“ The strength of partnership between a small structure and a large Company ”
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"AIFR's work consists of collecting a mixed bag of small household appliances from waste drop-off centers then sorting and dismantling them in workshops. This activity struck me as very complementary with the actions of Veolia Environmental Services, which is keen to develop collection of WEEE (waste electrical and electronic equipment) within municipalities.
We therefore set up a partnership between this small structure and our Company. For once, this is not David against Goliath, but David and Goliath moving ahead together!
Goal : to double the number of jobs
Today, five people on back-to-work schemes are in charge of collecting and completely dismantling small household appliances. They cut open the cables, recover aluminum and steel, eliminate polluting substances and send the different products to the right recycling process. The organization is keen to double the number of jobs it offers, primarily intended for women in difficulty and young people without work qualifications. This is particularly important in the bocage region in Normandy, a farming area with little industry and not many jobs available for women.
I found being a sponsor a very enriching experience. Within Veolia Environnement, we are used to working with local authorities and some of our personnel management methods are different from those of non-profit organizations working on back-to-work schemes. I was able to share my knowledge with people who have a different kind of experience. I also met people living in very precarious circumstances and people coping with disabilities. It put me in touch with a reality that I sometimes tend to forget. In a way, I too was able to help people in difficulty get back into the saddle and find a job and I am very happy to have done this.