Skyline International Tourism and Hospitality Ltd, operators of Pizza Hut and Movenpick Ice Cream in Nigeria, says it reaches more than 1,000 vulnerable children annually through its feeding initiative and other community support programmes.
The company said its Feed the Child Initiative, launched on October 4, 2021, at Pizza Hut Garki, Abuja, provides meals, clothing, toys and educational materials to children affected by displacement, conflict, insurgency and other difficult circumstances.
According to the company, the initiative has expanded into a bi-monthly programme at selected Pizza Hut outlets in Abuja, Kano and Port Harcourt.
Beyond providing meals, the programme also supports beneficiaries with school fees, books and other learning materials through partnerships with stakeholders.
The company said the initiative also provides recreational activities, including games, music and dancing, for participating children.
Skyline’s Managing Director, Mr Nitin Anand, said the programme was designed to address some of the needs of vulnerable children beyond food provision.
He said the initiative also seeks to support children’s education and provide opportunities for social interaction.
The company said it also works with schools and educational institutions through activities such as school tours, a Junior Pizza Maker Programme, internships, summer programmes and participation in cultural days and inter-house sports competitions.
It said the activities expose young people to the hospitality industry and provide opportunities to develop practical skills.
On employment and inclusion, Skyline said it operates an all-women store as part of efforts to create more opportunities for women in the hospitality sector.
The company also said it was increasing its focus on employment opportunities for persons with disabilities, whom it refers to as People of Determination.
Its community interventions also include support for children living with cancer through a partnership with the Okapi Children Cancer Foundation.
According to the company, the partnership supports awareness and fundraising activities aimed at assisting children affected by the disease.
Other organisations it identified as partners in its community engagement activities include the United States Marines in Nigeria, the Pen Foundation and the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC).
Anand said the company intended to sustain its involvement in education, youth development and support for vulnerable groups as its operations expanded.
However, the company did not provide a breakdown of the number of children reached in each location or the total funds committed to the various initiatives.