Peter Parsons, Head of Business Development ? Credit and Operations, British Gas (Part of Centrica Plc.)

Peter Parsons? involvement with the OM Foundation within the last two years has been vital to the development of the OM School. He had shown tremendous ownership for the OM School at all levels, from initiating the development of the secondary school to his present involvement. OM Foundation remains thankful to him for his unique gesture. For Mr Parsons, everything needs a little nurturing to help it to grow. His commitment to grow community value around the world will certainly help the less fortunate children achieve their goals in coming years.

His comments are listed in the following Q&A session.

How did you get involved in the OM School?

During my first year in India, 2008, we were looking to establish a CSR footprint close to our offices in Noida. After a lot of research we ?bumped into? Sanjay and the OM school almost by chance. Having seen the work OM were doing in the primary school, the values they believed in, and Sanjay?s passion and commitment; it felt the perfect partner for us.

What is your favourite memory of the OM School?

It is impossible to pick out one memory. My proudest moment was the opening of the secondary school in March 2009. The school had been built in an amazing 6 months and to see the doors open and the enthusiasm from the children enjoying the facilities was an incredibly moving experience. Beyond that, seeing how the children have grown in the school with our support both financially and from a volunteering perspective has been incredible ? you really can see the difference.

What benefit do you think the children receive from employee volunteers and visitors?

Children naturally have a thirst for knowledge and learning. Our volunteers and employees who visit brings new and additional opportunities to learn and develop: be it specific lessons we take, having a sports afternoon, or just talking about the UK and our lives there. This broadening of horizons will only increase their hunger to learn more.

What does the future between British Gas and the OM School look like?

I believe it will be a long and beneficial partnership. We would love to see the school full with children and see pupils progressing to further education and who knows, working on the British Gas account in India. It is important that we maintain the standards that have been set so far, keep the volunteering levels as high as they are to give the children every chance to succeed. I hope we can find more partners to support OM on the incredible journey they are on.

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