each probe are downloaded to the web
35
server at the University of Malta every day and posted onto the
30
Communications and Computer Engineering Department’s
25
website at http://gardjola.eng.um.edu.mt/emr/.
20
The readings are reproduced in graphs. Each graph shows 15
emission readings for a specific probe and the maximum 10
allowable emission levels set by the ICNIRP. 5
0
Vodafone’s Proġett Gardjola monitors all RF field levels, not 29/00 05/00 12/00 19/00
day of month/time of day (24 hour clock)
26/00 03/00
only those generated by Vodafone, but also from other mobile
networks and transmission sources, to ensure they are well
below accepted standards.
Addressing concerns
Remember that the third- questions at www.vodafone.com.mt/page/phonesandmore
generation (3G) mobile phones localcoverage_faqs.html.
launched in Malta recently employ
the latest technology and not more energy. Vodafone also offers concerned customers the possibility to
The handsets and 3G base stations comply place a probe (monitor) on their residence for a period of time
with the same ICNIRP guidelines as all other phones to assess and compare emission levels in their area. Three
and base stations. customers have availed themselves of this initiative so far.
In March 2007, the European Commission Scientific Contact Vodafone’s Customer Service on 247 from your
Committee on Emerging and Newly Identified Health Risks Vodafone or 9999 9247 from any other line for more
(SCENIHR) stated that although no health effect has been information about this scheme.
220
consistently demonstrated at exposure levels below the
215
ICNIRP limits established in 1999, the data base for this 210
evaluation is limited especially for long-term low-level Base Stations 205
exposure. To read more visit ec.europa.eu. 200
195
Vodafone Malta answers the public’s most commonly asked 190
185 Apr’06-Mar’07 Apr’07-Mar’08Network rollout
Among other targets, Vodafone Group committed itself to update its existing network deployment guidelines and assess local operating companies’ compliance with global policy by March 2008. The Group has developed a set of common questions to be used by all operating companies in order to serve as a dialogue tool with property owners. Vodafone Malta works with the community, landlords, local councils and the planning authorities to map its network. In quarterly quantitative reporting during the last quarter of our financial year as at March 31, 2007, Vodafone Malta introduced several questions to measure its commitment towards Vodafone Group’s policy guidelines. These can be found at www.vodafone.com. These guidelines serve as a tool to ensure that all operating companies within Vodafone Group meet the strategic objective: that of being a responsible business as far as Vodafone’s network deployment across the globe is concerned. Our mobile services depend on a network of base stations that send and receive calls and data. Each base station covers a specific area called a cell. The base stations are made up of antennas that provide the link between the mobile phone and the network. When people travel, the link is passed from one base station to the next to create an uninterrupted service. To provide an optimum service, a large number of base stations are required to allow more people to use mobile phones, to avail themselves of all the services and also for a continuous coverage when moving around. By March 31, 2008 we had a total of 214 base stations across the Maltese Islands. 3G services were available in many localities including St Julians, Sliema, Gżira, Ta’ Xbiex, Msida, Ħamrun, Marsa, Floriana, Valletta, Attard, Balzan, Għargħur, Luqa, Mosta, Naxxar, Pietà, San Ġwann and St Paul’s Bay.
Responsible marketing
Vodafone’s reputation depends on earning our customers’ Vodafone Malta launched an SMS Euro Converter in
trust. We have a responsibility to communicate clearly and collaboration with the NECC. Vodafone subscribers were able
fairly with customers at all times. to send a text message to 154 with the amount for conversion
in lira to receive a return message with the euro equivalent.
Vodafone Malta has a formal procedure in place to
ensure that subscribers are protected from any malicious Customers made 5493 requests for conversion between
or erroneous disclosure at all times. The Electronic January 2007 and the introduction of the euro.
Communications (Regulation) Act, Security Services Act
and Data Protection Act and subsidiary legislation, contain Reduced roaming rates
significant restrictions on how electronic communication
Apart from the Vodafone Travel Promise, in March 2007
companies can use the customers’ accessible information.
