More than 90% of Amatheon’s workforce comes from its areas of operations, and as an anchor investor, Amatheon is committed to boosting nearby social and economic infrastructure. Engaging in projects which support local health and educational facilities provides a happier, healthier and more productive workforce. To bolster these efforts, Amatheon established Environmental and Community Sustainability Committees (ECSC) in Uganda and Zambia which bring together local leaders, community members, local government representatives and Amatheon staff in an open and participatory manner. This platform enables Amatheon to be regularly engaged with communities, tailoring activities and efforts specifically to the company’s catchment area.
In Zambia, employees and seasonal workers have daily access to free counselling with regards to drug abuse, domestic violence, sexual abuse and HIV. Since Amatheon’s inception, Zambian social infrastructure was boosted by the construction of teachers houses, a police station, the extension of classrooms, initiation of school gardens, and wiring schools for future electrification and evening literacy classes, as well as currently providing warm meals for the 450 children of Kafwikamo Community School. The company has also organized football tournaments, bringing together communities and national talent scouts while selected staff members compete with community teams. To bolster conversation efforts, Amatheon partners with ZAWA for wildlife protection from poachers.
Between 2018-2020, Amatheon partnered with a leading German non-profit welfare organisation, the Arbeiter-Samariter Bund (ASB), one of the largest medical technology companies, B.Braun, and other German companies to better support rural health care, facilities and services in the Mumbwa District. The partnership involved capacity development of local medical staff, infrastructure improvements at Health Posts, provision of an ambulance, and bicycles for community health volunteers.
In Uganda, Amatheon provided school furniture to teachers and children of Wii-Anaka Primary School where 300 children were sitting on the floor during study time. This furniture established a more supportive and motivating learning environment for children. Furthermore, Amatheon partnered with Anaka Hospital for quarterly Health Outreach days in the villages surrounding Amatheon’s farm. The initiative reached around 1,500 people each year with a special focus on screening and sensitization on HIV/AIDS and Hepatitis B, malaria prevention and treatment, maternal health and family planning, as well as educational sessions on hygiene and sanitation. The delivery of medical services, an early diagnosis from illness and health education does not only improve the health situation of the rural communities but benefits also the company’s workforce that comes from nearby local villages.
In 2019, Amatheon Uganda established a partnership with the Impact Building Solutions Foundation (IBSF) Factory, a social enterprise which focuses on the local production of eco-friendly alternatives in construction by using rice straw sourced from Amatheon’s farm and the surrounding area. The IBSF Foundation maximizes the use of rice straw as a by-product in a sustainable way, while at the same time creating perspectives for local communities.
Growing Value.