Econocom and Passerelles numériques celebrate their tenth anniversary!

Now that social responsibility in a company is being increasingly talked about, how is it implemented in effect? What are the determinant factors in the partnership between an NGO and a company to ensure it really bears fruit and works long term?
Interview of Estelle Millet, in charge of the partnership with Passerelles numériques at our faithful partner, Econocom.

Could you tell us briefly how the partnership began?
The partnership came about ten years ago as a result of an irresistible impulse! Two of the co-founders of Passerelles numériques and the President of Econocom met following an introduction by mutual friends. Jean-Louis Bouchard was immediately interested by the project, since Econocom has the skills and is the obvious opponent of the digital divide. But also because both entities share the same values of responsibility and respect. It was after a visit to Passerelles numériques’ training center in Cambodia that Jean-Louis Bouchard decided to set up a partnership between Econocom and the NGO.

How is the partnership perceived internally by employees?
The employees are proud of the way Econocom is able to display its human and social commitment, to implement the values it upholds and to be actively working towards making the world a better place. The partnership also gives the employees the feeling of belonging to a company, unlike many others, which shows active solidarity and gives them an opportunity to participate. It is a differentiating factor of wellbeing in the company.

In 2014 you went to work as a volunteer in the Philippines, could you tell us a bit about it?
I was responsible for generating interest in the partnership in Econocom, so I particularly wanted to go on-site to discover the association’s work with young people. As soon as I found a mission that tallied with my profile, I didn’t hesitate to volunteer. My two weeks at the PN center in the Philippines allowed me to discover the daily lives of students and to share intense and very special moments of generosity and kindness. PN’s work in the field is really exceptional and is a source of hope for all the young people in the centers.

You have been with us for ten years now. You are faithful indeed! How is the partnership important for Econocom?
For Econocom, it is a concrete way, by actions, of implementing our leaders’ and employees’ commitment, expressing the values of the company.
Econocom’s support of Passerelles numériques takes the form of sponsoring classes, skill-based sponsorship, donations of equipment and financial support. The stakes for the company lie in its ability to implement, for itself and its employees, real social responsibility and solidarity for the most disadvantaged. We are very proud of this!