In accordance with the LBG model, we monitor the short and long term benefits of the projects with which we are involved. As part of our giving, we ask beneficiaries to report on their progress and achievements. We share their reports with colleagues on the RE Cares section of RE World to increase transparency and staff awareness.

For example, LexisNexis is a long-standing supporter of the National Center for Missing & Exploited Children (NCMEC). In 2008, to support NCMEC’s mission, LexisNexis donated over $200,000 in cash donations and access to its investigative products like Accurint for Law Enforcement Plus and research solutions like lexisnexis.com, along with expert consulting and training. LexisNexis also supports the ADAM programme, which consists of geographically targeted missing child alerts, to respond to and prevent child abductions. In eight years of partnership with NCMEC, LexisNexis has helped resolve thousands of cases of missing children. In 2008 alone, 42 children were recovered using LexisNexis products. Read other examples of our community impact: Just a Drop, TREE and Alex’s Lemonade Stand Foundation.

AfriKids – Operation Zuarungu

Reed Elsevier was one of the first donors to show commitment to AfriKids’ Operation Zuarungu; a project that provides education, vocational training, microfinance loans and healthcare to communities in Zuarungu, northern Ghana. Operation Zuarungu began as a small pilot investment for AfriKids and has grown to become a community development programme employing 22 local people and benefiting over 15,000.

The education centre began in 2004, the inspirational work of Charles Dagore who was running a makeshift school for the most vulnerable children in the community under the shade of a mango tree. From humble beginnings, the project has grown so well that the Ghana Education Service are now looking to mainstream the school with a view to providing full funding in the future.

In 2008, Reed Elsevier funded the direct education costs of Operation Zuarungu Children’s Centre School ensuring over 300 children continued to receive an education. Employees played an active role in supporting AfriKids by volunteering in their UK office during RE Cares Month and organising a screening for staff of the recent documentary, How To Make a Difference In Africa. According to AfriKids UK Director, Sally Eastcott, “AfriKids relies on enlightened and committed donors such as Reed Elsevier. Partnerships are key to our success, and nothing illustrates this quite like Reed Elsevier and the continuing successes of Operation Zuarungu.”

Impacts to date:

  • Over 15,000 members of the Zuarungu community benefit from Operation Zuarungu
  • More than 300 families have children that attend Zuarungu Children’s Centre School
  • Vital medical equipment funded by RE staff was sent to the AfriKids Medical Centre that now serves 3,000 patients a month
  • IT and furniture donations provide adult IT training and free IT training for 350 middle school children per year in the town of Bolgatanga
  • Children have fewer days off school, and are more attentive thanks to health insurance for families provided through staff fundraising
  • Long term sustainability is being achieved through cooperative trading groups and reinvesting capital in local businesses