wecare kg csr report - knowledge group · employee to share their perspective to improve the csr...

WeCare Knowledge Group: CSR Report 1

WeCare KG CSR REPORT

WeCare Knowledge Group: CSR ReportWeCare Knowledge Group: CSR Report2 3


CSR at Knowledge

Group

2.1


Knowledge Group Vision

Knowledge Group Mission

2.2

2.3

To be the leading provider of education and training solutions in all of our core areas, and to be known for our sustainable contribution to the social and economic development of

the region.

To rapidly grow the sustainable provision of knowledge and skills for individuals, businesses

and governments

To provide every client with customised and high-quality education necessary to achieve

their aims and exceed their expectations

To build a world-class network of partners in relationships that add mutual value and that advance a shared vision of regional

development


Knowledge Group’s values underpin everything our organisation is and does:

ContributionWe want to be a key driver of growth in the MENA region

ExcellenceWe strive to consistently produce the very best in everything we do

InnovationWe continually seek out new ways of thinking and innovative ways to tackle problems

PartnershipWe partner with the world’s best organisations to expand our knowledge resources

IntegrityWe are always transparent and honest with all stakeholders

CSR Vision

CSR Mission

Knowledge Group Values

2.43.1

Our CSR Strategy Document, approved

by senior management, sets out our

company’s overarching objectives and

approach in relation to CSR

CSR Strategy


Employees

We expect every Knowledge Group employee to participate in CSR activities and philanthropic activities on a pro-bono basis. Every human is blessed with a unique set of talents, and we believe that everyone can contribute towards

the success of our sustainability vision.

Core Business

As a high-quality consulting and training service provider, we provide our skills to not-for-profits and Non-Governmental Organisations on a pro-bono basis,

allowing them access to our talent and skills in varied industries.

Working Environment

We promote a positive, friendly working environment that allows every employee to share their perspective to improve the CSR initiatives.

Governance

Knowledge Group has established a robust governance structure aimed at implementing and monitoring the CSR strategy and its impact on society at

large.

Community

As an active member of the CSR and sustainability community in the region, we seek to apply our talent and support wherever we are able in every

philanthropic project in the region.

Customer

Knowledge Group promotes its projects on social media and seeks to keep stakeholders abreast of activities through its quarterly newsletter.

CSR Objectives

3.2


CSR Steering Board

3.3

KG has assembled a Steering Board for CSR which is composed of:

Dr. Ahmad BadrChief Executive Officer

Dr. Rabei WazzehExecutive Director

Dr. Daniel DaoustSpecial Projects Director

Rami Fattal

Director of Vocational Training

Samer TalebStrategy Consulting Director


WeCare Initiative

3.4

Knowledge Group’s WeCare CSR initiative was developed to act as a focal point for the company’s longstanding commitment to sustainability as a business aim. Through creating a recognisable umbrella brand for all CSR activities, the company sought to encompass internal and external sustainability projects within a centrally-managed and promoted concept. Under the WeCare brand, individual CSR projects are easier to plan as part of a cohesive, overarching scheme, while the recognisability of the WeCare concept makes it simpler to highlight CSR

opportunities to our varied interested stakeholders.

The WeCare initiative has, at its central aim, made considerable strides towards fulfilling Knowledge Group’s

key aim, to:

“Make a sustainable contribution to the social and economic development of the MENA region, utilising our expertise and experience for maximum impact in the

communities in which we operate”.

This has been achieved through continuously refining our approach to CSR – targeting new global benchmarks on reporting and accountability standards, for example, and on honing specific sustainability targets to make best use of available budget and resources. In being named as 2017 Winners of the Arabia CSR Awards, we have maintained WeCare as the gathering point for internal and external CSR attention – raising awareness of important issues and disseminating important sustainability information. Our goal is never to become complacent on CSR issues, and to always target even higher levels of excellence in

what we can achieve.


