A Positive Step program for HIV Infected/Affected Children
Colgate India recognizes the seriousness of HIV/AIDS and its impact on the society. Colgate-Palmolive remains committed to helping employees and those in our communities to combat HIV/AIDS. Colgate’s commitment in the fight against HIV/AIDS is based on the core value of ‘Caring’ and our 2015 Sustainability commitments to Promote Healthier Lives and Contribute to the Communities Where We Live and Work. To this end, it also focuses on partnerships with third parties, and provides proactive organizational support. Colgate works towards limiting the impact of HIV/AIDS and maintaining a conducive environment through openness and acceptance of HIV/AIDS affected people.
Colgate-Palmolive (India) Limited initiated, ‘A Positive Step’ , a program in collaboration with 'Network In Thane Of People Living With HIV',(NTP+), a Non-Governmental Organization addressing inequalities and promoting education for HIV infected and affected children. This is a payroll sponsorship program, where the Company matches the amount of sponsorship given by its employees towards the cause. The Company also supports other grooming initiatives for the HIV/AIDS affected children and contributes towards the administrative costs of running the program. Besides, every year, Colgate also encourages its employees to participate in a Marathon to support the cause. The proceeds from the Marathon go to the NGO, NTP + to strengthen the Positive Step program.
This program had started with a handful of children and now it supports a total of 89 children. Employees have come forward to volunteer, to not just support the cause, but to also volunteer their time in engaging with these kids to teach and help them sharpen their skills. These children are encouraged to face challenges bravely and positively. Colgate India also organizes a special event on ‘World AIDS Day’ every year in December, wherein the kids get to spend a day at the Colgate office and interact with the sponsors, volunteers and the entire Colgate family.
The program is impacting children positively in education, health, and helping to create in them the confidence to face challenges that may come their way. It is encouraging to note that some of the youth are now pursuing graduation and post-graduation.
During the year 2016 a new initiative - a creative library, ‘Knowledge Garden’, was launched for the children enrolled under the Positive Step program. The objective of this initiative was to encourage children to be creative and develop a desire to learn by using the Knowledge Garden Creative Library. Computer workshops have also been introduced as part of this Initiative.
Ever since the launch of the Knowledge Garden, it has been found that most of the children have formed a habit to visit the library and enjoy reading the books, browsing the CDs and working on the computers.
