Africa: Imperial Helps Young People Back Into Work

Source from:  Tobacco Reporter 07/27/2012

Imperial Tobacco has donated about ￡12,000 to support a scheme that provides opportunities for vulnerable young adults in Madagascar. The money will enable the Association des Sans Abri (ASA) to help reintegrate homeless people into society through handicraft skills training. The course, which is run in partnership with the international aid charity, IECD, includes classes in weaving, sewing, embroidery, basket-making, woodwork and leather goods manufacture. The 12 months course also provides training for 60 young men and women currently living on the streets in the capital, Antananarivo, in setting up and running a business. A cheque was presented to the course organisers by Jean-Claude Starczan, Imperial’s general manager Southern Africa and Indian Ocean. "This scheme is a big success with around eight out of 10 trainees finding stable employment in the past seven years," said Starczan. "This scheme gives vulnerable young people the opportunity to rejoin society and is just the sort of activity we support." Enditem