Comment: A Call to Corporate Social Responsibility

Giving to others who need it most is not an obligation exclusively limited to corporations and donors but to individuals and groups as well.

“We make a living by what we get but we make a life by what we give” – - Winston Churchill In response to such a noble call, let me raise my hat off in recognition of those Corporations, who out of humanity and responsibility raise funds to support life saving, educational and livelihood initiatives particularly in communities that are in dire need for such services.

Having given credit to those who deserve it, I would like to share my opinion on the issue of giving and who else would need it desperately and yet for a far more meaningful objective.

The root cause of all the problems and challenges we are facing in Africa is associated to Poverty. Why? The contributing factors include, low income, unemployment, underpayment, ignorance, low level of education, mismanagement, etc. This happens even in countries where there is peace, stability, rich natural resources and even where the level of education is relatively high. Ghana is not an exception to this rule.

The primary victims of such unfortunate circumstances called “poverty” or underdevelopment are the young generation particularly those who are in their tender and productive age i.e. between 18 and 35 respectively.

The majority of them are either unemployed, underpaid or running a one man or woman small informal business that has little chance to expand and the creation of employment opportunities for others is almost nil.

The rest are street vendors and some could be in correctional centers long waiting for attention or release. Some are being trafficked to neighboring countries at the expense of their precious lives.

Nobody in his right mind will ever wish or conclude that this is the fate of this most dynamic and resourceful group. These are the shakers, makers and hopes of tomorrow whose energy, skills, talent and drive are still virgin and ever ready to make history if given the opportunity.

I would like to draw the attention of the key decision makers in the Corporate World particularly those operating in Ghana. This is to humbly advise them to direct part of their social funds to support programs that target young people. Such program will go a long way in helping young people become employable, economically independent and socially responsible. Such programs can include:

• Skill enhancement programs to help them acquire skills and earn a job or go for self-employment.



• Placement or internship programs for fresh graduates (it is said that 50% of graduates are not likely to get a job partly due to not having work experience or lack of employable skills particularly in interpersonal relationship skills).



• Helping those engaged in small businesses have access to credit.

Youth unemployment is the biggest and most complicated social problem of our time and it will be unfair and unjustifiable to expect all solutions to come from one source. The recent World Bank report indicates that 11 million youth are going to join Africa’s labor force every year. As significant and serious this problem is, it requires collective effort and no doubt urgent attention. It will be very unfortunate to underestimate the consequence.

• Government in addition to its own ongoing youth enhancement program should reexamine its educational policy to incorporate “the acquisition of employable skills” into its curriculum particularly at high school and university level.



• Donor Agencies and International NGOs in addition should also open their doors widely to accommodate young graduates to undergo “on the job training” program to help them acquire working experience and make them eligible for employment.



• It would be most gratifying if Banks, without endangering their credibility were to look into alternatives to help small and medium scale business enterprises grow by giving them access to credit. The Banks, by doing this would have fulfilled two things namely; build their future clientele portfolio and to also meet their social obligations.



• Last but not least, it is of paramount importance for government to look into creative ways and means to excite and attract young people to venture into agriculture including those in the diaspora.

Such deserving acts particularly on the part of corporations is not without its merits namely:

• The corporation will fulfill its social obligation by contributing to the well being and development of the society it belongs to and benefits from.



• The staff and customers alike will be proud and happy to belong to such a reputable and society conscious establishment. This will lead to high staff and customer retention, uplifted integrity, improved sales and profit margin.



• The young men or women you support today could turn out to be your assets for tomorrow be it employees or clients.

Therefore this should not be seen or treated as an act of “free gift or donation” but as (1) a response towards one’s social obligation and responsibility and (2) as an investment towards a prospective future.

“We must become the change we wish to see in the world” — Mahatma Gandhi.

The change we want to see can only happen when we actively, rightfully and wholeheartedly take part and make a difference in the life of others. Therefore this is a humble call to urge you to incorporate any of the above programs in your 2014 work plan.

What else could be more credible, fulfilling, meaningful and sustainable than making the world a better place particularly to those whose future livelihoods heavily depend on us.

Wish you all a prosperous and peaceful 2014.

Samuel Paulos

Director/ Founder

Gateway 4 Youth