
JOTUN AND SOCIETY
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Changing lives
Jotun’s employee-driven approach to supporting local charities helps Jotun personnel to form
deeper bonds to the communities where we are active.
Local Corporate Responsibility initiatives are selected, managed
and supported by local employees. The projects, which range
from providing paint to local schools to supporting orphanages,
organising events to raise money for cancer research to offering
scholarships to young people, not only make a difference in
people’s lives, they help Jotun personnel integrate into local
communities.
Supporting a youth programme
In some countries, charitable projects change from year to year,
while in other countries Jotun provides long-term support. For
example, in Brazil, Jotun has provided financial support to the
Karanba Project, a youth programme in Rio de Janeiro, since
2012. Established by Tommy Nilsen, a Norwegian ex-professional
footballer, Karanba works with about 700 children and young
people from Rio’s favelas to achieve personal development, a
better education and a safe way to express themselves.
Originally established as a football training programme to
keep children off the streets and out of danger, Karanba
has expanded to include basic education, social assistance
and vocational training to help prepare participants for the
workplace. In cooperation with local non-profit organisations
and SENAI Rio, Part of Brazil’s National Industrial Training
Service, Karanba participants gain practical work experience
related to Karanba’s sponsors, many of which are active in the
maritime industry.
Making a difference
In addition to providing financial aid, Jotun hosts Karanba
participants at the company’s factory in Itaborai to experience
a successful workplace environment. Jotun also participates
in “Career Planning Seminars” at Karanba’s facilities in Rio
and offers Karanba graduates a chance to enrol in the Jotun
Apprenticeship Programme, a one-year operator training
course. Like many of Jotun’s charitable activities worldwide,
the company’s support for the Karanba Project is not confined
to donations, but involves the active participation of Jotun
personnel.
Local commitment