Thanks to the members of the Les Amis de Lenval association, the decision-makers of both institutions connected in late 2021 and began to envision what shape an efficient collaboration might take.
On the Sophia Antipolis campus, there are several hundred students each year in SKEMA Business School's Global BBA programme. Their curriculum enables them to get involved in professional projects under the supervision and guidance of their professors and professional coaches.
Through two concrete charity projects brought by Fondation Lenval, the students have had the opportunity to apply the skills acquired during their studies. This approach has enabled them to work on two projects with a significant social impact. Alice Guilhon, dean and executive president of SKEMA Business School, has commended them for their commitment.
"The teachings, internships, and rich and socially engaged community life at SKEMA combine to develop within our Global BBA students both human and professional qualities which allow them to throw themselves completely into this charitable project for Lenval and our region," she said.
A concrete collaboration with the BBA students
For this first stage of collaboration, about fifty students, divided into eight groups, worked on creating a regional network of socially conscious retailers committed to supporting Fondation Lenval. They also worked on the strategy for retaining the support of these retailers, with one major goal: to ensure donations keep flowing in over the long term. Through this concrete action, students of SKEMA's Global BBA undergraduate programme are gaining innovative, pragmatic, and hands-on experience that gives a sense of purpose to their studies that are already focused on professional development.
A fresh and innovative perspective that benefits Lenval
With this agreement, Fondation Lenval gets to benefit from the fresh and often innovative perspective of the new generation. "Fondation Lenval wishes to rely on the new generations, their practices, analyses, and their creativity. To be able to receive the attention of these young adults under the supervision of excellent professors is a boon for us. Together, they will contribute to developing our fundraising strategies to ensure that our financial means continue to grow to meet the needs of children who are sick, suffering from disabilities or in great psychological distress," explained Philippe Pradal, the president of Fondation Lenval.
This agreement has been signed for a period of three years so that it may be developed over the semesters and to ensure continuity in the actions undertaken.