Committee Members:

Marwa AbdullahHead of Innovative Solutions

Khalid Al SayeghQuality Manager

Rawan MousaProject Coordinator

Reem SadekProject Management Officer

Muhammed AtefSenior Graphic Designer

Sabaa AhmedProject Coordinator

Moamin ElatawyHR Administration Officer

Malak Al DasouqiCompensation & Benefits Analyst

Mohammed TuhaibishMarketing Coordinator

WeCare CSR Committee

3.5


Stakeholder Engagement

3.6


Budget

3.7

As with previous years, the budget for the company’s CSR activities was proposed and agreed by Committee members, based on all planned activities through the 2018 accounting period. This was based on forecast budget and resource requirements, alongside provisionally identified targets for different initiatives. This draft budget was then subject to final approval from Knowledge Group’s senior management team.


Knowledge Group’s current CSR activities have been targeted at three critical areas, chosen after extensive stakeholder engagement and aligned closely with the organisation’s key aims and capabilities.

WeCare Themes

4.14.1.1 Sharing Knowledge with Society

As an organisation centrally-focused on development, it is a core responsibility of our organisation to ensure the spread of knowledge throughout the communities we operate in. Our initiatives are, therefore, aimed at training & development and education projects that

utilise our core capacities for the benefit of groups that need support.

4.1.2 Engaging with Society

Making a sustainable contribution to the social and economic development of the region is a key part of our organisation’s vision. As such, WeCare will focus on activities aimed at making a useful contribution to the well-being and development of the wider society in

which the organization operates.

4.1.3 Healthier People

Good health is, of course, a critical factor for a happy life. Knowledge Group’s activities in this area have consequently focused on promoting the benefits of a healthier lifestyle – both at work and at home. This has drawn extensively from our inherent capacities in delivery medical training, as well as particular identified areas of interest, such as mindfulness and

workplace fitness efforts.

4.1.4 Less Carbon Emissions

Knowledge Group has always been keenly aware of its responsibilities towards the environment. Activities in this area have targeted good environmental conduct that reduces carbon emissions – including energy usage, paper consumption, and raising overall awareness

of personal and organisational responsibility for meeting environmental targets.


As an organisation centrally-focused on development, it is a core responsibility of our organisation to ensure the spread of knowledge throughout the communities we operate in. Our initiatives are, therefore, aimed at training & development and education projects that utilise our core capacities for the benefit of groups that need support.

25,000Notebooks Donated

GuinnessWorld RecordLargest Notebook Mosaic Logo

90+ Featured Articles Published

in more than 5 regional media channels

8Initiatives

1Regional Research Studies Published

160+Blogs

Published

Sharing Knowledge with Society

4.1.1

400+ People Received Complimentary First Aid Training


Year of Zayed Logo Record

As part of the company’s Year of Zayed activities, KG and ADU successfully organised a record-breaking attempt to create the World’s Largest Mosaic (Logo), using 25,000 notebooks. The effort, which took place in March 2018, involved KG recreating the logo for the Year of Zayed, and the finished designed covered an area of 702 square metres, a size that was recognised with a Guinness World

Record certificate.

The aim of the initiative, from a CSR perspective, was twofold: it aimed to honour the legacy of the UAE’s founding father, Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan, educating the community on his unique achievements and the esteem he is held in around the world. In addition, the 25,000 notebooks were

later donated to students in need.


4.1.1


Complimentary First Aid Training Knowledge Group has continued its regular provision of complimentary training sessions aimed at boosting and developing the first aid skills of the wider community for more than 400 people. This relies on our years of experience delivering professional first aid training across MENA, with our trainers explaining the critical skills and approaches needed to keep a casualty alive in those critical first minutes before qualified medical care arrives. Participants were able to practice their new skills and techniques, and received a certificate to recognise their accomplishment at the end of the programme.


4.1.1

Knowledge Group Women Mentoring Programme In partnership with Abu Dhabi University, Knowledge Group is aiming to live HH Sheikh Zayed’s legacy of empowering women by establishing a mentorship programme aimed at working with women to give advice and coaching on dealing with gender bias in the workplace. This will involve a web portal for working women, allowing them to post issues and questions under the supervision of women leaders from the UAE. Knowledge Group will also provide different workshops throughout the year, supplementing the mentoring with talks on different talks related to gender bias in the workplace.

Language Classes for ADU cleaners and security staff As part of its commitment to knowledge sharing and supporting the community, Knowledge Group has arranged to provide English Fundamental classes to employees at Abu Dhabi University. This includes cleaners and security staff, who will benefit from Knowledge Group’s long-experience delivering language development classes of the highest quality.

