Guatemala, February 22, 2018

EXAMPLE OF CORPORATE SOCIAL RESPONSIBILITY

My Community Protection Committee.
Roberto Alfaro, Jessica Donadio, Carlos Ortiz, Sheila Lopez

A new success achieved thanks to your support and recognition of Protejo mi Comunidad as Golán's corporate social responsibility:

In Guatemala on February 22, 2018.  We obtained first place with our program Protejo mi Comunidad in the 14th edition of the “Community Contribution Award” organized by the Corporate Social Responsibility Committee of the Guatemalan American Chamber of Commerce, AmCham.  

Launched in 2012 and developed in the communities of the municipality of Villa Canales, the Protejo mi Comunidad program aims to lead volunteer action and thus increase community safety, perceptibly increasing personal safety through activities focused on the root causes of violence, motivating self-improvement, leadership development, and community commitment.

We are very happy with this recognition from AmCham and also motivated to continue working. The vision of our Protejo mi Comunidad program is to develop prosperous and safe communities in the localities we serve, so that all their inhabitants can develop to their full potential.

Protejo mi Comunidad facilitates the construction of a community environment through educational, sports, and recreational activities, promoting the values of citizen participation, mutual respect, constructive dialogue, and protection of human rights.

The results we have obtained with the Protejo mi Comunidad program are promising, as hundreds of families have benefited by using their free time constructively, increasing social cohesion and decreasing violence. With this, we want to be the standard and reference so that other organizations are encouraged to adopt this work model and replicate it in other communities.

Among the most impactful social initiatives of Protejo mi Comunidad, with which Golán manages to influence thousands of people in Villa Canales, are:

  • “The Leader in Me,” which motivates the emergence of young leaders with a genuine commitment to influence their community responsibly and positively.
  • Boca del Monte Scout Group, the largest in Guatemala. It carries out educational outdoor recreation activities and implements community service initiatives.
  • “Giving is Winning” Volunteer Program, which fosters a culture of community service by involving local and international volunteers in social projects and activities.
  • “Safe Step” Running Club, with adult and children's categories, promotes physical activity in the streets, reclaiming public space.
  • “Happy Zumba”, physical training with music, happiness, and fun, designed for women and youth, promoting a healthier lifestyle.
  • “Magical Reading”, instills the habit of reading in children and youth, providing mothers and children with access to quality writings and books in a healthy and safe environment.
  • “Enchanted Guitar”, cultivates the benefits of playing a musical instrument, improving expression, mood, confidence, and creativity in children and youth.

Topics related to citizen security and violence prevention have gained significant traction in Guatemala and worldwide. The fight against insecurity is among the main agenda items at the national level, due to its great importance.

We are aware that violence has a high social impact and presents a governance challenge. With I Protect My Community, we do our part by contributing to the development and growth of the country.

Lic. Fernando Samayoa
Golán Representative