Vodafone Qatar has launched the second edition of its “World of Difference” programme. “The successful inaugural edition last year, which had its emphasis on charity, touched hundreds of Qatar residents and it was evident from the proposals they made for the projects,” head of interactive Khalifa Saleh Haroon said yesterday. “The World of Difference, started in 2003, is a unique flagship project for Vodafone companies across the world,” explained Corporate Responsibility head Luisa Gentile. Besides being the first programme of its kind in Qatar, it is an approach that scored highly against traditional grant-giving or philanthropy. The application process for this year’s “World of Difference” programme which began on the Vodafone Qatar website yesterday will close on October 22 midnight. Only one application per applicant is allowed. “Each application will be individually judged according to its humanitarian and charitable merit and practicability of implementation as determined by Vodafone at its sole discretion,” said Saleh Haroon. The selected project should have a bearing beyond the 12-month period during which the work is carried out. Also speaking, Vodafone Qatar human resources director Jan Mottram said the company had a tough time shortlisting 15 people from more than 400 applicants who came forward with proposals last year for the programme. From the 15, the final four were selected for carrying out projects. “The projects submitted by Mohamed Kamal (Qatar), and Doha residents Margaret Gigliotti (US), Giovanni Espinal (Colombia) and Julie Zawadzki (UK) were chosen for their creativity, innovation and contagious enthusiasm,” she said. The four projects that they submitted “See the other side,” “Girls on the go,” “Impacting lives,” and “Languages bridges” have strongly impacted the lives of many people and changed their lives for the better,” added Mottram. As in the first year, Vodafone Qatar has set apart a sum of £150,000 to be given equally among the four individual projects selected, she added. The Vodafone Qatar official said in order to sign for the programme, applicants need to come forward with a project of goodwill such as helping a specific group of people, making a difference to the environment or even having an impact on the local animal life. Gulf Times

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