Supporting the community in various ways has been a longstanding commitment under stc’s extensive and sustainable corporate social responsibility (CSR) program. Considering its role as a pioneer in Kuwait’s telecom market, stc leveraged its resources and expertise to launch or participate in community-driven initiatives that have a far-reaching and positive impact on the community. With a focus on key areas such as education, environmental sustainability, sports, youth empowerment, and entrepreneurship, stc has implemented programs that aim to foster long-term growth and development in the community. These programs are designed to empower individuals and businesses, especially the younger generation, SMEs, and entrepreneurs, by providing them with the knowledge, support, and opportunities to succeed. Through these efforts, stc has established itself as more than just a telecom provider, but a strong contributor to the social and economic fabric of Kuwait.
stc‘s programs and initiatives in 2023 were diverse and sustainable, each targeting specific community needs and causes that coincided with the Company’s values and beliefs. These efforts were reflected through various programs, including the three primary initiatives launched under the CSR agenda. Under the ‘Weyak’ umbrella, the first of stc’s three primary initiatives for the year, the emphasis was on supporting young entrepreneurs, business start-ups, and SMEs, capitalizing on the strong momentum gained from previous campaigns. The second primary initiative was the educational ‘upgrade’ umbrella, which aims to contribute towards empowering the youth and supporting local education initiatives. The last primary initiative is ‘Because we Care’, which aims to spread awareness about health and wellness, the environment, and other humanitarian causes. Numerous activities were organized under each initiative in line with stc‘s approach to creating lasting positive changes and building a better future for the younger generation in Kuwait.
Driven by a commitment to create a meaningful difference in the community, stc effectively orchestrated, led, and engaged in a range of initiatives designed to uplift and empower Kuwaiti society. These initiatives, reflecting stc‘s dedication to social responsibility, were executed in partnership with an array of key players, including the Kuwaiti Government, well-established businesses, small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs), specialized service providers, and community members. This collaborative approach ensured the successful implementation of various projects and programs that aligned with stc’s CSR framework, demonstrating the company’s holistic and inclusive strategy in addressing societal needs and fostering positive change.
Empowering Youth and Entrepreneurs with “Weyak”
The ‘Weyak’ umbrella played a pivotal role in stc’s CSR framework by empowering Kuwait’s younger generation and the entrepreneurial landscape. This innovative program was specifically designed to cater to the needs and aspirations of Kuwait’s youth, as well as SMEs and startups. By providing essential support, ‘Weyak’ helped young entrepreneurs and innovators transform their visionary ideas into tangible realities. This initiative fostered an environment where creativity and business acumen could flourish, significantly contributing to the nation’s economic vitality.
A crucial element of the ‘Weyak’ initiative was stc‘s collaboration with Dawrat & COFE App. The partnership with ‘dawrat’ brought forth a variety of educational programs, workshops, and courses, all tailored to equip young entrepreneurs with the necessary skills and knowledge to succeed in a competitive market. By integrating digital technology into these learning modules, stc ensured that participants were well-versed in the latest digital trends and practices, which are indispensable in today’s digitally evolving business world. stc continued to enable and activate the strategic agreement with COFE App, the region’s premiere online coffee marketplace, through a series of interactive activities, including online activations and special events.
Further amplifying the impact of ‘Weyak’ was the launch of inspireU Program in the Kuwait Market, an entrepreneurial state-of-the-art incubator and accelerator designed to support startups and SMEs in Kuwait. Three start-ups were selected from the Kuwaiti market to take part in the 10th intake of inspireU program hosted by stc group, based on the criteria defined under the program to be among the 20 companies participating in the tenth edition of the inspireU program. Winning projects will have access to several networking opportunities through participation and visits to international conferences. In addition, inspireU provides financial support to enable start-ups to realize their ideas and dreams.
In essence, the ‘Weyak’ initiative included multifaceted programs that exemplified stc‘s commitment to nurturing a thriving ecosystem for young entrepreneurs and innovators. This commitment was reflective of stc‘s understanding that the progress and prosperity of Kuwait are deeply rooted in the empowerment of its youth and the growth of its entrepreneurial sector. Supporting this segment of the community has been a focus of stc’s CSR program for several years, aligning with the Company’s strategic objective of serving as an enable of digital transformation in Kuwait by introducing innovative concepts and technology that can be utilized by individuals and corporations.
Focusing on education through ‘Upgrade’
The ‘upgrade’ initiative, another key component of stc‘s 2023 CSR program, demonstrated the Company’s deep commitment to education stewardship. Several initiatives were launched throughout the year under the umbrella of the educational ‘upgrade’ initiative, each serving a different purpose. This focus mirrors stc‘s understanding of the nature of academic excellence in building a sustainable future.
One of the notable initiatives focusing on education was stc‘s sponsorship of the 2nd Watheefti Career Fair in 2023. This event presented a pivotal opportunity for young Kuwaitis to explore a wide array of career paths and professions. By bringing together over 120 entities from both the private and public sectors, the fair served as a vibrant setting of opportunity and guidance. For stc, the Watheefti Career Fair also served as a strategic investment in the nation’s future, ensuring that young people had access to the information and networks necessary to make informed career choices.
stc continued its support for academic excellence by sponsoring the graduation ceremony for disabled students for the second year in collaboration with the Ministry of Education. 100 students with physical disabilities were honored amongst their proud families, friends and teachers in a celebratory initiative that aligned with stc’s core values of promoting leadership and self-growth. It is worth mentioning that stc adopted this graduation ceremony for the 1st time in Kuwait last year as part of the MOE initiative to bring all students together under one roof to celebrate their success.
