Lenovo takes CSR strategy into new markets

Chinese technology giant Lenovo has teamed up with non-profit United Way to support a variety of education projects in France, Israel, Romania and the UK.

Catherine Ladousse, director of communications and CSR, EMEA, at Lenovo, told Ethical Performance that the move was to increase its CSR focus beyond management and extend its reach to new communities. She emphasized that in China the company has always boasted a reputation for ethical behaviour.

In France and Israel the Lenovo programme will help parents and children acquire new computer skills and reduce the digital divide by providing access to new technology. In Romania, it will offer career support workshops to young people to help boost employment prospects and in the UK it will provide technology for workshops aimed at children, parents and people in need that will promote literacy and confidence.

The UK initiative is based in Liverpool where Lenovo is working with The Reader Organisation, an award-winning social enterprise.
The charity aims to bring books to life through shared reading experiences. Lenovo will help set up The Story Barn, a centre which will encourage young people to read, learn, play and make new friends, giving them the skills to make social connections. It is hoped the centre will be fully open to the public by September.