Barclays Mauritius

Involvement in the community

Banking on Brighter Futures

Banking on Brighter Futures is about giving disadvantaged people the chance of better life they wouldn’t otherwise have. It is in line with our business ethics and gives us maximum opportunity to use, not only our money, but also our skills and expertise to help people out of poverty, debt and despair. Through this programme we are focusing on:

• Increasing financial inclusion
• Encouraging entrepreneurship and employment
• Supporting access to education, particularly financial education

Looking after local communities

Looking after local communities is about investing in the many neighborhoods around the world where Barclays has geographical footprints. Supporting the causes close to home is one of the best ways for Barclays to meet local needs and engage local stakeholders. Our priority areas are:

• Health: Diabetes Prevention
• Education: non- Formal
• Empowerment: People with disabilities / vulnerable persons

Barclays Mauritius has championed the diabetes cause as its flagship community pledge, given the high prevalence rate in Mauritius, irrespective of class, race and gender. Indeed, among the adult population, aged 30 and above, 23% are diagnosed diabetic, and 12.1% have an impaired glucose tolerance.

Barclays Mauritius has collaborated with the Ministry of Health to conduct free screenings in remote and deprived areas of the island. In addition, in order to sustain the project, Barclays Mauritius has donated a first of its kind Mobile Clinic to the Ministry of Health in December 2010. The mobile clinic will be used for screenings to those who are at risk. The mobile clinic is also equipped to conduct training/awareness sessions and can accommodate some 30 persons all together.

Charity begins at work

Charity begins at work is a vital component of Barclays community investment programme. At the heart of the community programme is the desire to engage our people and to support them to get involved. It’s down to an individual choice about who, what and how to help. The following support is available for Barclays colleagues to get involved in community programmes:

• Rs4Rs Matched Fundraising
  Fund raised through events will be ‘doubled’ by the bank for each colleague up to 3 times a year. Benefits go to the charity of their choice – in line with Barclays policy.
• Volunteering in work time
  Our dedicated colleagues get two days off per year to do volunteer work and take part in community initiatives.
• Make A Difference Day
  Once a year, colleagues are sponsored to do volunteering work at the charity of their choice.

This is an annual feature where our employees, family members, friends and customers share their time, energy and skills with needy persons/groups or charities of their choice. In 2010, more than 80% of Barclays Mauritius colleagues have taken part in volunteering activities.