Vodafone Malta reduced roaming rates for EU countries by an
‘Subscriber Privacy’ forms part of our ‘Passion for Customers’, average of 40% when compared to summer 2005 under the
one of our four core values. This means that we ensure that new Vodafone World rate plan.
all our clients’ personal information is used, disclosed and
The advantages of the new rates meant that they were
shared appropriately.
available for all customers, whether pre- or post-paid, did not
The document aims to ensure that all Vodafone employees apply to peak or off-peak timings, and applied to both
who handle customer data are obliged not to disclose any of Vodafone preferred and non-preferred networks.
the contents. Any breach of this procedure, intentional or not
With Vodafone World, customers benefited from one low,
is subject to disciplinary action, which may lead to dismissal
simple rate of Lm0.30c / € 0.70c per minute (pre-paid) and
and criminal proceedings.
Lm0.28c / €0.65c per minute (post-paid) when calling Malta
When law enforcement authorities request subscriber details from anywhere in the EU. Customers could avail themselves
officially, the request is validated by the Legal Department. from reduced roaming rates on over 340 networks worldwide.
With the new Roaming Euro Tariff, all Vodafone customers
Responsible marketing also means making sure our benefited even further as from 30 August 2007. They
communications are always legal, decent, fair, honest, benefited from a rate of Lm0.25c/min incl of VAT (€0.58)
truthful and sensitive to the views of all members of society. for all outgoing calls within the EU countries to the visited
country, to Malta and other EU countries. Incoming calls were
As at March 31, 2007, Vodafone Malta registered one ruling
charged at Lm 0.12c/min incl of VAT (€0.28) for calls received
where both Vodafone Malta and the other local mobile
whilst roaming in the EU 27 member states. These rates
operator were found in breach of the Consumer Affairs Act and
applied for both post-paid and pre-paid customers.
were asked to desist from using a comparative advert. This we
highlighted in our quantitative reporting to Vodafone Group.
Easing accessibility
Dual pricing Making easy communication more accessible
to more people gives Vodafone Malta more
In the run-up to Malta’s adoption of the euro in January
opportunities to contribute to a
2008, Vodafone Malta participated in the National Euro
better society.
Changeover Committee’s ‘Fair’ initiative. In this way, Vodafone
Malta assured customers of fair pricing throughout the euro We introduced the Motorola
changeover process. Motofone F3, a low cost,
lightweight handset with a
All invoices, credit balance, top-up vouchers, pricing and online
straightforward menu,
information featured both the lira and the euro. Vodafone staff
a vibration alert
underwent in-depth training in conjunction with the NECC.
mode, and large
In addition, to help customers with lira to euro conversion, font scriptallowing easy use. Over Christmas we also launched ultra-low Various criteria were employed when devising several
cost handsets like the Vodafone 225 as part of our efforts to services on Vodafone Malta’s website, including:
bring mobile telephony within more people’s reach. • Online Billing
• Top Up Online
In its commitment to make internet available to all the
• E-plan Switching
Maltese public, in January 2008, the government of
• Family & Friends listing
Malta initiated the Blueskies Scheme through which
people benefited from subsidised internet for just €3 a With Online Billing, for example, customers may browse
month. Vodafone Malta joined in this effort and offered its through their old bills, find out how many hours or minutes
WiMAX broadband home internet for this same price, with of local incoming calls they have received to date and view
customers getting a 2MB connection with a 12GB download the calls that will appear on their next bill.
limit, free installation and free activation.
Customers are also able to check their calling habits: whom
Digital Citizenship developed on Wireless Network in they are calling most, how long they are talking for, and how
geographically isolated areas (WDCNET) much their calls are costing. Post-paid customers can settle
bills online.
The aim of this project was to set up a radio frequency
wireless network, linking all public services, suppliers In October 2006, Vodafone introduced the electronic fiscal
(municipalities, schools, welfare...) in geographically isolated receipt after the various electronic top-up options were
areas, to provide data and information useful for the citizens. launched for pre-paid customers. Pre-paid customers may
Through this project, citizens are given an opportunity to top up their balance through HSBC and Bank of Valletta
use innovative informatics and communication technology Top Up, as well as through the Web Top Up via My Vodafone
to support their participative use of public services and to available online. Pre-paid customers may also access and
exercise their civil rights and responsibilities, overcoming print a two-year history of fiscal receipts.
social exclusion compounded by a society divided into the
information-rich (urban area) and the information-poor (rural Vodafone’s pre-paid customers may also choose which pre-
area). paid price plan best fits their lifestyle.
