Scania and War Child: working Together to make a positive social impact
19 DECEMBER 2024
Scania’s numerous social impact initiatives around the world include Together, an inspiring mentorship programme that’s helping vulnerable young people who are affected by various conflict zones around the world.
Scania’s enduring commitment to a world of sustainable transport is matched by its determination to make a positive social impact to the world around it, through various types of outreach projects.
“Our social impact initiatives create the possibilities for Scania and those of us who work here to contribute to society, wherever Scania operates,” explains Jeanna Tällberg, Head of People and Culture at Scania.
Jeanna Tällberg, Head of People and Culture at Scania.
The ‘Together’ mentorship programme
As the accompanying film shows, one excellent example of Scania’s efforts is Together, a mentorship programme in partnership with War Child, a global NGO which works to ensure that children and young people have access to protection, education and psychosocial support.
Over the past decade, with the official endorsement and assistance of Scania, dozens of the company’s employees have volunteered to help War Child by becoming mentors to young people who have grown up in various conflict zones around the world.
With the help of the Together volunteers, these young mentees can build on their strengths to develop crucial skills for navigating life’s challenges. It’s also a rewarding experience for the mentors, because they learn to become more inclusive as they interact with individuals with other backgrounds and perspectives.
One of the many mentees in the Together programme is Ahmed Siar Eskandarzadeh, who came alone to Sweden in 2015, with no friends or family, speaking only very little English.
“I was very lost when I came to the Together programme,” he says. “But I met a lot of new people, new friends and new mentors, and they helped me with my education and with my Swedish and English.”
Siar has gone on to become a Youth Coordinator at War Child Sweden, and has happily settled into life in his new homeland.
Ahmed Siar Eskandarzadeh, mentee and Youth Coordinator at War Child Sweden, together with his former mentor Johnny Hanna.
Social impact: part of Scania’s core values
For Scania, initiatives such as these are part of the company’s determination to give back to communities around the world, wherever it is in business.
“We care about ensuring people sustainability,” says Jeanna Tällberg.
“It’s an essential part of our core values, and Together is a vital part of our wider social impact work. It’s fun, it’s rewarding, and it can help transform people’s lives for the better.”
