Global energy technology leader Schneider Electric marked GivingTuesday with an engaging virtual event, highlighting the significant impact of employee volunteerism across English-speaking Africa. Under the theme, “Everyone Can Make a Change,” the occasion united volunteers, beneficiaries, and leaders from Kenya, Nigeria, and South Africa, demonstrating the company’s deep-seated commitment to community upliftment through its dedicated VolunteerIn programme, which has delivered over 84,000 volunteer days globally since 2018.
Schneider Electric initially joined the GivingTuesday movement in 2018 as a core part of its comprehensive sustainability and social impact agenda, aligning with the global day of generosity launched in 2012. Elihle Obi, Marketing Communications & Corporate Citizenship Director for English-speaking Africa, underscored the regional contribution, noting, “As a cluster, we are part of Schneider Electric’s global network of 31,000 volunteers. Between 2022 and 2025, employees in Kenya, South Africa, and Nigeria contributed more than 1000 volunteering days across initiatives such as education and mentorship, each hour reflecting care, commitment, and solidarity with our communities.”
The event featured a live panel that brought to the fore the tangible benefits of the VolunteerIn initiative. Terri Nhtanga from the Teresa Foundation in Kenya shared insights into their partnership with Schneider Electric on the “Conserve My Planet” programme, stressing the disproportionate impact of climate change on communities living on less than $2 a day. Nhtanga praised the volunteers for bringing technical expertise and mentorship, stating, “Together, we’re empowering young people to change their own economic and climate realities.”
Echoing this sentiment from South Africa, Estelle Mengel of the Emthonjeni Community Centre reflected on over a decade of fruitful collaboration. She highlighted the profound effect of the volunteers’ efforts, from working in vegetable gardens to supporting seniors with solar lanterns. Mengel emphasised that the volunteers leave a legacy of dignity and empowerment, transforming the confidence and prospects of the young people they mentor.
Closing the inspiring virtual gathering, Christophe Begat, Vice President for Industry and Segment in English-speaking Africa at Schneider Electric, extended profound appreciation to the participants. “Volunteering is a powerful reminder of our responsibility to give back,” Begat stated. “Your actions bring our purpose to life in a tangible and human way. Schneider Electric’s greatest strength is our people, and today, you have made us proud.”