Vodafone Malta provided the necessary equipment in 25 User Friendly Accessibility Measures introduced on the
localities (to date 20 have been installed) plus free internet website aim to simplify navigation. Fonts can be enlarged
connection of 20GByte monthly download limit with every and colours altered. Bills are also available in large type on
unit for first 6 months. Vodafone Malta provided the Wi-Fi request.
enabled router devices, through which citizens can access
Our ‘Brand Health Tracker’ survey conducted through third
the Internet. Each router device is connected to an outdoor
parties showed that in March 2008:
modem which connects to any of the Vodafone base
stations located in Gozo. It enables a high performance and • 50.6% of respondents believed that Vodafone does more
reliable network with minimum environmental impact, on than other companies to be responsible and fair in the
which to implement and manage an internet portal which way it does business (up from 39.4% in April 2006)
gives priority to the citizens – in this case, Gozitans – keeping • 43.1% of respondents believed that Vodafone
them informed and advised about the problems and services does more than other companies to behave
offered to the community. responsibly towards the
environment, local
We are endeavouring to work with local NGOs and communities and all parts
charities with a view to meet their needs, making mobile of society (up from 35.2%
communication more inclusive. in April 2006).
For more information visit www.vodafone.com.mt.Supply chain
In April 2007, Vodafone Malta set up a Supply Chain • Does the supplier have a written policy stating that
Management team to take over the company’s its employees are free from all forms of negative
purchasing activities. discrimination, including racial or sexual discrimination?
• Is verbal abuse, harassment, threats or intimidation
Our Code of Ethical Purchasing is designed to promote safe, a disciplinary offence?
fair working conditions, and the responsible management of
Besides, to ensure that suppliers are treated fairly, we have
environment and social issues in Vodafone’s supply chain.
introduced a process called ‘Whistle Blowing’ which enables
Part of our corporate responsibility objectives requires that, all suppliers to refer to an independent body if they feel
apart from the management, all employees within the that Vodafone was discriminatory when turning down their
Supply Chain Management department undergo training to quotations.
provide them with an insight on the most inherent elements
All suppliers are informed of their rights officially.
of ethical purchasing and potential hazards.
Environment friendly
The Code of Ethical Purchasing is founded on 10 objectives:-
• Forced labour To comply with environmental responsibilities and
• Child labour legislation, the Supply Chain Management team adopted
• Health & safety several initiatives.
• Freedom of association
• Discrimination Batteries, cables and metals, antennas, computers’ monitors
• Disciplinary practices and printers which were not taken up by employees were
• Working hours handed over to authorised waste collectors to process and
• Payment export for recycling.
• Individual behaviour
Newspapers are given to the Eden Foundation for recycling.
• Environment
Our suppliers are screened and only qualify to be official Office paper is being collected by Bonavia Skips for recycling
suppliers if they pass the Qualification Audit. As at March and shredding.
31, 2007, ten suppliers underwent an audit through a
To comply with the Packaging & Packing Waste regulation,
questionnaire.
Vodafone Malta has joined a Compliance Scheme
Among other things, they were asked: (administered by Green Pak) to collect packaging waste.
• Does the supplier regularly monitor its business to
1400
ensure no child labour used? 1200
• Is there evidence of forced, bonded or compulsory Recycling of
Kilogrammes
1000
labour being practiced by the supplier? 800
office paper 600
• Does the supplier conduct regular reviews to identify
400
and eliminate potential health and safety hazards in the 200
workplace? 0 Apr’06-Mar’07 Apr’07-Mar’08
• Does the supplier have a documented procedure to
ensure that employee representatives (such as trade
union representatives) are free from any form of
discrimination?Forced labour
Child labour
Health & safety
Freedom of association
Discrimination
Disciplinary practices
Working hours
Payment
Individual behaviour
EnvironmentHandsets recycling Vodafone Malta is proud to be the only local mobile operator to have launched the handsets recycling campaign in June 2004. By March 2007, Vodafone Malta’s target was to collect 1000 handsets. A total of 1231 were collected. By March 2008, our target was 1050. We collected 1192. The campaign was intensified at various events, including the Malta International Trade Fair in 2006 and 2007. Mobile phones and accessories which are discarded irresponsibly cause pollution through the emission of greenhouse gases which damage the ozone layer. Irrelevant of the network they are subscribed to, all mobile phone users are able to dispose of their old handsets, chargers, batteries and accessories at all Vodafone shops. Old mobile phones which are not able to be reused are broken down for component and material recycling. Our target by March 2009 is to collect 1344 handsets.
