On December 12, in the latest extension of its “Love and Care” corporate citizenship program, Samsung provided 1,000 students at Cambodia’s Hun Sen Chumpo Vorn General Education and Technical School with free motorbike helmets. The event was organized to promote safe riding habits and raise awareness of the traffic accidents that claim the lives of scores of Cambodian youths every year.

The Samsung Corporate Citizenship Helmet Campaign is the latest Samsung-driven initiative organized in the country, following similar community-focused events such as an employee volunteer program, an Angkor Wat conservation project and various donation drives. The helmet campaign addressed a matter of great concern in the country, where instances of drivers traveling at excessive speeds and under the influence of alcohol have created cause for serious concern.

In Cambodia, 70 percent* of victims of traffic accidents are motorbike riders, and 66 percent* of those fatalities are caused by severe head injuries. Such figures are all the more staggering considering that only 22 percent* of motorbike riders regularly wear helmets.

Samsung organized the Samsung Corporate Citizenship Helmet Campaign to raise awareness of traffic accidents and their socio-economic consequences and educate motorbike and bicycle riders on ways to prevent the unfortunate situations. As part of the campaign, professional trainers from Cambodia’s Ministry of Education, Youth and Sport outlined basic traffic laws and the necessity of regular helmet use to help students stay safe on the road.

“Today, it is my pleasure to cooperate with the Ministry of Education and the Hun Sen Chumpo Vorn General Education and Technical School to launch the Samsung Corporate Citizenship Helmet Campaign,” said Seungho Choi, Managing Director of the Cambodian branch of Samsung Electronics’ Thai operations. “My message to all students today is to always wear a helmet when you ride a motorbike or bicycle – for your safety, for your family, and for Cambodian society.”

Also in attendance at the event was H.E Bou Chumserey, the Under Secretary of State of Cambodia’s Ministry of Education, Youth and Sport. “I’m pleased to attend the Samsung Corporate Citizenship Helmet Campaign in Cambodia,” said Chumserey. “I’m grateful that Samsung continues to contribute to our community and create positive change for our citizens.”

* Reference: World Health Organization, Road Crash & Victim Information System (RCVIS) 2013

One of life’s universal truths is that each generation has a responsibility to safeguard future generations – to empower them with the tools they need to excel. In developing countries like Cambodia, however, due to economic plight, far too many children aren’t given the auspicious starts that they deserve.

To address this issue, Samsung recently carried out its ‘Love and Care 2016’ initiative, designed as a direct response to the needs of countries like Cambodia. The flagship volunteer program brought 60 volunteers from across the company to take part in an outreach effort to invest in the education welfare of young people in the region. In total, more than 2,000 children were positively impacted by the program.

Four to five representatives from each of Samsung’s subsidiaries, including HR, corporate marketing and corporate affairs, took part in the three-day program, which was held at two NGOs in Phnom Penh, Cambodia – Pour un Sourire d’Enfant (PSE), which means ‘for a child’s smile’, and the People Improvement Organization (PIO). Both organizations focus on education and training as ways to help young people emerge from poverty.

The initiative was unique in that it was the company’s first proactive talent-donating employee-volunteering program in an underdeveloped region. Hopefully, it won’t be the last.

Hands-on learning

For three days, the volunteers utilized a range of educational resources to make learning fun and enjoyable. In a country where fewer than half of children complete their required tenure at primary school, efforts like this are incredibly valuable.

After a day of training and orienteering for the volunteers, the students’ activities began in full on the second day. A tree-planting exercise was carried out to give back to the environment and to teach the children to do the same. After a group lunch, it was time to begin the interactive learning session.

Samsung used interactive technology to directly connect with the children, using a range of apps to teach them important basics. The Kids Academy taught them the alphabet, the Math Camp taught basic numeracy, and the EduKitty app taught them basic words. A range of tablet devices were on hand to facilitate the fun sessions.

Other activities on day two included coloring, crafts and a tug of war to encourage children to stay active.

The theme for the final day was ‘Learn and Immerse’. A group lunch strengthened ties and friendships, and a selection of short films immersed the children in culture. There was also more tablet-based learning, as well as English lessons.

Working with PSE and PIO, Samsung found likeminded partners to support the rollout of a shared passion. Samsung cares deeply about connecting with communities, and in areas where there’s so much at stake, these difference-making efforts are hugely important.