EDF - Fostering social integration

EDF's social responsibility initiatives have also been developed to help those facing personal or social obstacles achieve professional success and social inclusion, particularly young men and women who leave school without qualifications. This support often takes the form of partnerships:

• Second-chance schools:  In 2009, EDF and the Diversiterre Foundation increased the level of support for a network of second-chance schools. Each year, these schools take in thousands of young school leavers for academic refresher courses and personal coaching on putting together a career plan.
  
• The Fondation Agir Pour l’Emploi : This foundation (‘acting for employment’) works to foster employment opportunities through supporting development operations that create new jobs by stimulating economic activity. It also works closely with regional services and organizations that encourage job seekers to start their own businesses. Run with the help of employee donations, particularly from EDF staff,  the Foundation also receives funding from EDF itself.

EDF is committed to addressing the social exclusion of those in greatest need, regularly joining forces with key players, including:

• CARE: CARE France and EDF work together to achieve the company's social responsibility goals in developing countries. In one example, this partnership has resulted in a pilot project in the Kwazulu region of South Africa, where one adult in five is HIV positive. CARE has developed a plan to combat HIV aimed at the employees of EDF's local subsidiary, Kwazulu Energy Services, which focuses on providing access to energy for the poor.
• The Restos du Cœur: since 2000, EDF and our Foundation have supported the tireless food distribution work carried out by the Restos du Coeur, particularly during its winter campaigns.
• Emergency medical service for the homeless (Paris Samu Social): EDF has worked with this organization since 1988. Paris SAMU Social makes contact with homeless people and offers urgent healthcare treatment in an approach inspired by the emergency services.