Our people Learning & Development
Vodafone works with every employee to define a personal
Vodafone Malta employs 306 people, 288 of whom full- development plan to build a portfolio of skills that meets
time. Like every other business, we know that we are as their and the company’s needs. Vodafone is clear about what
good as our people. it expects from its leaders and people, and that they are held
accountable to deliver results.
That is why the Vodafone People Strategy was devised. It is
a ‘deal’ between Vodafone and its employees defined in six Employees understand their goals and what it is expected
key areas. of them in terms of performance and behaviour and to
deliver on them. They seek regular coaching and feedback
It seeks to identify the answers to two key questions:
to improve their performance. They know what assistance
• What does Vodafone expect from its people? is available to support them, their personal development
• What can its employees expect from Vodafone? needs and aspirations, and to act upon them.
The strategy, based on Vodafone Group’s People Strategy, was
Between April 2007 to March 2008, €135933 was spent on
introduced at Vodafone Malta in April 2007 to all line managers,
training, close to double the training spend of April 2006 to
and in September 2007 to the rest of the company.
March 2007, which was €78152.
The six key areas are:
Reward & Recognition
Organisation & change Vodafone rewards its employees according to their
Employees know and understand Vodafone’s objectives and personal performance. It provides them with financial and
take the responsibility to know what changes are taking place, non-financial rewards that are of value to them. Vodafone
how they are affected, and respond to them professionally; to rewards and recognises team and individual performance,
treat everyone as a customer and be a team player. and contributions beyond the call of duty.
Vodafone assigns clear roles and accountabilities based on Employees understand what they are rewarded for and the
business objectives, and trusts and empowers employees various elements of their reward package.
to deliver against these targets.
Health, Safety & Well being
Resourcing The health and well being of our employees is a top priority
During recruitment, Vodafone ensures that selection decisions and in order to ensure the highest standards, we have an
are transparent and fair, and provides clear feedback. Vodafone Occupational Health and Safety Committee composed
endeavours to support and enable its employees to manage of various employees from throughout the Company.
their career and move within Vodafone proactively. A number of initiatives such as medical consultations,
regular eye sight tests, yearly influenza vaccines and health
New employees know what they signed up for and want to screening for high risk jobs have been implemented.
be part of Vodafone. Employees understand their skills and
capabilities, and the opportunities that exist within Vodafone, so We also understand that our employees have to balance
they can manage their career realistically. their work and personal life, thus as an employer, Vodafone
seeks to balance these requirements vis-a-vis its operations
by adopting family-friendly measures such as flexible
Communication & Involvement working hours, teleworking and reduced hours following the
Vodafone communicates with its employees honestly, birth of an employee’s child.
encourages open feedback, and responds to what the
Vodafone also equips its managers to measure and manage
employees have to say. Vodafone equips its line managers
health, safety and well being. Employees use the available
with the tools and skills needed to engage and motivate
tools and develop their skills to ensure that they can look
people. Employees speak honestly about progress and suggest
after their and others’ safety, health and well being. They
ways for improvement. Their work is in line with Vodafone’s
alert Vodafone when something looks wrong, and about
values and goals. They engage actively, effectively and
accidents if they happen.
efficiently within their team, customers and all stakeholders.Organisation & change
Communication &
Resourcing Involvement
Reward &
Recognition
Learning &
Development
Health, Safety
& Well being
People Survey 2007
People Survey – key findings 2007 (% that agree)
Vodafone Malta employees have
many opportunities to voice Rate Vodafone on being socially responsible (i.e. is doing good things
94
their opinions, suggestions and for society and the community in which it operates)
disagreements. The People
I am proud to work for Vodafone Malta Ltd. 91
Survey, conducted in October
2007, was one such opportunity.
