55 Metropolitan Life representatives from 24 countries volunteer to help more than 300 children from Bucharest to learn in a better environment
Bucharest, September 5th, 2016 – In conjunction with Habitat for Humanity, 55 Metropolitan Life representatives from 24 countries volunteered for achieving rehabilitation and energy efficiency of Secondary School no. 125.
More than 300 children and 50 teachers will start the new school year in a healthy and welcoming environment as the school is renovated and energy-streamlined through the “New school, better future” program, developed by Habitat for Humanity in Romania.
The 55 Metropolitan Life representatives are joining other 100 international volunteers who worked during summer to transform this school so children can spend their study hours in an improved environment. Located in one of the poorest districts in Bucharest, with signs of advanced deterioration, the Secondary School no. 125, from Sector 5 is only one of the many schools in Romania that need renovation. The schools’ rehabilitation represents an important step for the social inclusion of children from disadvantaged families.
“With most children from Secondary School no. 125 coming from a vulnerable environment, Metropolitan Life is delighted to have worked with Habitat for Humanity to help build a better future for students, their families and the community.” said Dirk Ostijn, CEO, MetLife Europe.
“The school is our children’s second home. It is the place where they learn to become successful adults, with dreams, hopes, and a bright future ahead. I’m happy to welcome the MetLife volunteers on our construction site in Bucharest and grateful for their help which will offer a healthy education for 300 impoverished children”, said Greg Foster, Area Vice President, Habitat for Humanity Europe Middle East and Africa.
Metropolitan Life and MetLife Foundation made grants amounting to 500,000 USD for CSR projects carried out in 2015 and which are continued in 2016 and 2017. In addition, in 2016, Metropolitan Life is investing 200,000 USD in local CSR projects from local funds. Projects that Metropolitan Life supports focus on building social and financial inclusion, including the financial education of children and young people from various social categories.
About MetLife
MetLife, Inc. (NYSE: MET), through its subsidiaries and affiliates (“MetLife”), is one of the largest life insurance companies in the world. Founded in 1868, MetLife is a global provider of life insurance, pension plans, employee benefits and asset management services. Serving approximately 100 million customers, MetLife has operations in nearly 50 countries and holds leading market positions in Japan, Latin America, Asia, Europe and the Middle East. For more information, visit www.metlife.com.
About Metropolitan Life
Metropolitan Life is part of MetLife, Inc., one of the largest life insurance companies in the world. Founded in 1868, MetLife is a global provider of life insurance, pension plans, employee benefits and asset management services. Serving approximately 100 million customers, MetLife has operations in nearly 50 countries and holds leading market positions in Japan, Latin America, Asia, Europe and the Middle East. In Romania, Metropolitan Life has been active for over 17 years on the life insurance market. Two million customers benefit from life insurance and compulsory private pensions locally provided by Metropolitan Life.
About MetLife Foundation
MetLife Foundation was founded in 1976 to continue MetLife’s tradition of corporate contributions and community involvement. The Foundation is dedicated to advancing financial inclusion, committing $200 million for the next five years to help build a secure future for individuals and communities around the world. Metropolitan Life is part of MetLife Group, providing life insurance, pension plans, employee benefits and asset management services through its global subsidiaries and affiliates. In Romania, the company has been present for 15 years and it provides life insurance and compulsory private pensions for 2 million customers.
About Habitat for Humanity International
Driven by the vision that every person needs a decent place to live, Habitat for Humanity has grown from a grassroots effort that began on a community farm in southern Georgia in 1976 to a non-profit organization for social housing in nearly 1,400 communities across the U.S. and in over 70 countries. Volunteers join Habitat for Humanity to build or improve housing conditions for low-income families. Habitat for Humanity beneficiaries help build their own homes alongside volunteers and return the cost of the house to the organization at the cost of the construction materials, for twenty years, in monthly interest-free rates. This money enters the Humanity Fund, helping other disadvantaged families. www.habitat.org.
Contact:
Habitat for Humanity Romania
Loredana Modoran
0722.640.229, [email protected]
Metropolitan Life
Alexandra Crivăț
0723.563.100, [email protected]
McCann PR
Bianca Severin
0725.346.009, [email protected]