Ford Volunteer of the Month, June 2008
Of all the things nearly everyone takes for granted, perhaps the most basic is indoor plumbing. So when he learned that a school for low-income children in India lacked toilet facilities, Ford's June Volunteer of the Month, Mohammed Farook, went to work. Stuart Daniels , general manager, Human Resources (FTSI and FBSC), said Farook didn't let the expense -- or anything else -- become an obstacle. "Farook sought out an NGO who is partnering with Ford to build the toilets, which will make a huge difference for these children and their teachers." Despite its significance to the beneficiaries, that action provides only a glimpse into why Farook won the volunteer award. A Human Resources senior analyst -- Employee Engagement, Farook leads community development efforts for the Company in Chennai, India. But his efforts extend far beyond what's required of his position. "Farook has a great passion and personal commitment to make changes for the good of the local community and regularly dedicates a great deal of his personal time on weekends to these activities," wrote Daniels in nominating Farook.
For his part, Farook says he views volunteering as an opportunity to give back. "I don't differentiate whether it is my own time or official time. . . . Passion to work for and support the community are the key drivers. . . If one has a very supportive management and family and an energetic team, then we can do more to (meet) society's wants." Farook is leading a dozen community development projects that will benefit schools, orphanages and other facilities. Among them are:
More than 400 Ford volunteers are involved in these projects. Farook's idea to teach children English came about when he learned there was a shortage of English teachers, and students were failing their exams. "We formed a team lead by . . . volunteers to develop and deliver a course as a pilot activity. The results were astounding. Now we are conducting this course in three schools and planning to conduct it in two more schools." More than 80 Ford volunteers are teaching English courses. Daniels, who is Farook's employee engagement coordinator, says he's impressed by Farook's ability to motivate others to participate in community development programs. "Farook is a very hardworking individual who leads by example in a very quiet manner." Daniels says Farook's efforts on behalf of Ford have not gone unnoticed. "There are regular references to Ford projects in the local newspapers, which have served to raise awareness in the public domain of the Ford commitment to our community. . . I have never seen Farook seek any type of recognition for his many achievements with the Ford team in India. However, he was delighted to receive the Volunteer of the Month award from Bill Ford."
Rather than accept praise, Farook chose to thank everyone who has been involved in the projects. "It's my privilege to dedicate this great honor to my volunteering team who have been supporting and helping our local community." Hourly and salaried Ford employees and retirees across the globe are candidates to receive the global Volunteer of the Month award. The award recognizes the efforts of individuals and groups who go to extraordinary lengths to help improve the lives of others and make the world a better place. Previous winners include an individual who delivered food to elderly shut-ins, a woman who served as a foster mother to 22 children, and the man who led rebuilding efforts on behalf of Ford after the 2004 tsunami in Southeast Asia. The award was established by Executive Chairman Bill Ford, who founded the Ford Volunteer Corps in February 2005 and signs each award, writing a personal message to each honoree. The Volunteer Corps named its first Volunteer of the Month in August 2005. |
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