Rate Vodafone on being ethical in the way it conducts its business 87
Out of the 259 employees who
were invited to participate, 239 Would you recommend Vodafone as a place to work? 85
were final respondents. The final
response rate was 92%. Rate the overall trust and confidence in Vodafone 84
Rate Vodafone overall on being innovative in developing products
81
& servicesPerformance Dialogue 170
160
Female employees
Since its early days, Vodafone Malta had a performance
Male employees
150
management system in place to create a common Employees 140
Vodafone culture of performance, teamwork, 130
commitment and learning. 120
110
100 Apr’06-Mar’07 Apr’07-Mar’08
In 2005 it was revamped into the Performance Dialogue, a
three-step process run by individual employees and their
direct superiors to assess performance, agree ratings, set
goals and devise a performance plan for the following year.
Employee Charity Contribution
Corporate Responsibility Day Throughout the year, Vodafone employees put aside
a part of their monthly salary for it to be donated to
Institutional homes around Malta were given a facelift by charities at the end of the year. Donations are also
volunteers from five major local companies during this year’s collected at the annual Christmas staff party.
Corporate Social Responsibility Day organised annually on
March 19, the feast of St Joseph the Worker. During the last financial year over €8000 were
equally distributed to Id-Dar tal-Providenza, the Eden
Vodafone Malta employees gave a new look to one of Foundation, and the Abandoned Animals Association.
the residences of Aġenzija Appoġġ. They whitewashed,
decorated, carried out maintenance work, did some Tree-planting Weekend
gardening and cleaning.
In November 2007, Vodafone Malta employees planted
The residence provides shelter and safety to women who 9000 trees at the Foresta 2000 site at Mellieha over three
are victims of domestic violence and their children. The days. These trees replaced the 3000 trees destroyed by
programme run by Aġenzija Appoġġ is based on the notion vandals earlier in the year.
that women and children have a right to protection from
violence and abuse, and that any woman, regardless of Community Service Leave
socio-economic status and age, may be subjected to abuse.
During the financial year ending March 31, 2007, eight
Blood Donation Day employees took Community Service Leave which amounted
to a total of 178 hours.
Over 30 Vodafone Malta employees gave blood at the
Mobile Blood Donation Unit which, every year since During the financial year ending March 31, 2008, four
2001, is stationed outside Vodafone’s head office for employees took Community Service Leave which amounted
a day. to a total of 72 hours.From the
Chairperson
Four years at the helm of the Vodafone Malta Foundation (VMF) have brought me
in touch with very diverse needs of different groups and individuals from all walks
of life. The Foundation has been working tirelessly to provide opportunities for
individual self-actualisation, for the development and education of disadvantaged
children, as well as for the care of Malta’s treasured heritage, culture and
environment.
A voluntary, non-profit making organisation, the Vodafone Malta Foundation has
mobilised company staff, individuals and companies in a dynamic synergy, to
create a support network which enables the Foundation to reach its aims – that
of sharing the benefits from the success of mobile technology by supporting
the community in which Vodafone clients, employees, investors, partners and
suppliers live.
A completely separate entity to Vodafone’s commercial operations, since its
inception, VMF has donated more than €1,105,800 to local causes. VMF’s
commitment and drive are uplifted by a passion that has filtered down to the
grassroots and that is encapsulated in the Vodafone Group’s ‘Passion for the
World Around Us’. The umbrella organisation, the Vodafone Group Foundation
supports initiatives that have global or multinational aims as well as schemes
funded in partnership with local Foundations or community programmes.
The Vodafone Malta Foundation will keep striving to create opportunities for
development, increase accessibility, and address special needs, for the benefit of
Malta’s community.
The Board of the Vodafone Malta Foundation is made up of Gemma Mifsud
Bonnici, Joseph C. Grioli, Nick Archer, Martin Gregory, Michael Bianchi,
Deborah Grech (Secretary) and Denise Formosa Gruppetta (Administration).
Gemma Mifsud BonniciVodafone Malta Foundation
Set up in 2003, the Vodafone Malta Foundation is a voluntary, The form can be downloaded from: http://80.85.96.141/
non-profit making organisation. vfm_pdf/vfmmalta_application.pdf
The Vodafone Malta Foundation aims to help remove the The Vodafone Malta Foundation also accepts applications
barriers that prevent people from participating fully in society for grants from the Vodafone Group Foundation. For more
and supports programmes that seek to develop skills and information visit www.vodafonefoundation.com.
initiatives that attempt to increase accessibility and inclusion.
The foundation also helps protect the environment and The Vodafone Malta Foundation is guided by the Vodafone
safeguard national culture and heritage. Group Social Investment Policy.
