Because of company donations to the School Pocket Money Fund in Singapore, about 1,250 children from low-income families can pay for school expenses such as food, books and transportation. Our company was the first corporation to support this fund through a donation of $30,000. Administered by the National Council of Social Service, the fund is distributed to 25 family service centers that provide financial and emotional support to those in need.
As part of its commitment to help develop the intellectual capital of Singapore and the Asia Pacific region, Caltex — a subsidiary of ChevronTexaco Corp. — launched The Caltex Cooperative/Intern Program in December 2000. The program is a paid academic internship designed for undergraduate students at universities with high academic standards, including the National University of Singapore. It supports students' career development by providing work experience and assignments that are directly relevant to their academic curricula, preparing them for a successful career in business.
The goal of Indonesia's Pekanbaru slum renewal program was the same as almost any other of our community investments - to create a sustainable process where local residents take action to improve their own lives. Housing construction and improvements in pathways, drainage, sanitation facilities and water wells all were part of the renewal of the dilapidated housing and rental units in Meranti Panda village, home to about 1,500.
Part of the project included erecting a public complex with open space for recreation and sports and small commercial shops. Housing construction was financed by low-interest loans from the Caltex Employee Foundation, and repayment funds will be reinvested in the next stage of building.