Corporate Social Responsibilty

Last month, my company sponsored two containers of exercise books to the province of Maniema in the DRC. I'm writing this from a personal point of view and not from the perspective of an employee. The event was conducted in a school at Kindu. We arrived there about 9am in the morning and we had to wait for Maniema's Governor to grace the ceremony.

While we were waiting and setting up the exercise books. I went around the school compound and started taking photos of the school and the students. Some were camera shy, some were ready so strike a post as you can see below.

As the Governor's car arrived at the location, he was escorted by at least 5 gunmen, I remembered seeing two different type of uniforms; the army and the military police. Before he walked out of his car, 5 gunmen scouted the place to ensure that no threats are in the compound.

Me, Babou and Jignesh (Indian expat)

Imani & I

Babou, me & Ibra

After a few speeches from a few vips, soon it was the Governor's turn. Everyone had to stand up for his entire speech. I was standing behind and I casually put my hands into my pocket. The army walked towards me and pull my hands out from my pocket. I was shocked and I realized the importance of showing respect to the one giving the speech.

I was told that the Governor was praising MMC for being the first company to contribute something to the Maniema province and he was pleased with our social work. He then gave out a few exercise books to the school children. Soon after he left.

That's when things started to get messy and chaotic. Even though it's only exercise books but it is something valuable to them. Because there is no proper flow of distribution, everyone started pushing and snatching from one another. Outsiders started coming into the school compound. I saw a woman pushing and punching our staff just to get a book. A young boy snatched a girl's book and ran away, the poor girl started crying and tried chasing him but he was too fast. Our staff who was distributing the book started to throw the books on the ground so they won't get 'attacked'.

Crowd started to build up

Pushing begins

Our staff trying to control the situation

Suddenly everyone rushed to the books

Heated situation

As the situation got worst, we had to be 'evacuated' from the school compound with hired motorbikes. I learned that these people would do anything to get their hands on what they want/need. They know no fear when they are desperate. Be thankful that we don't have that kinda desperation. In my opinion, the money could be use for a better cause.