Organisations that wish to apply for grants may print and fill The Vodafone Malta Foundation has supported numerous
in the application form. Duly filled forms are to be sent to organizations and charities. Donations between April 2006
Vodafone Malta Foundation, Vodafone House, Msida Road, and March 2008 amounted to €641791.
Birkirkara, BKR9024.
YMCA Homeless Chinese Terracotta Army
Over Christmas 2006, Vodafone Malta gave the equivalent of The Vodafone Malta Foundation supported the fascinating
its Christmas card spent to YMCA Homeless. The contribution exhibition of 84 original artifacts from the famous Chinese
also included a donation of Lm1/€2.33 for every mobile Terracotta Army. The exhibition was held at the Salon of the
phone sold from Vodafone shops over Christmas. National Museum of Archaeology in Valletta from March to
July 2007.
YMCA Homeless supports the positive development of young
people and intervenes by offering a spectrum of social work Exhibits included 11 terracotta soldiers, two horses, bronze
services to individuals who are underprivileged or socially and pottery cooking utensils, personal ornaments, weapons,
disadvantaged. It assists in the rehabilitation of the homeless coins, terracotta animals and other pieces excavated in the
and works on instilling hope for the future. last 30 years. The Chinese Terracotta Army is a collection of
life-size terracotta figures of warriors and horses. The figures
Id-Dar tal-Providenza were discovered in the 1920s near the Xi’an, Shaanxi province
by local farmers drilling for a water-well.
Between 2006 and 2007, Vodafone Malta Foundation helped
in the renovation of the swimming pool at the residences of Ir-Razzett tal-Hbiberija
Id-Dar tal-Providenza.
Vodafone Malta Foundation has supported numerous projects
Id-Dar tal-Providenza helps the inclusion of people with of Ir-Razzett tal-Hbiberija over the years, and has donated funds
mental and physical disabilities in mainstream society and to cover the upkeep of one of the Multi Sensory Theatres. This
provides care to severely disabled people, especially when the theatre, called the White Room, is particularly calming while
necessary facilities are lacking in their own home. providing a stimulating environment. It contains specialised
elements that allow all senses to be exercised.
The Vodafone Malta Foundation, together with the HSBC
Cares For Children Fund, also supported Id-Dar tal-Providenza The room has two water beds, a leaf chair which gives a sense
by funding an OptiMusic Room for the residence. This of weightlessness, similar to ones used by NASA, and an
project helps people gain more self-confidence so that acoustic bean bag, which vibrates to music so that hearing-
they are encouraged to socialise. OptiMusic provides a fully impaired persons can feel the sensation and rhythm of the
interactive environment: what they hear and see is all directly music, among other equipment.
accomplished by their own actions.Arka Respite Centre The Vodafone Malta Foundation funded the installation of a multi-sensory room at Arka Respite Centre in Għajnsielem, Gozo. Arka is a voluntary, non- profit making and non-governmental organization that promotes the welfare of people with special needs and their families. Arka can accommodate up to 32 disabled people of all ages. Multi-sensory rooms are environments in which stimulating activities and experiences are used to increase awareness and positive behaviour for people with severe sensory impairment or neurological challenges. Salesian Youth Hostel Osanna Pia is a youth hostel run by the Salesians of Don Bosco offering shelter to socially disadvantaged young men aged between 18 and 28 years. Many of the residents either have no home or were forced to leave the family home. The Salesians aim to provide a ‘family type’ home for these young men and help them in their personal development. Residents are expected to contribute in the running of the home. Thanks to the Vodafone Malta Foundation’s donation of computer hardware and software, the residents were able to become computer literate to increase their employment prospects. Malta Wheelchair Dancesport Association The Vodafone Malta Foundation has continued to support the activities of the Malta Wheelchair Dancesport Association, which was set up in 2001. Wheelchair dancing holds many benefits and through the wheelchair and the use of arms and other parts of the body, movement is made in the same way as with non-disabled people.