As part of stc’s strategic partnership with Kuwait University to support and empower students, the Company held several ‘stc Diwaniya’ sessions in the presence of social media influencers and personalities along with young Kuwaiti entrepreneurs at Kuwait University. The strategic partnership with Kuwait University aims to provide students with a unique learning curve and the motivational drive that will assist them in reaching their goals and aspirations in their future careers.
With various other programs and activities organized throughout the year, the educational ‘upgrade’ initiative showcased stc‘s dedication to nurturing an educated, conscious society. By supporting educational growth, stc aspires to play a crucial role in shaping a more informed, responsible, and sustainable Kuwait. These efforts reflect the Company’s broader vision of social responsibility, one that encompasses not just immediate community needs but also the long-term well-being and prosperity of the nation.
Prioritizing health and environmental causes under ‘Because we care’
The ‘Because we care’ initiative, the third primary campaign under stc‘s 2023 CSR framework, illustrated the Company’s deep commitment to fostering health and environmental sustainability within the Kuwaiti community. This initiative, launched prior to 2023, encompassed various campaigns, each designed to make a tangible impact on the well-being of individuals and the environment. stc launched and participated in numerous campaigns that aimed to spread awareness on various health issues and environmental causes that impact members of the community
A highlight of the ‘Because we care’ initiative for 2023 was the “Our Environment, Our Life” campaign, a collaborative effort with Kuwaiti personality Youssef Al-Omran, also known as “Bu Jarrah”, and a large group of volunteers. This campaign focused on the environmental preservation and safety of Abu Al-Hasaniyah Beach. The shoreline cleanup and proper maintenance of this beach area primarily focused on protecting the delicate coastal ecosystem and having a safe environment for beachgoers.
Another significant aspect of the ‘Because we care’ initiative was the organization of the annual health initiatives related to Blood Donation, Breast Cancer and Prostate Cancer where stc collaborated with various entities to promote and raise awareness on these health issues and the importance of maintaining a healthy lifestyle.
The comprehensive nature of the “Because We Care” initiative, with its focus on both environmental sustainability and personal health, reinforced stc‘s role as a responsible corporate citizen. These efforts showcased the Company’s dedication to the welfare of the Kuwaiti community, extending its impact beyond the realms of technology and telecommunications. These initiatives launched by stc aimed to contribute to the development and well-being of Kuwait, which can be witnessed on several fronts. By prioritizing health, wellness, and environmental sustainability, stc aspires to enhance the quality of life for individuals while playing a crucial role in the broader societal and environmental progress in Kuwait.
Creating memories at second season of ‘Winter Wonderland Kuwait’
In an effort to empower and enable the youth, stc sponsored ‘Winter Wonderland Kuwait’, in strategic partnership with TEC as it aligns with the Company’s commitment to participate in various initiatives that engage with the community, especially with the areas of education, youth empowerment, health, sports, entrepreneurship, and others that serve the community.
stc‘s sponsorship falls in line with the Company’s extensive corporate social responsibility (CSR) program, which aims to create a positive social impact, especially through strategic collaborations with government entities and companies within the private sector.
Strengthening community ties through strategic partnerships
Collaborating with a diverse range of partners, including the Kuwaiti Government, private enterprises, non-profit organizations, and community members, stc has exemplified the power of collective effort in driving social change. These partnerships have broadened the scope and impact of stc‘s CSR program and enriched the Company’s understanding and approach to addressing complex societal challenges. The synergy between stc and its partners underlines the notion that social responsibility transcends individual or corporate boundaries. It is a collaborative journey that unites different sectors of society towards a common goal. Through these alliances, stc has been able to amplify its impact, bringing innovative programs and sustainable practices to the forefront of its social initiatives.
Through our strategic partnership with Flare Fitness, stc sponsored the 8th ‘Flare Festival’, one of the largest of its kind in Kuwait, for the fourth year in a row. Our participation and support towards such initiatives within the community builds on stc’s strive to promote healthy living, amongst the youth.
stc continued to extend its collaboration with Tarahom Volunteer Team in an effort to support the Kuwaiti society through various humanitarian and good will initiatives. This year’s campaign consisted of several initiatives that focused on spreading joy and happiness to the hearts of many in the local community throughout the holy month of Ramadan.
Envisioning a sustainable path foward
Looking ahead, stc is set to build on the solid foundation established through its comprehensive and sustainable CSR program over the years. This past year has been a testament to stc‘s unwavering commitment to creating a positive and lasting impact in the community through various sustainable initiatives, a dedication that is expected to grow stronger in the future. The focus for the upcoming year is to nurture and expand the relationships formed, emphasizing collaborative efforts as a central driver of societal progress. stc envisions a sustainable future where its partnerships with government bodies, private sector entities, and community organizations will continue to address a broader spectrum of societal needs and challenges, combining diverse perspectives and expertise to create more effective and sustainable outcomes. In 2024, stc aims to further introduce or participate in initiatives that resonate with its core sustainable values and the evolving needs of the Kuwaiti community. Whether through empowering youth and entrepreneurs, advancing education and environmental awareness, or promoting health and wellness, stc’s CSR framework will continue to explore new opportunities to give back to society in various ways. This forward-looking approach solidifies stc’s role as a dynamic agent of change, committed to not just meeting but exceeding its social responsibility goals. As stc moves forward, it remains dedicated to playing a pivotal role in the development and well-being of Kuwait, making a meaningful difference in the lives of individuals and the community at large.
