Barrick Gold (ABX-T, ABX-N) has pledged US$1.3 million over five years to World Vision Canada to develop nutrition, education and employment programs designed to improve the lives of people in communities in the Alto Chicama district of northern Peru, near Barrick’s Lagunas Norte gold mine.
The project came out of an agreement signed earlier this year by Barrick and World Vision. The two parties agreed to work together to develop corporate social responsibility (CSR) programs and projects in communities near Barrick mines throughout the world.
“The agreement between World Vision Canada and Barrick Gold represents a broader opportunity to work together to help make life better for children and their families in communities where Barrick operates,” says Dave Toycen, president and CEO of World Vision Canada.
Lagunas Norte is situated 140 km east of Trujillo in the Peruvian Andes. The mine began operating in June 2005 and employs 1,500 workers and contractors.
Peru’s Mining Safety Institute recognized Lagunas Norte with a safety award in 2005 for its accident prevention initiatives and safety practices.
The projects at Lagunas Norte are modelled on the success of an earlier program launched in the communities around Barrick’s Pierina gold mine, also in Peru.
“Our partnership with World Vision has proven an effective way to make meaningful and lasting contributions that benefit communities neighbouring our operations,” says Greg Wilkins, Barrick’s president and CEO.
Barrick contributed US$1 million over five years in communities around Pierina to support initiatives in health, education, economic development, and HIV and AIDS prevention.
Barrick says that as a result of the Pierina partnership, about 1,700 people have access to two refurbished health centres in Tarica; more than 700 children have attended summer school programs for math and literacy; roughly 370 families learned better farming techniques; and a clinic was established in Arroyo Grande to diagnose people with HIV and AIDS.
World Vision is a Christian relief, development and advocacy organization that works with children, families and communities to overcome poverty.
Be the first to comment on "Barrick teams with World Vision"