World Children’s Day In 2007, Vodafone Malta Foundation once again supported
two cyclists during the HSBC LifeCycle Challenge entitled
As part of the celebrations to mark World Children’s Day in “Where Only Eagles Dare”. The participating cyclists went
2006, the Birmingham Stage Company gave performances through Ukraine, Poland and ended in Germany, covering a
of Roald Dahl’s ‘George’s Marvellous Medicine’. Children total distance of 2,345km and crossing the Carpathian and
from various homes and institutions around Malta were Tatra mountains.
able to watch this production thanks to the Vodafone Malta
Foundation and HSBC Cares For Children Fund. LifeCycle Organisation is a voluntary, non-profit organisation
which raises funds for the general hospital’s Renal Unit, works
to increase awareness of the causes of renal disease and to
Dar Merħba Bik promote organ donation by organising activities and campaigns.
Dar Merħba Bik offers safety, support and shelter to women LifeCycle also encourages people to carry a donor card.
victims of domestic violence who have fled their homes. At
the shelter, women are empowered to take decisions on their Caritas Malta
and their children’s future.
Within the Caritas Harm Reduction Project, supported by
In 2006, Vodafone Malta Foundation donated funds for the the Vodafone Malta Foundation, homeless clients with
installation of seven new kitchenettes at Dar Merhba Bik. After a drug addiction are offered the opportunity to take up
the project, the shelter’s new rooms complete with bathroom temporary residence at the shelter until more permanent
and kitchenette offered the women and their children much accommodation can be arranged for them.
needed privacy at such a crucial time in their lives.
They are professionally assessed and have a tailored
treatment plan prepared. The plan aims to help them stabilise
Voices their chaotic lifestyle with a balance between practical social
Voices, the biannual national fund-raising event, benefited work and intensive psychotherapy. The shelter also serves as a
from a Lm35,000 / €81,528 donation from the Vodafone drop-in centre for clients who have difficulties but who are not
Malta Foundation in October 2006. Besides, Vodafone Malta homeless.
continues to support Voices’ hard work and dedication to raise
funds for good causes. Astra Theatre
The Vodafone Malta Foundation contributed towards Teatru
Kopin’s Family Album Exhibition Astra’s main curtain in 2006. The theatre was significantly
Vodafone Malta Foundation funded the exhibition of damaged in a fire three years earlier but restoration works
photographs by Uwe Ommer, entitled ‘1000 Families’ in were completed successfully.
October 2006. The exhibition was part of the campaign
Teatru Astra has always striven to offer opportunities and
entitled ‘Building Unity Through Diversity’, organised by an
exposure to talented young people. It is especially proud of
international consortium of voluntary organizations. Kopin
its relationship with internationally-acclaimed Maltese tenor
(Koperazzjoni lnternazzjonali) was the Maltese partner of the
Joseph Calleja. Teatru Astra first offered Calleja a leading role
international project taking place in Malta, Ireland, and Kenya.
in an opera, Macbeth, in 1997.
Kopin was launched in 2000 and is a member of the Forum for
The Foundation also supported the 2007 performances
Justice and Co-operation together with the Third World Group,
of Macbeth (which also featured Calleja), part of the sixth
the Fair Trade Co-operative, and Inizjamed.
Mediterranea Festival, organised by the La Stella Band Club.
LifeCycle Challenge Mental Health Association
Vodafone Malta Foundation supported two cyclists during
The Vodafone Malta Foundation supported the Mental Health
the Travelex LifeCycle Challenge 2006, entitled “Over and
Association (MHA) by sponsoring the production of three
Above - Crossing the Artic Circle”. Over 60 cyclists participated
children’s books that were distributed in every primary school
in the Challenge, with the cycling route starting from Oslo in
in Malta in 2006. These publications were part of MHA’s
Norway, through Kiruna in Sweden up to Rovaniemi in Finland,
initiative to help youngsters better understand the causes and
covering a total of 2,018 km in 11days.
nature of mental health problems.Each book tells a different story featuring a sibling, a mother, and a father, who suffer from mental health problems. MHA members also visited schools to generate more awareness. Family Day May 21, 2006 was Vodafone Malta Foundation’s Family Day, organised to celebrate UNESCO’s International Day of Families. The event, held at Ghadira Bay, raised funds for Caritas, the Eden Foundation and Malta’s first electronic medical journal, co-ordinated by Dr Victor Grech, a leading pediatric cardiologist. The fun-packed programme for all the family included a penalty shoot-out, tug of war competitions and games.
