In the context of this competition, social responsibility is defined as a series of actions which concern both management and the economy but at the same time development perspectives which particularly demonstrate a respect for the integration of the human, procedural and environmental elements. The projects cover humanitarian actions, cultural projects, ethics, responsible finance, social responsibility, multiculturalism and diversity.

The Cigognes de Mada is one of the EDHEC student associations participating in the competition and since its creation in 2000, has a proven record of involvement in social and economic development programmes. Its objective is to promote sustainable economic and social development in the village of Analaroa, Madagascar and the original project of the Cigognes association in 2001 was to build a maternity clinic. In 2003, in order to provide the much-needed power for clinic, the association fitted-out the clinic with solar energy cells and provided it with its own water supply. The most recent initiative of the association is a Cultural Centre, which was constructed to combat the restricted access people have to education and culture.

The project submitted by the Cigognes de Mada for the HSBC Social Responsibility Awards, aims to breath life into the three rooms of this cultural centre which it aims to transform into a real cultural attraction and a major factor in the economic development of the village.

The three main concerns of the projects are to:

     find charitable donations to furnish and fill the cultural centre including books, sports equipment and
     educational games, sewing machines, fabrics and tools for D.I.Y projects

     provide adult training programmes in the areas of tailoring, carpentry and cabinetwork

     obtain funding for solar energy panels

Luc Bernard, a student in EDHEC's Master in Management programme and president of the association is extremely enthusiastic about the project and explained the importance of professional training and the need for the inhabitants to have a wider range of skills.   If the Cigognes win the HSBC Social Responsibility Awards, they will receive a substantial grant which will help them well on their way to fulfilling their objectives.

Watch this space to find out the results.