Society

Education projects form the backbone of funding and other community-building activities. In addition, we support local activities and projects for social, cultural and economic development.

Supporting educational and training initiatives

We believe that education and learning are the key to a sustainable future. Accordingly, we support initiatives worldwide that focus on helping the communities we are active in through education and learning.

In China, Bekaert has built strong relationships with various schools. Support for these institutions is not limited to donations of gifts, books and other materials. Bekaert employees also participate in voluntary work initiatives to improve the children’s technical skills and awareness for the environment.
In Russia, Bekaert supports disabled children with material donations and help in organizing socio-cultural events adapted to the needs of these children. 

Vicson, our subsidiary in Venezuela, supports a Youth Leadership program aimed at strengthening the personal development of youngsters, improving their teamwork abilities and learning study time optimization. The program is a co-operation between private companies, the Carabobo University and the Executive Association of the Carabobo state.

In Brazil, Bekaert continues to support the ‘Digital Citizenship’ program that offers students easier access to, and training in, information technology.

Supporting social and community initiatives

We support community initiatives that aim to improve societal conditions in the places where we are active.

In the Thiruvallur district in India, the health camp initiatives that were launched in 2012 to address the health care needs of the local people continue to be organized. More than 2000 people spread over 9 villages have participated in these health camps.

Prodac, our subsidiary in Peru, has continued the ‘Sarita Colonia’ Summer School program that was started in 2008 and that organizes local activities and projects for social, economic and cultural development of children during the summer holidays. Annually, 100 children participate in the program.

Bekaert Corporation (US) joined the National 4-H Council in 2014. 4-H is the largest youth development and empowerment organization in the US, reaching more than 7 million 4-H youth in urban neighborhoods, suburban schoolyards and rural farming communities. Fueled by university-backed curriculum, 4-H'ers engage in hands-on learning activities in the areas of science, healthy living, and food security. From June 1, 2014 till May 30, 2015, Bekaert Corporation will donate to 4-H 1% of retail sales on all Premium Gaucho® high strength barbed wire fencing. Bekaert herewith expresses its engagement in helping America’s largest youth development organization to create a positive change and a better future for young people.