Young film producers Eden Foundation
Vodafone Malta Foundation funded a Secondary Schools Vodafone Malta has been committed to the Eden
National Film Competition organised by the Malta Cine Foundation’s work for many years. So it was only fitting that
Circle (MCC) in April 2006. The competition aimed to Vodafone Group Foundation’s first ever donation to a Maltese
encourage more young people to take an interest in organization went to Eden.
cinematography and to develop an interest in film
making. In September 2007, the Vodafone Malta Foundation
supported the fourth Edenfest fund-raising marathon by
Local secondary schools participated in this competition donating €10000 and encouraging its employees to help out.
with production entirely scripted and produced by
students. Since 1952, the MCC has organised several Set up in 1992, the Eden Foundation is a non-profit
national and international competitions. Two major organisation which works in partnership with people
annual competitions are the National Film Competition with developmental disabilities to help them achieve full
and the Golden Knight Malta International Film Festival. inclusion to the best of their abilities by gaining access to
mainstream education, employment and leisure activities,
L-Istrina leading to an independent life.
The Vodafone Malta Foundation continued to support Special Olympics
the annual end-of-year charity fund-raising marathon Nineteen athletes and a 33-strong delegation travelled to
L-Istrina, and in December 2007 donated €9714. Fifty China for the 12th Special Olympics World Summer Games in
mobile phones were also donated to be Shanghai in October 2007. The 19 athletes has brought to
used as prizes for callers pledging donations. Malta a total of 40 medals, including 7 gold.More support
In addition, thanks to support by the Vodafone Malta
Foundation:
• New playing field equipment compliant with EU safety • ‘Taste Freedom’, a campaign launched on the initiative
regulations was acquired and installed at Fra Diego Home of Louisa Bartolo and endorsed by the Health Promotion
in February 2008; Department to promote better understanding,
prevention and effective treatment for eating disorders,
• Children from San Benedittu School were able to was held in September 2007 (in collaboration with HSBC
attend the award-winning Helen O’Grady Academy Cares for Children Fund).
‘development through drama’ programme in January
2008; • A donation was made to the Office for Rehabilitation
Projects within the Ministry for Resources and
• Pupils in private, church and government schools had Infrastructure for the restoration of ‘L’Apostolato’,
their feet screened in a project, ‘The Growing Foot’, 15 priceless silver statues at the Mdina Cathedral in
undertaken by the Association of Podiatrists of Malta in July 2007 (in collaboration with HSBC Cares for Malta
November 2007; Heritage Fund);
• Four Maltese Scouts participated in the Scouts Jamboree • A new jacuzzi bath was installed at the Helen Keller
in Hylands Park, UK, in August 2007, held to celebrate School in Qrendi, as part of the refurbishment
the Scouts’ centenary. programme at the school for students with multiple
disabilities and sensory impairments in July 2007 (in
• Breast Care Awareness Month, organised by the Breast collaboration with HSBC Cares for Children Fund);
Care Support Group Europa Donna Malta, was held in
October 2007; • A new one-hour environmental documentary by the
Biological Conservation Research Foundation (BICREF)
• In May 2007, the Vodafone Malta Foundation renewed about marine biodiversity was produced to celebrate the
its support agreement with Fondazzjoni Patrimonju International Day for Biological Diversity 2007 on May
Malti. The Foundation has been a benefactor of the 22, 2007;
heritage society for four years. Funds donated under the
agreement contributed to the restoration of the historic • The seventh Caring Awareness Fair was held at the
house Palazzo Falson. Fairs & Exhibitions Centre in Naxxar in May 2007 (in
collaboration with HSBC Cares for Children Fund).
• Garden furniture, donated in collaboration with HSBC
Cares for Children Fund, completed the embellishment • The Home-Start Malta service was extended to various
of the gardens of Dar Il-Kaptan in Mtarfa, the centre for localities in May 2007 (in collaboration with HSBC Cares
physically and mentally challenged people in September for Children Fund).
2007;We welcome your feedback on our CR performance and your views on this report. Please contact Claudette Farrugia Corporate Affairs Senior Executive claudette.farrugia@vodafone.com Vodafone Malta Limited Vodafone House Msida Road Birkirkara BKR 9024 Malta This document is printed on Steinbes Signa White recycled paper manufactuerd in Germany Designed and produced by MPS Limited
You can also read
