NOW ALSO attaching a social responsibility function to its day-to-day business activities is Containerlink's East London container depot. It is matching the growing demand for container conversions from its repair yard to the needs of a number of social projects aimed at stimulating development, education, training and health care in disadvantaged communities.
Said Judy Greggor, marketing manager for the group: The container conversions are made to required specifications, and are almost always made possible as a result of donations through the involvement of various organisations within our shipping fraternity.
The completed units end up with prospective entrepreneurs needing support, or with charitable organisations in the communities. They are converted into anything from classrooms, to bakeries and telephone kiosks. The latest scheme being supported by Containerlink is the Infoshop project - launched by the community and training trust, the Small Projects Foundation (SPF). These TV, video player, generator and seat-fitted conversions are run as small business ventures by rural agents carefully selected and trained by SPF, and are designed to provide individuals in the communities with information, skills training and support centres.
Two Infoshops are already in operation, and the placement of 18 more are intended to complete this year's pilot project.
