Delta has strengthened its commitment to Africa by expanding its community service efforts to include partnerships with Junior Achievement Africa in Nigeria and Senegal and The Amy Foundation in South Africa. With its longstanding support of the Ghana Red Cross and Breast Care International, Delta has undertaken service projects in every African country it serves.
The African partnerships help Delta fulfill its commitment to give back 1 percent of its net profits to communities it serves around the world.
“Delta has supported wellness projects in Ghana for several years and these new education partnerships with Junior Achievement and The Amy Foundation ensure valuable programs are offered to communities in need across all four African countries in our network,” said Tad Hutcheson, Delta’s Managing Director – Community Engagement. “Working with organizations that share our vision to advance education and wellness in Africa demonstrates that Delta, as a global airline, is committed to giving back to the communities we serve.”
The airline will sponsor Junior Achievement Africa’s Innovation Camps and Company of the Year programmes in Lagos, Nigeria, and Dakar, Senegal, over the next year.
The Company of the Year Competition is the signature showcase for both JA and the high school students who complete the initial JA Company Program. The Company Programme empowers groups of young people ages 15-19 to set up and run a real business during an academic year. They make all the decisions, from the company name and product, to creating a business plan, managing finances and selling products. The winners from the Lagos and Dakar national competitions will take part in the African final this year in Johannesburg.
“We are honoured to have received this grant from Delta Air Lines. Delta has been among JA’s strongest supporters globally, contributing significantly to our mission around the world. We are excited to continue our partnership with Delta to promote youth economic empowerment in Africa” said Elizabeth Bintliff, CEO of JA Africa.
JA’s Innovation Camps, meanwhile, provide a forum for students to work in groups to address a real-life business challenge. During the one-day camp, the team members will have to adapt quickly and find out how to work together effectively. Through this, they learn skills including problem solving, communication, team building and troubleshooting.
With the partnership with JA Africa, Delta now partners with JA on four continents to teach kids financial literacy, business readiness, entrepreneurship and core business skills.
