Fan Milk PLC (Ghana) has taken a significant step towards sustainable job creation within its value chain by supporting 10 street vendors in transitioning to full-time agents. This initiative, named ‘Project Sankofa,’ is part of the company’s corporate social responsibility (CSR) efforts, aiming to rekindle the excitement associated with Fan Milk products over the past 64 years.
Empowering Vendors through the ‘Right to Dream’ Award
As a centerpiece of Project Sankofa, the “Right to Dream” award scheme has been established to recognize and reward loyal street vendors whose dedication has significantly contributed to the popularity of Fan Milk brands among consumers. This initiative aligns with the broader mission of Fan Milk’s parent company, Danone, which emphasizes thriving with people and communities and equipping them with the necessary skills and capabilities for the future.
Personal Engagement and Strategic Support
In a press release issued in Accra, Lionel Parent, the Managing Director of Fan Milk PLC, highlighted the importance of personal engagement in understanding the business needs of commercial partners. He expressed his pride in bringing back pride to the vendors and agents who have been instrumental in the company’s growth.
“We are happy to bring back pride in our vendors and agents, who have been the key drivers of our business growth. For the first time, we have identified and rewarded ten street vendors by elevating them to the Agent category, making them business owners. By providing financial support and logistics, we are helping them become independent Agents. This confirms our heritage as a brand that grows alongside its partners. This is just the beginning of our plans to bring back pride through strategic engagements,” Parent stated.
Celebrating Success: The Story of Agartha Baidoo
The first female recipient of the 2024 ‘Right to Dream’ Award, Agartha Baidoo, shared her gratitude for this empowering initiative. She expressed her excitement and appreciation for the support that enables her to earn more income and support her family.
“As a street vendor, it has always been my dream to save enough and own a shop. This support from FanMilk is a dream come true. I am excited and encouraged because selling Fan Milk products has been my only business for so many years,” Baidoo commented.
Engaging with Vendors for a Brighter Future
Over the past two months, Fan Milk PLC has engaged with over 555 agents nationwide and 1,200 vendors in Accra to better understand their challenges. This initiative aims to revive Fan Milk’s ambition to support sustainable employment and protect its brand heritage while providing refreshing snacks to its cherished customers.
Through Project Sankofa, Fan Milk PLC is not only fostering business growth but also ensuring that its vendors and agents are equipped and empowered for a sustainable future. By transforming street vendors into independent business owners, Fan Milk PLC is reinforcing its commitment to community development and economic empowerment in Ghana.