Alcatel-Lucent in Nigeria has been selected by CareerNation for its Africa Human Resources Excellence Awards, to receive the prize and recognition for “The Best Use of Corporate Social Responsibility in HR” Award category for the year 2013.

This award is given to the organization which achieves outstanding results in CSR and HR.

On Saturday, 28 September, Alcatel-Lucent received the award in Accra, Ghana, during the 5th annual CareerNation@ Africa Human Resource Conference & Excellence Awards.

Victor T. Madubuko, PHR managing partner at CareerNation: “CareerNation selected Alcatel-Lucent as it has undertaken the risks of innovation, served as a pioneer in the field, and has contributed to human resources development in Africa. The company and its employees succeeded in overcoming challenges and clearly came out as a key strategic partner not only grasping the company’s vision and mission, but also contributing to them.”

This is an award given for the company’s achievements in terms of employee engagement, innovative programs in education and technological fields and for a strong contribution in the community, to help bridge the digital divide.

Hatim Zougari, country manager of Alcatel-Lucent Nigeria said: “This is the first time we have entered this Award, this success is a result of joint effort between our employees and management, our Foundation and community partners, thanks to everyone for helping make our company’s CSR vision a reality.” He then added: “These programs will help provide these youth with a head-start towards an independent life with the professional skills necessary to succeed in a globalized world.”

Adebimpe Ayo Elias, HR director of Alcatel-Lucent in Nigeria: “It is a true and strong testament of Alcatel-Lucent Nigeria’s commitment to employee engagement. Our company’s engagement is measured by our employees’ commitment, their contribution, their enthusiasm, dedication and willingness to go above and beyond for their organization and their community.”

Issa Eid, HR leader for Middle East, Turkey and Africa said: “A great win by an amazing team in Nigeria. An effort well recognized by the engaged and committed talent we have in the country, going above and beyond their call of duty to support their communities. The Alcatel-Lucent Foundation made this win possible, to provide an arena of contribution and support, to prepare the next generation of talent in the country. We will continue to focus on social activities in Nigeria and the region, with the support of management and our energetic employee base!”

Bishalakhi Ghosh, Director of Alcatel-Lucent Foundation said: “One of the focus areas of the Alcatel-Lucent Foundation is on programs that help youth from disadvantaged communities have access to training helping them prepare for life, the business world and the future. The success of these programs is mainly the result of team work and our employee’s contribution and commitment. It is a true example of a corporate CSR vision by helping youth to become leaders in tomorrow’s world.”

Alcatel-Lucent in Nigeria has been selected mainly for its active participation into two major programmes: sponsorship of Entrepreneurial Training and Mentorship Programme with selected beneficiaries in Partnership with SOS Children Villages – with the support of the Alcatel-Lucent Foundation, who granted funds to support this CSR initiative in Nigeria.

Purpose of this program is to support 20 young adults in learning entrepreneurial, leadership and life skills that will help them face day-to-day challenges and give them a jump start into the world of work.

During the program, the group will develop the attitude, behaviour, confidence and skills needed to take responsibility for building their own futures and to become successful and contributing members of society.

Today Alcatel-Lucent has 24 active volunteers mentoring and following up agreed action plans and the progress of these beneficiaries.

The second is the G-NeX-Capability Development Programme with University of Lagos – Alcatel-Lucent’s employees volunteered and participated into this program for a period of 12 weeks of professional training and skills.

Nigerians are among the brightest and most innovative people on the planet! Yet there is a noticeable skill gap observed in young graduates especially on the knowledge and experience that today’s private sector demands.

Re-directing the resourcefulness within the universities through professional training is the key to unlocking the potentials and growing a firm human resource base for Nigeria’s technological development and indeed Africa.

Alcatel-Lucent in Nigeria, as an organization at the forefront of technological innovation, has the capability to bridge this gap and create an adequately skilled pipeline for the technological industry.

Some of the key areas for the partnership include: training, Career talks, Guidance and Mentoring; Professional trainings and certification; Internship programs for Star performers; Creativity development; access to platforms & learning resources; and Collaboration with institutions to improve study curriculum.

On 3rd May, 2013, the session formally kicked off, while the official grand opening was held on 11th of May 2013.

Over 200 Students registered and participated in the programme, inclusive of non-engineering students who have a passion for the technological world. The twelve (12) weeks curriculum ended on 13th July 2013 and was completed with commiserate practical session’s impact to knowledge transfer! The 12 weeks program is only the first phase of the G-NeX program as several phases are planned.

It was truly a period of exposition and all round fun as our employees and management not only built intellectual capacities but also an enduring relationship. This programme was driven by Alcatel-Lucent Nigeria employees (Volunteers) in conjunction with Alcatel-Lucent’s University. Both contributors are passionate about knowledge transfer and capability development for the younger generation.

The Alcatel-Lucent G-NeX program is intending to reduce the gap in the technological know-how, between the theory in the universities and the real life in the field, as requested by the industries. Today Alcatel-Lucent in Nigeria is working on a roll out plan across Nigerian Universities that will help build the future generation. Discussions are ongoing with the University of Port Harcourt, which will be the next step.

Alcatel-Lucent focuses on helping communities where its employees live and operate. Its prime mission is to respond to today’s global challenge of digital inclusion and sustainability, focusing on providing innovative programs for underserved communities across the world that enable youth, to access educational and life skills programs. We believe we can make a difference by helping youth contribute as citizens and community leaders in tomorrow’s global digital world.