OREANDA-NEWS. On October 24, 2007 UC RUSAL the world's largest producer of aluminium and alumina, in participation with the UNDP Global Compact Armenia has announced a launch of “10 Best School Projects” Contest as a start of the company’s long-term social programme in the country. “10 Best School Projects” Contest is aimed at supporting youth socially beneficial initiatives, reported the press-centre of RUSAL.

Under this programme grants will be provided to ten best social projects initiated by schoolchildren from 7 to 11 grades. The winners will receive diplomas and grants of 1 million drams. Two special projects will also be funded. The contest will be launched in early November. The deadline for the submission of applications will be November 20. The implementation of the best projects is planned for year 2008. 

UC RUSAL will provide USD 50,000 for the project implementation on the territory of Armenia. The Global Compact Armenia will be responsible for implementing and monitoring the project.

UC RUSAL ARMENAL Director Mr. Georgy Avetikyan said that this project is a first step of the UC RUSAL’s long term social commitment in Armenia. “UC RUSAL has a long and successful record of social and community relations programmes as this is a key element of the company’s sustainable development in the regions of UC RUSAL's presence. Our policy is aimed at contributing to the social and economic growth of the region. “10 Best School Projects” in Armenia is the beginning of our support to youth initiatives in the region and building a platform to develop youngsters’ potential as a basis for our stable future. I am confident that this project will lay a substantial ground to implement the entire complex of social programmes successfully realized by UC RUSAL”.

The UNDP Resident Representative Ms. Consuelo Vidal told the audience that it is very important to allow schoolchildren to participate in solving their own problems, and to stimulate their creativity and self-confidence. In turn, this will help adults to better understand the importance of children’s’ participation and contribution to the solution of issues related to their own educational environment.
 
UC RUSAL is conducting a comprehensive range of social programmes in the regions of its presence.  They cover educational grants, volunteering, partnerships, local community support projects, and charity work.  Programmes to develop youth potential are among the top priorities for the company’s social focus along with health and sport issues. “Best School Projects” initiatives have been conducted in Russia and Ukraine since 2004.  More than 2,000 project proposals were submitted and 500 of them were funded.