Joey, Sheldon, and Lee at HIGGS
What is a Social Sabbatical?
If you already know, you can skip this bit and go to the next section…
As part of SAP’s Corporate Social Responsibility program, 12 colleagues from all over the world and all lines of business have been flown to Athens, Greece to do a “social sabbatical”, putting our regular jobs (and lives) on hold to perform pro bono consulting activities with four non-government organizations (NGOs). Each team of three has a four-week assignment with a different NGO. Ours sub-team is with an NGO called HIGGS — more about them later…
Our preparation calls began in August, run by PYXERA Global staff who hand-pick NGOs for the program. As a virtual team, we decided on the name “Elpida”, the Greek word for “hope”. As an onsite team, we hope to be able to apply our business experience and skills to support NGOs in realizing their dreams. The NGOs, in turn, give hope and real support to those in need.
Who are HIGGS?
Originating in 2012 from a series of seminars for non-profit organizations run by the founder and director, Sotiris Petropoulos, HIGGS is now an established NGO that supports other NGOs throughout Greece.
HIGGS’ renovated office building shine like a jewel in a deprived part of central Athens. The organization currently receives funding from the Stavros Niarchos Foundation and they rely on donations for office equipment and and material supplies for their day-to-day operations.
Their goals is to support other NGOs in Greece with expertise provided by their staff and external associates, such as lawyers and accountants. They run “incubator” and “accelerator” training programs new and more established NGOs respectively. This includes 1:1 mentoring to cover the individual needs of the NGOs — no two are the same!
The NGOs on HIGGS programs are offered much-needed working space in a friendly, open environment, and excellent opportunities for networking.
Why are We with HIGGS?
Our sub-team of three have a mission to help HIGGS enrich their services expand their organization to serve more NGOs in Athens and in other cities and remote locations in Greece. Lack of finances and manpower prohibits many NGOs from sending their representatives to the Greek capital to join the programs.
HIGGS also wants to strengthen their reputation as the point of reference for other organizations in the Greek NGO ecosystem and to develop international contacts with similar organizations. We are here to give them a kick-start in realizing their dreams and ambitions.
Our Impressions After Week One
Joey Buitendag, SAP Ariba Seller Account Manager, based in Johannesburg, South Africa
As I reflect on the past week, I can only feel happy and proud. It was a very informative week, I’ve learnt a lot about myself — my strengths and weaknesses — and about attitude. HIGGS is a vibrant NGO and their passion is contagious. Highlight for me was the experience with trained guide dogs who visited the HIGGS offices. (See www.laraguidedogs.gr.)
Sheldon Piao — SAP Senior Product Support Engineer, based in Dalian, China
The passion from the many young people involved in NGO work here has impressed me a lot. They are skilled and energetic, and have the optimism to help their country bounce back. They treasure the country’s future and believe that things will get better.
Lee Barnard — Knowledge Architect in SAP User Assistance, based in Walldorf, Germany
A few weeks ago, I didn’t even know what an NGO was, and now I’m “in at the deep end” helping an NGO develop a strategic plan for expansion. I am impressed by the level of professionalism and motivation at HIGGs and at the many other NGOs I have come into contact with so far. Having been at SAP for nearly 25 years, it was a big step for me to get out of my comfort zone both professionally and personally. No air-conditioned company car like at home: I’m facing my claustrophobia head on, commuting on the sometimes crowded metro. It gets better every day!
How’s it Going?
The first week was intensive with lots of information to collect and process. We gained valuable insights into the organization from their extremely cooperative staff. We also learned about the history and ecosystem of NGOs in Greece and why they are so vital in their aim to fill the gaps where the needs of the population are not met by the government. The “real” work can now begin as we interview further stakeholders, and develop and iterate our ideas to help HIGGs go to the next level. We are confident that we can find a way forward with them.
Take a look at the brief video to get an impression of what we’ve been doing so far. More updates to follow in the coming weeks…
#sap #sapsocialsabbatical #greece #NGO #athens #higgs
