International Day of Education: Ahold Delhaize initiatives
Zaandam, the Netherlands, January 25, 2022 – Yesterday marked the International Day of Education. The day aims to generate awareness around strengthening education as a necessary public endeavor so every person can contribute to collective well-being and our planet through knowledge. Ahold Delhaize is a strong believer of education. Because without learning, there is no growth.
For this reason, our organization has several initiatives to support the learning and growth of associates as well as supporting learning opportunities for people in the communities we serve. See how we support education through just some of our initiatives below…
AIRLab
Ahold Delhaize’s AIRLab (AI for Retail Lab) is an industry-academic collaboration set up to conduct research into artificial intelligence (AI) and robotics. The goal of the AIRLabs based in Amsterdam and Delft in the Netherlands, are to redefine retail through technology. Therefore, the AIRLab teams explore and develop new tech solutions to improve the quality of products and services; attract, develop and retain talent; remain up to date regarding the latest technologies by co-designing them; and contributing to knowledge development on a scientific and societal level. The labs conduct foundational research in close collaboration with academia and provide rapid innovative tech solutions through collaborations with incubators.
Additionally, since 2018, AIRLab sponsors 12 PhD candidates in two universities: University of Amsterdam (UvA) and the Technical University of Delft (TUD) in the fields of AI technology, Robotics.
Rotterdam Philharmonic Orchestra Academy
The Rotterdam Philharmonic Orchestra distinguishes itself with its energetic performances, its acclaimed recordings and its innovative audience approach. As part of the journey to invest in the development of young musicians, the orchestra initiated The Rotterdam Philharmonic Orchestra Academy in 2020. The program offers five talented young musicians an extensive orchestral program in one of Europe’s leading symphony orchestras. Not only do the students play during orchestra productions, but they also take part in an extensive program, including coaching sessions, lessons, training, and more. This program is made possible by Ahold Delhaize.
IMC Weekendschool
The IMC Weekend School Foundation (“Stichting IMC Weekendschool”) provides supplementary, motivational education to young people aged 10 and up, across the Netherlands. It aims to introduce curious young people to enthusiastic professionals and their diverse fields of expertise. In fact, alumni research shows that the education provided from IMC weekend school has a life-changing effect on motivation and finding a place in society.
Ahold Delhaize has committed to sponsoring IMC Weekend School for a period of three years and has chosen to sponsor the course “Future-proof entrepreneurship” which is taught on ten locations in the Netherlands.
Ahold Delhaize and cybersecurity research
Just last week, Ahold Delhaize announced the collaboration between Ahold Delhaize’s Information Security Office and Erasmus School of Law of Erasmus University Rotterdam. Ahold Delhaize will sponsor one of three PhD cybersecurity fellowships to students, focusing on studies of cybersecurity-related human risk while having in mind our dynamic business model. The contribution of work these students do is expected to be twofold; academic and practical. Besides Ahold Delhaize, other companies, academic institutions, and individuals ought to benefit from the study.
Kickstart AI
Kickstart AI is a platform aimed at boosting the AI ecosystem in the Netherlands by accelerating and promoting the development of AI technology and nurturing AI talent in the country. The goal of Kickstart AI is to bridge the gap between the Netherlands and other leading countries that have made notable progress in artificial intelligence. The platform is driven by five Dutch companies: Ahold Delhaize, ING, NS, KLM and Philips. This joint effort will add educational capacity, foster the development of the AI community in the Netherlands, and reiterate the position of the Netherlands as a competitive and relevant global AI hub.
Learning and development at Ahold Delhaize
Everything we do to create the leading local food shopping experience is enabled by our people. We want everyone who works for our brands and support offices to find purpose in what they do, have equitable access to opportunities and be able to grow and contribute to their fullest. This is why we are building a culture of continuous growth and lifelong learning so that associates can maximize their potential.
Therefore, our learning strategy is focused on personalizing learning experiences via innovative tools so our brands can offer relevant learning to their associates. In addition, many of our brands offer tuition programs and donations to universities, such as the recent $1 million donation The GIANT Company made to Harrisburg University of Science and Technology in support of its new Center for Advanced Agriculture and Sustainability.
