Majid Al Futtaim, which owns the exclusive rights to operate Carrefour in Kenya, has completed a KES 1.8 million renovation of the Shangilia Mtoto wa Afrika basketball court in the Kangemi Kimbagare area. The initiative, which is supported by Carrefour’s “Round Up Your Bill” corporate social responsibility programme, aims to provide the youth and vulnerable children in the community with a secure environment to develop their skills in sports and art.
With the replacement of the concrete floors, the venue is now equipped with highly durable, long-lasting terrazzo flooring to accommodate the training needs of over 200 children from the institution and the surrounding neighborhood.
Speaking at the handover event, Christophe Orcet, Regional Director – East Africa, Majid Al Futtaim Retail, stated: “At Majid Al Futtaim, we believe in the transformative power of community engagement and understand our role as responsible members of the society. We launched Carrefour’s ‘Round Up Your Bill’ initiative with the aim of collaborating with our valued customers to make a meaningful difference in the lives of those who need it the most. We are proud to support Shangilia Mtoto wa Afrika in their noble mission and contribute to the well-being and empowerment of vulnerable children, remaining committed to introducing initiatives that support the communities in which we operate.”
Japhet Njenga, Managing Director, Shangilia Mtoto wa Afrika, added: “We are very grateful for Carrefour Kenya’s contribution to our sports facilities. The children will now benefit from well-equipped spaces where they can practice and learn for many years to come. We are looking forward to nurturing skilled skaters and basketballers in this arena.”
Since commencing its operations in the country in 2016, Majid Al Futtaim has actively supported children and the elderly through the “Round Up Your Bill” programme. Last year, the retailer donated over KES 15 million in food and household items, and supported with the construction and renovation of modern kitchens and the installation of water pumping and solar heating systems in several institutions including Gacharage Primary School, Imani Children’s Home, Country Trackers Elderly Home, Children’s Garden Home and School, and New Hope Children’s Home.
Founded in 1994, the Shangilia Mtoto wa Afrika organisation utilises performing arts to transform the lives of the youth and vulnerable children in addition to providing them with essential services like housing, care, and education for holistic development.