In 2023, we continued to implement programs and initiatives aimed at promoting education. In Lithuania, we continued our "MAKSIMALISTAI" scholarship program with €110,000 allocated for the year. This program supported 120 talented students with monthly scholarships for the 2023–2024 academic year. Over the 21 years of the program, more than 1,000 students have received scholarships, totaling over €700,000 in 2023 alone. Our other companies in the Baltic states also have similar scholarship programs for the children of employees.
MAXIMA Latvia, in collaboration with Latvia's largest youth and children’s NGO "Latvijas Mazpulki," initiated a project that allowed young future farmers to learn about the retail business and sell their grown vegetables in MAXIMA Latvia stores. During the autumn harvest season, our stores received over 6 tons of beets grown and tended by young farmers.
Last year, MAXIMA Latvia was one of the main partners in the national "Shadowing Days" initiative. This program provides children and youth across Latvia with the opportunity to observe ("shadow") professionals in various fields. During this initiative, about 60 people observed our employees to learn about the retail business and professions in this sector, helping them better understand this field as a potential career option. MAXIMA Latvia continued its summer work programs in our stores, offering students job opportunities during their summer vacations. Last year, we provided this opportunity to over 400 children across Latvia.
In 2023, Franmax, the subsidiary responsible for IT solutions catering to the Group's internal needs, launched the SAP Academy – a three-month qualification course funded by the company for individuals with little or no experience in the IT sector. The academy provided an opportunity to gain knowledge and skills working with the SAP enterprise resource planning system. The number of applicants exceeded initial expectations, with nearly 150 individuals applying. Of these, 20 people from diverse educational backgrounds, including IT and natural sciences, became the first students to experience the program. After completing the academy, 5 participants began working at Franmax at the beginning of 2024.