Training Programmes for Special Needs Organisations Employees Knowledge Group, building on its visit to the Future Rehabilitation Centre, has agreed to provide high-level training to employees of the centre, aimed at improving their English language skills. Knowledge Group will leverage its language training expertise to deliver its English Fundamentals programmes to employees of the Future Rehabilitation Centre.the highest quality.



4.1.1

Education for Employment

Knowledge Group is preparing to work alongside Education for Employment (efe.org), a non-profit education organisation aimed at upskilling Arab youths with skills that can support them to transition to the workplace. Knowledge Group is set to provide online courses through our established Knowledge Group platform, as per our vision to become a knowledge hub and leader in education. Our LMS will help students develop skills and knowledge, using the same kind of approaches we provide to our corporate clients.

Ramadan Learning Series

During Ramadan, Knowledge Group launched a social media awareness campaign titled “Workplace Lessons from Islam | A Ramadan Learning Series.”The purpose of the campaign was to link lessons from Islam to the workplace based on teachings from the Quran and the Prophet’s Hadiths.The lessons were created as short microlearning videos and posted on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram and Linkedin throughout the month. Topics created involved Time Management, Anger & Stress Management, Health and Safety, Managing productivity and performance during Ramadan, and the importance of Corporate Social Responsibility.

Sample – Click to watch the videoCSR Microlearning Video(LinkedIn Post)

Kagan Learning Training In June 2018, Knowledge Group provided Kagan Cooperative Learning Training to sixty teachers and learning support assistants at the Future Rehabilitation Centre. The objective was to give teachers many ways to structure learning activities that contribute to positive, cooperative classrooms and prepare students with 21st Century Learning Skills of teamwork, collaboration, cooperative, and creativity. The five hour training session was enhanced by an all-day visit in varied classrooms where teachers were coached by Janet using the Kagan Coaching Model which stresses hands-on practical tips and positive affirmations of effective teaching.


Contributing to the wider society in which we operate is part of the stated mission of our entire organisation. This comes both from the work we do as a training & development and consulting company, as well as our many projects which aim to directly make a difference in the lives of others. Through our WeCare campaign, we also planned a range of initiatives that make a positive impact on many different parts of society.

Engaging With Society

4.1.2

3Charity Partners

30+ Large Boxes of Donated Items

45,000Donated Meals

7Initiatives

100+Autistic Children

Engaged

80+Orphans

Engaged

200Qurans

Donated


Emirates Red Crescent Donation Campaign

KG continued its highly-successful donation driven, collecting various items such as clothing and shoes, to be donated to people in need via the Emirates Red Crescent. The campaign was aimed at collecting donations from Knowledge Group staff, as well as staff and students from our sister company, Abu Dhabi University, at all ADU campuses. The drive collected second-hand items in good condition and ran for a number of weeks.

As part of this wider campaign, KG also again collected monetary donations during the Holy Month of Ramadan to buy new Qurans for mosques. The campaign involved cash collection boxes in readily-accessible parts of ADU’s campuses, and raised significant sums of money as staff, faculty, and students gave generously to support the important goals of this initiative.

Feed and Reap Ramadan Campaign During the Holy Month of Ramadan, KG partnered with the community development association, Absher Ya Watan, to cooperate on their campaign “Feed and Reap”, aimed at delivering some 45,000 iftar meals throughout Abu Dhabi and Al Ain during Ramadan. Knowledge Group employees worked with Absher Ya Watan to package and prepare 300 iftar meal boxes at the main Abu Dhabi University campus. Knowledge Group employees then distributed these boxes to drivers who had stopped at a signal light in Abu Dhabi.


4.1.2


Iftar for Orphans

One of Knowledge Group’s most popular and successful annual events, we again hosted a large number of orphans from the local community for an Iftar meal during the Holy Month of Ramadan.

Once again held in partnership with Emirates Red Crescent, the Iftar was attended by a large number of KG employees, who were on hand to enjoy a range of fun activities and games with the children.

Every child was presented with a gift at the end of the evening, and took part in a range of exciting teamwork games during the event.


4.1.2


Visit to the Future Rehabilitation Centre

In April 2018, members of staff from Knowledge Group visited the Future Rehabilitation Centre.

