Nivea and Plan launch a global education initiative
Nivea and Plan have launched a global, long-term partnership with the main goal of giving socially disadvantaged children and youth a better future through education.
"I look forward to a new, international and long-term cooperation with Plan International. Through this global initiative for the future of children, we mark the beginning of a new phase of social involvement, an area of great concern for Beiersdorf since the very beginning of its history," said Thomas-B. Quaas, Chairman of the Executive Board of Beiersdorf AG. Beiersdorf AG owns the Nivea brand.
Nivea subsidiaries in the US, India and the Netherlands have announced plans to conduct joint education projects for children.
"Plan is pleased to partner with such a recognized international brand as Nivea and gain access to its worldwide network," said Nigel Chapman, Plan International's Chief Executive Officer.
First projects launched in Rwanda
Project implementation at the local level has already begun in several countries. Beiersdorf South Africa and Plan are currently launching a long-term project in Rwanda. The project, which is scheduled to begin during the 2010 World Cup, calls for the construction of an athletic field at the Ruhuha Primary School in northwestern Rwanda, among other activities. Soccer balls and jerseys for the students will also be provided and workshops will be conducted.
The project is part of a series of education measures for children and youth in the surrounding communities. German national team coach and Nivea for Men care coach Joachim Löw will sponsor the project for the first year. Thereafter, the project will be supported by Beiersdorf South Africa.
“As a coach, I get to travel all around the world, and every country is different. But one thing is the same everywhere: in order to have a positive future, kids need support and advocates,” said Löw.
“Plan has been vigorously committed to the rights of disadvantaged children worldwide for many years. When I heard about Nivea’s international cooperation with Plan, I knew right away that I wanted to be an advocate for children as well.”
Promoting education for children in India
In India, Nivea and Plan are also promoting school-based education for boys and girls in the north Indian state of Uttarakhand. Their goal is to sustainably increase enrollment as well as the quality of instruction in 40 primary schools.
Beiersdorf employees along with the company itself have already raised over $25,000 for the project and sent over 2,000 Nivea backpacks filled with school supplies to northern India.
