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Guest lecture at IMC Weekendschool

On Sunday 19 March, Robert Joore, country chair and CEO of TotalEnergies Netherlands, gave lectures at the IMC Weekends School

On Sunday, March 19, Robert Joore, Country Chair and CEO of TotalEnergies in The Netherlands gave two guest lectures on ‘Sustainability’ (duurzaamheid) to around 30 group 8 (age 11-12) children at the IMC Weekendschool in Rotterdam.

IMC Weekendschool is an organization that enables young people between the ages of 10 and 14, to meet enthusiastic professionals (volunteers) every Sunday, who talk passionately about their work field. In the light of its CSR program in the Netherlands, TotalEnergies supports IMC Weekendschool financially for a period of three years, starting in 2022. Next to that TotalEnergies employees can contribute through “Action!”, the employee volunteering program, allowing every employee worldwide to volunteer 3 days per year under working time.

Robert provided his guest lecture to the IMC Weekendschool located in Rotterdam and was convinced, together with IMC staff, that sustainability would very well fit in the curriculum of the children. Robert presented his career, TotalEnergies, its activities in the Netherlands and what is being done to make them more sustainable. Everything adapted of course to the age of the audience. An age where children are easily distracted by other things. Keeping them connected by letting them tell their ideas and expressing their opinions really helped. The big hit at the end of the lecture however was the Kahoot! Quiz with a filled goody bag as a prize for everyone.

We asked Robert afterwards some questions about his experience

Q: What was the main objective of this guest lecture?
A: Together with IMC we defined the following objectives: to give insight in my life and career, explaining the different professional steps that led me to my current position, to present the phenomenon of energy transition in an accessible way and to highlight the importance of sustainability.

Q: What did you particularly like in this volunteering assignment
A: The opportunity to discuss with these young students, hear their thoughts, and get their views on the topics I deal with on a daily basis.

Q: Can you describe in five words your experience with the students from IMC Weekendschool?
A: Fun, interesting, intensive, enriching, instructive.

Q: A word to motivate more colleagues to follow your example?
A: You do not have to be a professional speaker to give a guest lecture at IMC Weekendschool. All you have to do is present your profession and career path to young and curious students who are eager to learn. It is an action that anyone can take, that just requires a few hours, and that you can do through the “Action!” volunteering program. Take the chance to make an impact and inspire younger generations. And I have done it myself so there's no excuse!

 

If you would like to give a talk yourself, please let them know by sending an email to the Action! team