COMMUNITY
Community
Breakthroughs on a societal level are just as important as breakthroughs we realise with customers. In our opinion business and society are closely knit together. They influence each other. And it is true that people make the difference. People undertake, take care and stick up for ideals. You could say that &Samhoud is an societal involved company, you could also say that &Samhoud is simply an organisation, a group of determined people, for whom corporate life and society are connected and should be even more.
We both start up our own projects and sponsor existing projects.
Vision21
In 2006 Salem Samhoud came to the conclusion that The Netherlands had become a country without vision. Our country, that is traditionally characterised as united, sober minded and diligent has changed to a country where the government is polarised, civilians feel unsafe and are no longer proud. In short; we cannot longer find each other.
With the civilian initiative Vision21 &Samhoud tried to stop this downward spiral and get pride and self confidence back in Dutch society. The method we used is where we our expertise lies: vision creation. In 2006 in 7 months we have organised over 30 public arena’s throughout the country. Every night we had different people think about a vision of The Netherlands. A Guiding Coalition in the end drew up a complete vision. In the end the vision for The Netherlands was presented. 2.500 Dutch people have contributed. In early 2007 the vision was translated into a strategy and actual projects that should contribute to our audacious goals for the entire country in 2021. Every employee of &Samhoud has invested time in Vision21.
- Go to www.visie21.nl
Youth cabinet
Vision21 did not only result in a vision for The Netherlands, it has also led to the birth of the Youth Cabinet. The 17 year old Jip Samhoud, who participated in several Vision21 meetings, decided that much more young people should be aware of their country and their own future. And what they can contribute. He then started up the Youth Cabinet, that was installed in March 2007 in Beetsterzwaag, the Frisian village where the actual current Cabinet with Balkenende, Bos and Rouvoet was installed shortly before. Minister Rouvoet came to receive the Youth Coalition Agreement. The Youth Cabinet receives opinions of Dutch youths and stands for participation in policy making. Among others, it offers a teaching package for secondary schools.
- Go to www.jeugdkabinet.nl
- Go to www.jeugdvisie.nl
Teaming
Some ideas are so simple that it takes a lot of time to explain them. Teaming is one of those ideas. It seems to good to be true because of its simplicity and strength. Teaming is an idea on micro donations. In an organisation everyone voluntarily donates one euro each month. Together these Euros build up to a nice amount which is used to support a cause chosen by the employees. Teaming entirely befits the &Samhoud philosophy and core values. This was the reason to support Teaming. &Samhoud was the first company in The Netherlands to join Teaming.
Teaming is an idea of Jil van Eyle, a Spanish Dutchman. It is not a foundation, nor a company, has no bank account and earns nothing from the idea. Jil now works from &Samhoud to make Teaming known in The Netherlands. To make it as big as it already is in Spain, thanks to football coach Frank Rijkaard and singer Shakira.
- Go to www.teaming.info
War Child
War Child works towards a peaceful future for children at war. Children that grow up in a safe, stable environment where their rights are not violated, have a bigger chance to develop into balanced adults, than children from (former) war areas. The more children grow into sane adults, the bigger the chance that their environment will be peaceful.
&Samhoud supports War Child financially from the conviction that every child has a right to a safe environment, where it can develop optimally.
- Go to www.warchild.nl
Harambee Foundation
Harambee Foundation aims at improving the quality of teaching and living in third world countries. The foundation aims at primary and secondary schools in Western Kenia, where there is a lot of turmoil at the moment due to the presidential elections of 2006.
&Samhoud has supported Harambee for a long time now, with money as well as with volunteers. In the past employees of &Samhoud went over to Kenia to help with building schools. At present &Samhoud also collects funs for the foundation.
- Go to www.harambeeholland.nl
Right To Play
Right to Play is the organisation that is supported by &Samhoud through the Teaming concept. Right to Play is an international relief organisation that uses sports and playing to achieve peace and development in third world countries. All employees of &Samhoud donate one euro out of their salary each month to Right to Play. The total amount is tripled by the partners.
- Go to www.righttoplay.nl