In cooperation with GIZ Bangladesh, the textile company KiK is launching a comprehensive education initiative that is intended to pave the way for people from disadvantaged families in Bangladesh to an academic, international education. The project has a duration of five years.
The textile company KiK has expanded its social commitment in the Asian supplier countries. A new education project in cooperation with GIZ Bangladesh aims to give people from disadvantaged families access to further education. The initiative promotes access to local education and creates an additional international educational path. The costs for a course of study or further professional qualifications are covered, and scholarships are also awarded for a doctorate. KiK CEO Patrick Zahn announced the launch of the project in late May during a visit to the Bangladesh University of Textiles (BUTEX).
“There are many reasons that speak against an academic education for people from underprivileged families. The costs of training and learning materials, the lack of income during this time and, last but not least, the lack of information represent an insurmountable hurdle for many. Our new education project helps to overcome these – entirely in the spirit of KiK as an opportunity provider,” Zahn explained the motivation behind the project. “This newly created support for academic, local and international education is an important opportunity for young people in Bangladesh. We are pleased to have found a partner for this in KiK and can draw on synergies and experience from similar projects,” adds Ms. Angelika Fleddermann, GIZ Country Director in Bangladesh. During the five-year period, further professional training as well as local and international higher education are supported. The best students have the opportunity to receive a scholarship for their master’s degree or doctorate.
KiK has been campaigning for better education in Bangladesh for several years. The company has already launched support programs in the areas of daycare, primary school and secondary school. 3,000 children are currently supported.
About KiK Textiles and Non-Food GmbH:
KiK stands for “Customer is King”, the leitmotif of the textile basic supplier since the company was founded in 1994. KiK Textiles and Non-Food GmbH offers women’s, men’s, children’s and baby clothing of good quality at a comparatively low price . In addition to clothing, the range also includes gifts, toys, beauty products, accessories and home textiles. With more than 26,000 employees and over 3,800 branches in Germany, Austria, the Czech Republic, Slovenia, Hungary, Slovakia, Croatia, Poland, the Netherlands, Italy, Romania and Bulgaria, the company generates annual net sales of EUR 2.1 billion. In the German textile trade, KiK ranks among the top ten and has been offering its customers since 2013