Samsung 2003 Annual Report Download - page 45

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Improving the world
The world’s great companies foster prosperity in
the communities they serve. At Samsung
Electronics, we measure success not just by the
balance sheet, but also by our contributions to
society.
As a responsible corporate citizen, the company
believes in sharing the benefits of our success to
create a better world. This belief runs deep.
Volunteerism is an integral part of our culture. In
2003, more than 13,000 employees shared their
time in more than 300 official volunteer programs.
Through matching grants and our annual Global
Volunteer Service Festival, we contributed to
hundreds of community service programs
around the world–from environmental cleanups
and disaster relief to housekeeping assistance
for the elderly and mentoring services for
orphans and young parents.
In 2003, we offered free sessions to teach
handicapped children how to ride horses. The
sessions improved their body movement by an
average of 9%, and one child suffering from
tactile hypersensitivity showed dramatic
improvement. Samsung Medical Center is
preparing a thesis based on these encouraging
results to be presented to the Federation of
Riding for the Disabled International and for
relevant academic circles.
When a crisis strikes, we respond. Following a
devastating earthquake in Algeria in June of
2003, in cooperation with local businesses,
Samsung Electronics provided four super-sized
water tanks for potable water, as well as commu-
nications and financial assistance to the people
who lost housing.
As a world leader in technology products, we feel it
our duty to help those often at a disadvantage – the
differently-abled, the elderly and the underprivi-
leged – with the skills and tools they need to realize
their potential. Our Mukunghwa Electronics
Factory, for example, is an entire assembly plant
constructed for wheelchair-bound employees.
Since 1997 we have provided computer training
for the blind, and thousands complete the
course each year. In concert with UNESCO’s
international education fund we support children’s
educational programs around the world. In 2003,
this involved over twenty countries, including
North Korea and Vietnam.
While for many the internet is an indispensable
part of daily life, many others still struggle without
the basic hardware, software and access to enjoy
the digital convergence revolution. Each year, the
company provides hardware, access and free
training in computer fundamentals throughout
Korea. We proudly sponsor science competi-
tions designed to nurture children’s natural
curiosity, including the annual National Students’
Creativity Olympiad. The Samsung Digital Hope
Fund helps narrow the gap of the digital divide.
In 2003, through the Fund, Samsung Electronics
provided a total of $ 600,000 to 15 youth institu-
tions in eight countries across South and
Southeast Asia. We make these efforts in the
hope of giving the next generation the inspiration
and skills they need to pursue their dreams, so
they too can contribute to the greater good.