Seven CBRE agents returned from a visit to Sierra Leone last month as part of the agent’s partnership with Plan International, a charity aimed at transforming the lives of children and young people in the African country.
The initiative provides bursaries, creates better school facilities, offers vocational training for female teachers and assistants, provides support for children with disabilities and improves the quality of teaching across 780 schools in five districts of Sierra Leone.
CBRE associate director Lucy Drew from the agent’s London HQ visited the country. During her trip Drew visited the towns of Port Loko and Moyamba and the Girl’s Education Challenge and Mustard Seed – two projects benefiting from the Plan International partnership. Drew also got the opportunity to meet eight-year-old Rachel, a little girl she has sponsored.
Drew said: “Our trip was unique, eye-opening and moving, and was invaluable in bridging the gap between the fundraising we have done at home and Plan International, and their impact in Sierra Leone. Our team was inspired and motivated by everyone we met and showed the real difference that a corporate partnership can achieve in building foundations which can change lives.”
During the ebola crisis in Sierra Leone, CBRE supported Plan International in its emergency response, which included providing treatment facilities, sanitation and decontaminating facilities, and supporting distance learning for the country’s children.
Its funds helped more than 22,000 children keep up with their education using solar-powered radios. The radio station continues to supplement the children’s learning today.
CBRE UK managing director Ciaran Bird, said: “Our partnership with Plan International forms a central part of our responsible business commitments and is focused on an area where we believe we can make a real difference. Tackling child poverty is key to realising the potential of millions of children growing up in Africa today, particularly girls. We are proud to be involved in such an important programme.”
Find out more about Plan International at https://plan-international.org/organisation
