Our social involvement: the 2011 National Electrotechnics School Olympics and the World in Your School Project

As our company is constantly looking for different ways to help our community develop and thrive, the opportunity presented itself this spring, when RETEC SA had the chance to actively support the 2011 National Electrotechnics School Olympics and get involved in the World in Your School project, in early June.

The World in Your School project, developed by the Arts Management Association (AMA), in various local schools, introduced children to different countries, cultures and customs, by way of creative workshops, cooking classes, traditional music and dancing classes, painting classes and questions and answers sessions. Dutch culture, history and civilization had their turn in the project at the beginning of June. In order to create a wholesome experience for the children, many prominent Dutch companies were invited to partake in this innovative project, such as Damen Shipyards Galati and its local co-makers.

As introducing the children in the true spirit of the Netherlands required the presence of genuine Dutch people, we were proud to be represented by Mr. Klaas Smit, Deputy Operational Manager, who encouraged the eager children to ask him as many questions necessary for them to get a clearer picture of the Dutch spirit, culture and civilization. The project is viewed by the Management of Retec as a Corporate Social Responsibility project: giving something back to the city and the employees (many of them have children in schools). Also, Retec considers that it is good that children get acquainted with the Dutch culture, as children today may be the employees of tomorrow.

Earlier this year, during April 17^th - 21^st, the 2011 National Electrotechnics School Olympics was held in Galati, at the Paul Dimo High School. The competition gathered 200 students from all over the country who participated in both written exams, and also skills’ tests. RETEC SA, together with their supplier, Schneider Romania, provided the entire equipment necessary for the skills’ tests and donated it to the Paul Dimo High School after the competition was finalized, so that future generations of students could benefit. Everyone gave it their best and although we had no awards for our Galati students who competed, our company was happy to take part in the thrill of the contest. We hope, with each similar initiative, to motivate, nurture and inspire youth to engage in positive challenges and to help shape tomorrow’s professionals.