This UAE institution is aimed at empowering children with various disabilities, such as autism,

Down syndrome, and physical disabilities. The centre currently caters to an average of two

hundred multinational young students.

Our KG group met and interacted with the children, learning about their challenges and sharing in their experiences. Later, the group donated a variety of learning materials to be

used at the centre.


4.1.2


Good health is, of course, a critical factor for a happy life. Knowledge Group’s activities in this area have consequently focused on promoting the benefits of a healthier lifestyle – both at work and at home. This has drawn extensively from our inherent capacities in delivery medical training, as well as particular identified areas of interest, such as mindfulness and workplace fitness efforts.

Healthier People

4.1.3

3Health Initiatives

30+ Health Awareness

Participants

2Health Partners

50+Blood Donations


Health Day

As part of our focus on healthier lifestyles, Knowledge Group HR organised a campaign focused on healthy eating and living. This included an awareness session with a nutritionist, where KG employees were provided with special discounts for daily healthy meals. Staff who got involved with this session have lost weight, while others who attended have changed their lifestyle with more visits to the gym, more healthy foods, and drinking more water. This health day focus continues KG’s focus on engaging staff in healthier lifestyles, a key part of both our CSR and Employee Welfare policies.

Blood Bank

In April 2018, KG and ADU once again partnered with Abu Dhabi Blood Bank (ADBB) to complete a successful blood donation drive at Abu Dhabi University’s (ADU) main campus. This important initiative contributed to ADBB’s critical work, saving patients’ lives and supporting the organisation’s central role in the UAE’s blood transfusion programme. Blood was donated by Knowledge Group staff and leaders, as well as members of ADU’s faculty, staff, leadership, and students.

Rebranding Internal Environmental Awareness Campaign

For 2017/18, Knowledge Group undertook a complete rebrand of its highly-successful internal environmental awareness campaign. This campaign has seen KG use high-quality, individually-designed posters and visual reminders to promote and reinforce health consciousness of smoking.

The campaign was extended from just KG employees, to Abu Dhabi University faculty, staff, and students.

Healthier People

4.1.3


Knowledge Group has always been keenly aware of its responsibilities towards the environment. Activities in this area have targeted good environmental conduct that reduces carbon emissions – including energy usage, paper consumption, and raising overall awareness of personal and organisational responsibility for meeting environmental targets.

5%Reduction in Electricity Consumption

3Extended

Projects

2Campuses

Participated

2Initiatives

30+Awareness

Posters

550+Faculty & Staff Engaged

Less Carbon Emissions

4.1.4


TARSHEED Awareness Session

Knowledge Group has arranged to work alongside Abu Dhabi Distribution Company (ADDC) to conduct an awareness session for KG staff, as well as ADU faculty, staff, and students, aimed at providing detailed advice and tips on how to reduce water and electricity consumption. This will leverage ADDC’s unique expertise on energy and water efficiency, and provide the latest advice on how to conserve important resources.

Rebranding Internal Environmental Awareness Campaign

For 2017/18, Knowledge Group undertook a complete rebrand of its highly-successful internal environmental awareness campaign. This campaign has seen KG use high-quality, individually-designed posters and visual reminders to promote and reinforce environmental consciousness. This includes reducing water and paper usage, and saving electricity through simple efforts such as turning off lights in empty offices. The campaign was extended from just KG employees, to Abu Dhabi University faculty, staff, and students.

The rebranding exercise, in February 2018, was undertaken to ensure the continued visibility and memorability of the awareness messages, which can lose their impact through being seen everyday. KG replaced all existing posters with new messages and graphics to maximise the impact of the campaign.

