NBK remains largest contributor in Kuwait
NBK encourages educational, professional development
Our people are our most valuable resource
KUWAIT: National Bank of Kuwait (NBK) pioneered its corporate social responsibility programs in 2017, maintaining its position as the largest contributor to the Kuwait community in the private sector. “NBK has a long tradition of supporting social and community oriented activities in the country,” said Manal AlMattar, NBK Public Relations Assistant General Manager. “We believe that our people are our most valuable resource and to that end we’ve implemented numerous professional development and training programs to encourage the education and professional development of Kuwait’s youth,” added Al-Mattar.
Health care
NBK’s social initiatives and programs included the opening of Stem Cell Therapy Unit, the new state-of-the-art cancer wing for NBK Children’s Hospital. This new center is the largest corporate social responsibility donation of KD 7 million in Kuwait and will expand the hospital’s ability to treat children with cancer and blood diseases.
During 2017, NBK launched a fun activity program for children at NBK’s Children Specialty Hospital and Stem Cell Therapy Unit. The program extends all over the year and includes a library corner, storytelling sessions, fun events and a movie night activity that are organized occasionally. Children at the hospital will have the chance to choose their favorite story to read or a cartoon movie to watch with their family and friends. NBK has provided a display screen, entertainment facilities, variety of different and various books and other supplies for children to enjoy the whole program.
‘I Dream To Be’ Initiative
For the fourth year in a row, NBK continued to implement the first-of-itskind ‘I Dream To Be’ program for children in Kuwait hospitals facing lifethreatening conditions. The effort helps children realize their ‘dreams’ in order to promote their emotional and psychological wellbeing and helps them fight their illnesses.
Healing book
As part of the Bank’s commitment to support children battling against cancer, NBK introduced a short story book named “Abdallah Wins.” The book tells the story of a young boy battling a life threatening illness and how he works to overcome this challenge.
BACCH, KACCH
NBK works closely with the Kuwait Association for the Care of Children in Hospital (KACCH) and Bayt Abdullah for the Care of Children in Hospice (BACCH) to maximize its reach to children in need and to give top priority to sick children with life-threatening illnesses. In 2016, NBK organized and supported a children’s carnival at Bayt Abdullah Children’s Hospice, an initiative which included entertainment and activities for resident children.
Supporting women’s health issues
NBK takes a leading role in Kuwait society to support and raise awareness about women’s health issues. In 2016, the bank encouraged women’s health through the important ‘Be Aware’ breast cancer awareness program. As part of the initiative, NBK provided for discounted mammograms and wellness check-ups for female employees at local hospitals, distributed pink ribbon awareness pins to staff and also offered daily tips and information via NBK social media.
HR, educational initiatives Largest employer in the private sector
In 2017, as part of its commitment to providing job opportunities to new graduates, NBK actively recruited more than 258 skilled graduates and young talents.
Training programs
Every year, NBK assesses the need for professional development of the youth of Kuwait, a core commitment of the bank. NBK invests in Kuwait’s youth at every level, offering professional training as well as growth opportunities to further instil professional skill sets and contribute to the development, long term stability and growth of the national economy.
In 2017, NBK organized training programs including NBK academy, Shabab training program and summer internship program, in addition to professional programs in collaboration with world class universities.
Support education
As part of this strategy, NBK honored outstanding high school graduates of public schools for the school year 2016-2017. The bank expressed its appreciation to these students for their hard work through cash rewards and more importantly, professional training opportunities to encourage them to always work hard and excel.
KU universities fair
NBK was the main sponsor and organizer of the KU Universities Fair for the second consecutive year. Organized by KU’s student affairs, the fair featured more than 50 educational institutes including public and private universities and colleges, Ministry of Higher Education, National Guard and all the military academies. Exhibitors met with graduates during the fair to help them choose among all the available academic disciplines, learn more about how to register and provide academic consultancies.
Al-Shaheed Park
As part of its social responsibility, NBK sponsored Al-Shaheed park’s cultural events during the year in order to support cultural and heritage activities and encourage Kuwait’s youth to develop community responsibility and engagement.
Schools, universities
During the school year, NBK hosted several groups of visiting school and university students in Kuwait on field visits to learn about the banking industry and dayto-day operations of various departments. During 2017, NBK sponsored the activities of PAAET. NBK takes this opportunity to work in coordination with various educational institutions with the aim of supporting students successfully transition to the workforce.
Employee volunteering
National Bank of Kuwait organized many volunteer and charity initiatives during 2017. Employees organized volunteer groups to distribute Iftar meals during the month of Ramadan, they also took the initiative to organize the cleaning of Kuwait’s beaches during summer months and the cleaning of public spaces. NBK staff also donated blood for the Kuwait Blood Bank and distributed water to low income laborers during the summer. The staff also donated new clothes to families in need and organized other initiatives and activities aimed at supporting Kuwait’s lower income communities.
Social care
In 2017, NBK implemented a series of philanthropic missions and social welfare programs as part of the humanitarian dimension of its corporate social responsibility. NBK continues to be a leader in social welfare programs in Kuwait as part of its deeply-rooted commitment to Kuwait’s society and its corporate social responsibility program.
NBK continued its commitment and support for educational institutions, nongovernmental organizations, charity groups, health care and professional institutions as well as with other social welfare programs in first-of-their-kind partnerships for the development of Kuwait such as KRCS, Bayt Abdullah for Children’s Hospice and LOYAC, KALD, Jidariyat and center 21.
NBK is the Humanitarian strategic partner for the Kuwait Red Crescent Society for its social support and initiatives with the society. In 2017, the bank supported KRCS initiative to help fund the education of children of low-income families in Kuwait.
Health initiatives Annual Walkathon
NBK organizes an annual walkathon aiming at supporting health and raising awareness for outdoor practices. During this year, More than nine thousand contestants participated in NBK’s Walkathon culminated with a prize giving ceremony where NBK awarded the top 100 participants, and gave away many valuable prizes that exceeded KD 35,000.
Do good deeds in Ramadan
For more than two decades, NBK has provided charitable, social and philanthropic programs during the Holy Month of Ramadan. Among its most prominent and successful Ramadan programs is the ‘Do Good Deeds in Ramadan’ initiative. Comprised of a series of activities and events aimed at encouraging community engagement and charity in Kuwait, Do Good Deeds exemplifies NBK’s efforts to serve as a role model and community leader.