At Sunbeth Global Concepts Limited, our commitment goes beyond sourcing and trading cocoa; we strive to make meaningful impacts on the communities where we operate. In addition to doing business with these communities, we also desire that the residents enjoy amenities and resources that improve their living standards.
In line with this commitment, we implemented a range of Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) initiatives across Nigeria this year. Through these initiatives, we sought to address critical needs in water supply, education, farming, and women empowerment in several communities across our sourcing network.
Here’s a glimpse of our 2024 impact:
Clean Water Projects Across 16 Communities
We made a significant impact in 16 communities across Ondo, Osun, Ekiti, Edo, and Cross River States by providing access to clean, reliable water through our solar-powered mini-water station projects. Communities like Bamilkemo, Ojojo, Kajola, Erin Oke, and Ikom, which previously depended on poorly maintained wells or endured long treks for potable water, now enjoy sustainable water solutions closer to home.
These projects were implemented to alleviate the daily challenges faced by residents of these communities in accessing clean water. They also demonstrate our commitment to advancing the United Nations Sustainable Development Goal 6: ensuring the availability and sustainable management of water and sanitation for all by 2030.
Renovation of Schools in Aponmu Community, Ondo State
In Aponmu, we renovated 5 classroom blocks at Aponmu High School and St. Peter’s Nursery and Primary School, transforming dilapidated structures into conducive learning environments.
The two schools had urgent needs for renovation as their buildings were barely hanging on and were becoming unsafe structures.
So, we stepped in to give the classrooms a much-needed makeover. We employed building construction engineers to carry out structural repairs, add new fittings, and furnish the classrooms to inspire creativity and foster academic excellence among students.
Empowering Farmers with Farm Inputs
Back in July, we also supported members of our farmers’ groups in Ondo and Cross River States with inputs like hybrid cocoa seedlings, shade tree seedlings, and fertilisers. This initiative complemented a series of training programs we facilitated, aimed at equipping farmers with modern farming techniques to boost productivity and adopt sustainable practices.
This initiative speaks to our efforts to promote sustainable cocoa production across several communities in our sourcing network. It is a key pillar of our comprehensive sustainability framework, designed to empower cocoa farmers and nurture a thriving agricultural ecosystem.
Educational Support for Farmers’ Children
In partnership with Touton, we distributed educational materials to the children of farmers, supporting their access to quality education as part of our child labour remediation efforts. In addition, we organised seminars with farmers to raise awareness about the dangers of child labour and the critical role of quality education in securing a brighter future for their children.
Through these initiatives, we’re fighting against child labour and promoting a brighter future for rural communities.
Vocational Training for Women in Idanre
In August, we trained over 80 women in Idanre in pastry-making and business management through an intensive three-day program. The training equipped the women with the skills to create a variety of pastries and offered valuable insights into managing a successful business.
To ease the burden on the training participants, we provided all the materials they needed including pastry-making ingredients, equipment, instructional guides, and transport allowances. At the end of the training, we awarded startup support funds and materials to the most promising participants, helping them take the first steps toward entrepreneurship.
This initiative underscores our commitment to empowering women and fostering sustainable entrepreneurship in rural communities.
We’re Committed to Creating Lasting Impact
These initiatives reflect our unwavering dedication to improving lives and supporting sustainable development. We’re proud of the strides made this year and remain committed to implementing impactful projects across Nigeria’s rural communities.
We can confidently say that these CSR projects are only the tip of the iceberg, as we keep growing, so will our efforts to give back and positively impact as many lives as possible.
