University Scholarships latest in BAT Rwanda CSR stunt

BAT Rwanda has done it again. Last November it was a donation of computers to a secondary school, and now, barely two months later, Rwanda’s New Times newspaper has reported a new scholarship scheme set up by BAT Rwanda to assist needy students at the National University of Rwanda (NUR).

The giving out of scholarships worth Frw 6 million to 12 private needy students is the latest in BAT Rwanda’s aggressive Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) scheme. A scheme that is part of British American Tobacco’s regional goal of establishing Rwanda as a centre of excellence for the marketing and distribution of its killer products in the East African region.  

CSR is no doubt the current popular marketing strategy for the tobacco industry in Africa.

  These corporate social responsibility initiatives by an industry that is responsible for untold death and disease are totally unacceptable. Internal British American Tobacco documents reveal the company’s insincere motives behind their CSR drive; to disguise the impact of its business conduct, to improve its negative image (‘reputation management’) and to protect itself against unwanted criticism and regulation particularly in light of the WHO Framework Convention on Tobacco Control (FCTC).

The BAT Rwanda CSR schemes should therefore be denounced by all including the Rwandan government. Rwanda ratified the Framework Convention on Tobacco Control back in October 2005. Article 13 of this treaty calls for the banning of direct and indirect tobacco advertising and sponsorship. Rwanda, therefore, has an important commitment, in this regard, to her citizens, the United Nations and WHO to fulfill its treaty obligations.

The full story:
The New Times (Kigali)
January 16, 2007
Posted to the web January 17, 2007
Willy Mugenzi
Kigali

The British American Tobacco Rwanda (BAT) is to give out scholarships worth Frw6 million to 12 private needy students with excellent grades at the National University of Rwanda (NUR).
During the official ceremony to handover the cheque of the scholarship to NUR authorities on January 12, the Director General of BAT-Rwanda, Luc Badibanga said that the company is determined to assist needy students who excel in their studies.

"The scholarship is meant to for needy private students and with outstanding academic performances in their respective courses. This is aimed at offering a decent future to needy students who may fail to continue their studies after secondary school through education," Badibanga said, adding that the scholarships to NUR, is a living testimony of the close links between the education sector and BAT-Rwanda.

Badibanga advised the underage children to avoid smoking as it may be detrimental to their health and future. "We are aware of the risky nature of the products we offer. Tobacco smoking is harmful to peoples' health and underage children are argued not to smoke and elderly chain smokers should quit it to avoid risks associated with it," he advised.
NUR Rector, Prof Silas Lwakabamba hailed BAT-Rwanda for the initiative of playing an integral role in Rwanda's development and argued other private companies to emulate BAT and support the socio-economic development of the country. "In developed countries, education is largely in the hands of the private sector but the phenomenon is reverse in least developed countries," Prof Lwakabamba said after receiving the cheque.

He added that for a stable future, investment in education needs critical emphasis since without education, basic human needs can be obtained.

The university will determine the students to benefit from the sponsorship and Prof. Lwakabamba promised students that the authorities will be transparent in the selection of beneficiaries.
BAT-Rwanda is one of the leading tax payers in the country.

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