OREANDA-NEWS. July 02, 2010. During the East Europe Foundation (EEF) board meeting in Kryviy Rih representatives of Foundation and OJSC “ArcelorMittal Kryviy Rih” discussed the results of the joint project named as “Everyone Has the Right to Work” and the further collaboration plans . “Everyone Has the Right to Work” social project was implemented in 2008-2009 in Kryviy Rih. It was aimed at providing assistance to the orphans of Kryviy Rih’s in terms of their social adaptation and their integration into society. Additionally the project was aiming at the development of cooperation between city NGOs, social care services and local employers who can provide employment of youngsters.

According to State Youth Social Services, 60% of orphans are unable to complete education successfully and to secure a job.  In their adult life orphans raised in state orphanages face the lack of experience and basic life skills for making the serious independent decisions. Upon leaving the orphanage teenagers are often unable to do basic budgeting and time management, to make the proper choice of food or clothes shopping place, to choose their future career.

“Everyone Has the Right to Work” project was jointly developed by OJSC “ArcelorMittal Kryviy Rih” and international non-profit, non-governmental developmental NGO East Europe Foundation. The Foundation’s vision is for communities in Ukraine to be empowered to take responsibility for their own future and build economic and social well-being. EEF provides its mission as to empower citizens to build their own futures by mobilizing resources, strengthening communities and fostering public-private cooperation. The NGO’s basic source of financing is U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID).

OJSC “ArcelorMittal Kryviy Rih” donated 300 000 UAH to “Everyone Has the Right to Work” project. These money were used to develop of the research of employment and social integration issues of foster-children of city boarding schools and also for launch of the special trainings for kids and teenagers deprived of parental care. Training course consisted of seven modules covering the aspects of leadership, life skills forming, knowledge of the individual’s rights and responsibilities, employment.

Within the framework of this program young people had an opportunity to visit enterprises of the main employers in Kryviy Rih.  Additionally, 20 Kryviy Rih social workers received training on the special needs of social orphans seeking employment and educational or information opportunities. 36 young people completed the training and received certificates. 8 of them found employment at the enterprises, shops, cafes of Kryviy Rih. 22 participants of the project are currently continuing their education in the local educational institutions: Kryviy Rih State Commercial-Economical Technical School, Polytechnic School, Metallurgical School, Donetsk University of Economy and Law, Kyiv State Economical-Technological University of Transport etc.  During the implementation of the project 500 booklets with practical advice on finding a job and occupational guidance were distributed.

Jean Jouet, CEO, “ArcelorMittal Kryviy Rih”: “Regardless of very slow recovery after severe economy crisis and in spite of the difficult situation which the enterprise is facing due to delays with VAT refund, OJSC “ArcelorMittal Kryviy Rih” remains a socially responsible company. Social Development Program of our enterprise includes organization of medical care of our employees, recreational facilities for our staff, implementation of social security and benefits. The important areas of our activities within the corporate social responsibility are the charitable programs and initiatives, volunteer movement, cooperation with the society. OJSC “ArcelorMittal Kryviy Rih” supports the “Everyone Has the Right to Work” project since it encourages personal growth and future confident competitive position at employment market for those young citizens of Kryviy Rih who are deprived of parental care and advice”.

On June 9th, 2010 during the board meeting of Foundation the results of joint work were discussed jointly with the enterprise management and the representatives of City Social Service Centers for Youth. Among the issues discussed were project development prospects, the role of implementation of the special educational programs at an early age and also the necessity of cooperation between the non-profit organizations and the local authorities.  At the meeting Jean Jouet, CEO, “ArcelorMittal Kryviy Rih”, received certificate of gratitude from the East Europe Foundation for the enterprise’s generous contribution to economic and social development  Ukraine.

Timothy Pylate, President, East Europe Foundation: “Today we are glad to thank again OJSC “ArcelorMittal Kryviy Rih” for our unique and positive model of partnership. East Europe Foundation will do its best to bring the “Everyone Has the Right to Work” project to the national level and ensure the state support for it. In fact about 3000 orphans now live in Kryviy Rih boarding schools and they need our help, primarily in the area of psychological and practical assistance”.