Oxy Colombia Partnership Creates Opportunity for Local Farmers

Oxy Colombia and Oxy-supported foundation El Alcaraván have teamed with Servicios Daza, a catering and cleaning service provider in Caño Limón, to create a network of local farm producers. The program’s goal is to promote and strengthen sustainable economic activities by increasing local business opportunities for Arauca farmers, to enhance their ability to become regional or national suppliers.

In the 2010 project, a newly formed cooperative of local producers joined forces with an existing cooperative to sell five and a half tons of produce, eggs and fish to Servicios Daza. The pilot program created the participants’ first opportunity to reach a major buyer. As it expands, the program is expected to improve the quality of life for farming families in Arauca while increasing growth opportunities for local producer groups.

Oxy and the Al Wafa Social Centre: A Perfect Fit in Oman

The Al Wafa Social Centre in the Ibri province of northeastern Oman provides services to young people with special needs. Oxy's support of the center is enabling women with disabilities to learn a practical skill and run their own small business. With funding from Oxy, the center purchased new sewing machines and trained the women on stitching and tailoring techniques. In 2009, Oxy and the center management established and equipped a tailoring shop where several of the women are now working. 

 See "Community Engagement in Oman" video in the Media Library.

Oxy Computer Lab at CSU, Bakersfield

In September 2008, California State University, Bakersfield, opened the doors of Science III, its first new science facility in over 30 years. Donations from Oxy Elk Hills and other companies helped to equip the three-story building, which houses classrooms, research facilities, faculty offices and digital labs - including the new Occidental Petroleum Computer Lab. Students and faculty alike are benefiting from the innovative programming made possible by Science III's state-of-the-art features.

Mukhaizna Waste Management Program in Oman

Oxy's new waste treatment and recycling program at the Mukhaizna oilfield in Oman has had a positive impact on the local economy through the creation of new jobs and contractor partnerships, and also benefits the environment. Oxy hired local contractors from Mukhaizna Trading and Contracting and provided the necessary facilities to create a community-based business that effectively and responsibly recycles, treats and disposes of waste. The contractors operate the facility and coordinate with local recycling plants.

THUMS Gets Scientific with Aquarium of the Pacific

The Aquarium of the Pacific is acting as the science department for Long Beach, California's Cesar Chavez Elementary School (CCES) in a unique educational partnership sponsored by Oxy's subsidiary THUMS. Each year about 600 students participate in this innovative program, for which THUMS supports lesson plans, materials and supplies; teaching time; and student field trips and boat trips at the Aquarium. Since the Chavez-Aquarium Partnership was launched in 2005, CCES has seen measurable improvement of scientific achievement on standardized tests.

Dairy Farming in Colombia

A program to boost dairy farming in Arauca, Colombia, is strengthening the local economy. More than 450 families receive information on animal genetics, health and nutrition and assistance with transporting, storing and selling milk. Oxy Colombia and its partners provide funding for training and materials. Since 2006, daily milk production has increased by more than 1,000 percent with hundreds of jobs created. Said one local dairy farmer, describing the project's boost to agriculture, "This project has been the best thing that has ever happened to the region."

Social Research in UAE

With support from Oxy, the Emirates Foundation sponsored academic research designed to glean vital information about the attitudes, habits and aspirations of young people in the United Arab Emirates. The insights gained will be used by policy makers, educators and others in expanding opportunities for Emirati youth. Oxy provided funding for the research grants and participated on the committee that reviewed the applications and selected the recipients.

Agriculture Field Schools Bring Arauca Farmers Together

Agriculture and stock-breeding are important industries in Arauca, Colombia. Oxy Colombia-supported foundation El Alcaraván, together with the national oil company Ecopetrol, the local Arauca government and nongovernmental organizations (NGOs), has launched a series of programs to promote sustainable development and self-sufficiency in the region. In 2007, 49 agricultural field schools were created to provide a forum where local farmers can exchange ideas and new techniques. More than 1,500 producers have participated in the schools to date.

See "Expanding Opportunities in Arauca, Colombia" video in the Media Library.

Training the Next Generation of Engineers

To address future employment needs of the energy industry in Kern County, California, Taft College is collaborating with Oxy and other industry and government organizations to develop a training program for technical support positions. In addition to an oil-and-gas-focused curriculum, the program will cover writing, math and key topics such as workplace ethics. Thanks to the industry-specific subject matter, graduates will be prepared for immediate job placement. Oxy is the lead contributor to the program. 

 See "Creating Career Opportunities in Kern County, California" video in the Media Library.