Less Carbon Emissions

4.1.4

Just takeWhat You Need

Think of theTrees


Some of the media coverage for our CSR intitatives

4

Publication: Abudhabienv.ae KNOWLEDGE GROUP

Date: June 6, 2018 Section: n/a Page n/a

Language: Arabic Circulation: n/a Size: n/a

Geography: Online LINK Ad Value ($): $3,250.00

11

Publication: Gulf News ABU DHABI UNIVERSITY

Date: Mar 22, 2018 Section: Local Page 11

Language: English Circulation: 109,905 Size: 71 cc

Geography: UAE LINK Ad Value ($): $4,334.14

5

Publication: Al Ittihad ABU DHABI UNIVERSITY


Language: Arabic Circulation: 109,640 Size: 127 cc


6

Publication: Al Khaleej ABU DHABI UNIVERSITY




8

Publication: Emarat Al Youm ABU DHABI UNIVERSITY

Date: Mar 22, 2018 Section: Local



4

Publication: Al Bayan ABU DHABi UNIVERSITY

Date: Apr 5, 2018 Section: Local Page 23


Geography: UAE LINK Ad Value ($): $895.40

7

Publication: The Gulf Today ABU DHABi UNIVERSITY

Date: Apr 5, 2018 Section: Local Page 3

Language: English Circulation: 46,200 Size: 21 cc

Geography: UAE LINK Ad Value ($): $290.06


Knowledge Group follows up every WeCare CSR initiative promptly with a request for stakeholder feedback on the overall experience of taking part in the activity, as well as its effectiveness in meeting the overall CSR aims of the organisation.

This feedback then forms the basis of assessment and analysis of the event, and guides the planning process for future CSR activities.

Feedback

5.1

NPO Customer Happiness Programme Participants

Overall Satisfaction 100%

Overall CSR Experience fromKnowledge Group staff

Excellent Rating 100%

Emirates Red Crescent’s experience collaborating with Knowledge Group on Iftar for

Orphans


Trainer’s Experience collaborating with Knowledge

Group on NPO CustomerHappiness Programme



The WeCare initiative is still in its early stages of activity and, as such, is considered very much a work in progress. We have seen a great impact from our initial activities, but we are also committed to WeCare as a long-term project focused on continual improvements and evolving processes to meet the changing challenges and opportunities around us.

With this in mind, we have been very receptive and open to suggestions and feedback on areas of improvement, instigating a survey of participants and partners to gain a broad perspective on how the activities to date have been perceived. In particular, feedback has focused on areas of improvement and development, as well as how we can further strengthen those aspects that we are already doing well.

We have also started the process of implementing both an internal monitoring process for the reporting and analysis of CSR activities and undertakings, as well as investigating the requirements and potential of external reporting mechanisms and standards.

Evaluation

5.2


Our focus on excellence has led to us pursuing the EFQM Excellence model, helping guide our efforts in areas such as the creation of revised policies and procedures, providing greater clarity and guidance on critical business areas and practices.

We have also introduced a new system for employees to suggest fresh ideas and business suggestions, instilling a culture of innovation even further into the very fabric of our organisation.

Efforts in these areas will, inevitably, have a positive impact on the WeCare initiative in the future – helping to further guide the activities and undertakings that the company pursues in its effort towards sustainability.

Excellence

5.3

WeCare Knowledge Group: CSR Report 57

CSR Arabia Award Success

5.4

Knowledge Group was the winner of the Small Business Award at the Arabia CSR Awards 2017, the Arab region’s most prestigious CSR and Sustainability accolade. This recognises the company’s great commitment to sustainability and CSR

at its second time of entering.


Plan for Next Year

6.1

Knowledge Group is committed to continuous involvement and improvement of CSR initiatives. The CSR plan has been linked to KG’s strategic objectives and are reported and measured on a

monthly basis.

Organizational leadership is committed to continuous participation and improvement of this plan going forward, to support the greater

community.

Based on feedback from all stakeholders (staff, faculty, partners), KG is committed to continuing a robust CSR plan, and ensuring its alignment with regional trends. In December 2018, the CSR plan and budget will be submitted and approved to

implement for the 2018/2019 year.

WeCare Knowledge Group: CSR Report60

Knowledge GroupP. O. Box 126933

Dubai, UAE

T + 971 (0)4 386 7777F + 971 (0)4 386 7778

Toll Free 800 2212 [email protected] www.knowledgegroup.co

مجموعة المعارفص ب 126933

دبي، دولة اإلمارات العربية المتحدة

Knowledge GroupP.O. Box 59911Abu Dhabi, UAE

T +971 (0)2 501 5454 F +971 (0)2 586 6782

Dubai

دبـــي

مجموعة المعارفص ب ٥9911

أبو ظبي، دولة اإلمارات العربية المتحدة

Abu Dhabi

أبو ظبي

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