Deriv Asunción CSR: Transforming corporate vision into community and social responsibility
At Deriv, we recognise that collaboration is key to achieving tangible outcomes. Deriv Asunción partnered with TECHO, a youth-led non-profit dedicated to providing housing solutions to underserved communities. Our mission? To bring hope and homes to the San Francisco Settlement outside Asunción, Paraguay.
A journey of hope through community corporate social responsibility
Our goal was straightforward yet profound: to survey potential families for a housing construction initiative. Our destination was Areguá, a town 25km from Asunción, home to 400 families living in challenging conditions. This initiative underscores our commitment to community corporate social responsibility, aiming to uplift those in need and create lasting, positive change.
The first steps in our CSR collaboration
Our journey began with a training session at TECHO’s office, where we learned the essentials of conducting surveys. Equipped with essential skills, we made our way to the San Francisco neighbourhood in Areguá. When we arrived, the community greeted us warmly. TECHO staff outlined the project’s objectives and the day’s activities. Divided into 8 groups, we set out to connect with an average of six families each.
Experiencing reality through Deriv’s Areguá housing initiative
Entering the homes and seeing families of 6 or 7 living in plywood and tarpaulin structures was a sobering experience. Earth floors, vulnerable to flooding, and walls susceptible to strong winds highlighted the immense needs of these families. One story stands out: a single mother of 4 working as a cleaner, barely able to cover food expenses, and soon to return to work, leaving her children alone. Witnessing such hardships was a powerful reminder of why we were there.
Collaborative efforts for community development CSR
Our survey data led TECHO to select 5 families for emergency housing. On 15 June 2024, volunteers from Deriv Asuncion, TECHO staff, and the beneficiary families came together to unload building materials. The teamwork, effort, and positive energy demonstrated the significant impact of Deriv CSR and employees working in unison towards community development CSR goals.
Protecting families with emergency housing in Areguá
With every rainfall, our thoughts turn to the community's well-being. Building emergency housing became even more crucial as torrential rains reminded us of their need for shelter.
These families now have a safe place to shelter from the elements, a necessity previously lacking.
Driving meaningful change through community, CSR
We are committed to more than just housing. Our goal is to enrich the community’s overall quality of life and create a foundation for a thriving future. In the coming months, we will introduce initiatives that provide access to technology, host community forums, and offer mentorship and training programmes. Inspired by our successful CSR initiatives in Rwanda, where we provided vocational training workshops for survivor sex workers, equipping them with essential skills in jewellery making, soccer ball production, and gardening, we aim to bring similar transformative opportunities to this community.
We look forward to the exciting journey ahead as we continue to inspire hope and drive meaningful change.
Join us on this CSR journey
We invite you to follow Deriv Life for the latest updates on this amazing CSR journey. Each month, we’ll bring you new stories of transformation and hope, highlighting the impact of Deriv Asunción’s CSR programme. You can also join us in supporting TECHO by visiting their website, donating, or volunteering. Together, we can make a difference.
