28 Colruyt Group members of personnel are coaching young people at the Collibri Foundation
During the first four months of 2024, 28 Colruyt Group members of personnel mentored more than 28 young Belgians from four projects supported by the Collibri Foundation. These mutually beneficial collaborations have been an opportunity for sharing experiences and for personal development. The initiative has created valuable connections and opened up new horizons. The foundation plans to repeat these programmes, in line with its mission to connect, empower and develop the talents of tomorrow.
Personalised support to develop their skills
During hour-long sessions, held twice a month over the course of three months, the mentors offered support to the young people, either online or in person (at the office, the gym, the library, etc.), to help them improve their command of French, Dutch or English. This activity was also an opportunity for the young people to connect with the world of work, develop their networks, find inspiration for future studies or choice of career, and learn more about Colruyt Group. Mentors and young people were able to put their interpersonal skills into practice and learn from each other's experiences. In 2023, this programme was organised solely with our partner BOOST, but it was extended to other organisations in 2024.
"I’ve realised that this experience gives me confidence in the future because these young people have enthusiasm, ambition and goals in life, not just dreams."
A rewarding experience for enthusiastic volunteers
"It's also a rewarding experience for the mentors", explains Jelle Huwé from the Collibri Foundation. "It's an ideal form of volunteering that allows them to help make society a better place.” Mentors have responded with enthusiasm. "I had long wanted to get involved with young people and share my experience. This initiative has enabled me to make that wish come true", says one mentor. Another adds: "This experience gives me confidence for the future. Young people are full of enthusiasm and ambition.”
The commitment of personnel, the key to the Foundation's impact on young people
Mentoring, a flagship initiative enabling Colruyt Group personnel to get involved with the young people supported by the foundation, is proving increasingly successful: the number of mentors has grown from 14 in 2023 to 28 in 2024. Their volunteering activities take many other forms, from hosting Indonesian students to taking part in sports challenges and sharing expertise at workshops.
To amplify these synergies, the foundation is increasingly calling on the support of its personnel to take part in new projects where they can put their skills at the service of young people. Its ambition is clear: to define, by the end of 2024, a framework that encourages members of personnel to volunteer with the foundation, in order to increase its impact on young people.
