Community

AngloGold Ashanti's South America's Volunteer programme - called in Portuguese 'Holding Hands' - was set up at the end of 2003 following a survey where employees indicated that they would like to proceed with the development of such an initiative. A strategy for the programme was developed with involvement of employees and the assistance of group representing different economic sectors, known as "Volunt?rios das Gerais" (Volunteers from Minas Gerais) which was formed by FIEMG, the Minas Gerais State Federation of Industries.

A group comprising 18 employee representatives meet on a weekly basis to plan the activities of the 'Holding Hands' venture. Although most of the work is done behind the scenes, a 'Volunteer Show' was held on 16 October 2004 to officially launch the programme. At this event eight employees - who are computer specialists, equipment operators, miners, technicians, engineers and buyers by day - entertained other employees and their families and, in so doing, collected almost 2,000 kilograms of non-perishable foodstuffs in lieu of entrance fees for those in need in local communities.

AngloGold Ashanti Minera??o currently has 106 registered volunteers. Most of the volunteers' work is done after working hours. But, in the case of helping at day care centres, schools and other institutions that do not operate at night or on weekends, the work may be done during normal working hours.

A further step in the programme is the provision of training for registered volunteers to better understand the reasons for corporate volunteer work, the rights and duties of a volunteer, and more details on the 'Holding Hands' Programme. Some 40 volunteers underwent training in November 2004, while a further 40 will receive training in March 2005.

The Holding Hands initiative participated in 'V Day' on 5 December 2004, a day dedicated to volunteerism within the state of Minas Gerais.