From Skydives to Sierra Leone: What's next for NTT DATA's Charity Network | NTT DATA

Wed, 14 May 2025

From Skydives to Sierra Leone: What's next for NTT DATA's Charity Network

At NTT DATA, our culture is rooted in community, and we are proud to be part of something greater. Our charity program embodies this spirit.

NTT DATA's commitment to community and social impact as we prepare for the "2025 Charity Launch"

At NTT DATA, our culture is grounded in community and we are proud to be part of something bigger than ourselves. I believe that ethos comes to life most clearly through our charity programme, and as we prepare for our 2025 charity launch event, I wanted to take a moment to reflect on what we've achieved together over the past 12 months as well as what lies ahead.

Celebrating a year of impact

Over the last year, our people have come together in remarkable ways. From leaping out of planes to dancing through an 80s night, and from crafting cocktails to sharing meals, every moment was about learning, empathy, and making space for conversations that matter.

And while we've raised some fantastic funds for our partner charities, the real value of these efforts goes far beyond the numbers. We've raised awareness, forged relationships, and created volunteer opportunities that strengthen both our business and our broader social impact.

Introducing our 2025 charity partners

This year, we're thrilled to welcome seven new charity partners. These partnerships reflect our values and give our people meaningful ways to get involved, both through fundraising and hands-on support.

Our three primary partners are:

  • Street Child – Working globally to ensure children in low-resource and emergency settings are safe, in school, and learning. They deliver everything from emergency aid and teacher training to temporary learning spaces in disaster zones. NTT DATA is currently supporting the build of a secondary school in Sierra Leone due to open in October.
  • Victim Support – Offering 24/7 free, confidential support to people affected by crime and traumatic incidents across England and Wales, including services for homicide victims and advocacy for victims’ rights.
  • Kinia – An education-focused charity and social enterprise in Ireland providing access to STEM and future-focused skills for underserved communities. Its work bridges socio-economic, rural-urban, and gender divides in education.

In addition, we're supporting four further charities through our employee networks:

  • SSAFA – The Armed Forces charity, supporting serving personnel, veterans, and their families with issues including homelessness, PTSD, debt, and disability.
  • Phyllis Tuckwell – A hospice care provider offering specialist palliative and end-of-life care for adults with life-limiting conditions and comprehensive support for their families.
  • Care Packs – A UK-based organisation providing essential items for individuals and families facing poverty, including rough sleepers and people in vulnerable housing situations.
  • Aching Arms – Supporting bereaved parents by offering comfort bears through hospitals and hospices, alongside a tailored support service for those experiencing baby loss at any stage.

Each partner brings something unique to our network, and we're committed to amplifying their work with our time, energy, and ideas.

So, what can we expect over the coming year?

We've got a full calendar of events coming over the coming months. First up: our Great Gatsby evening in July, a night of 1920s glamour that promises to bring the team together in style. Later this year, we'll support the 13 Bridges Walk, the Phyllis Tuckwell sunset walk, and various team-led volunteer initiatives such as warehouse sorting and care pack assembly.

We're also planning to launch a special campaign with Street Child in September, encouraging employees to donate the first hour of their salary on the day their children go back to school. It's a powerful way to connect our own experiences with those of the children Street Child supports.

And, of course, the opening of the school in Sierra Leone in October will be a major milestone. We are proud to have helped fund the construction of the school over the past year and we hope to have a small team present to mark the occasion in person.

Why this all matters

Charity at NTT DATA is embedded in who we are, and we're proud to be a business that gives back. These initiatives contribute to employee engagement and wellbeing and enrich our culture.

Standing alongside our charity partners is a privilege. Every volunteer, every donation, and every shared moment of effort makes a difference.

Get involved!

We invite our clients, alliance partners, and employees to get involved in this important and lasting initiative. There are a series of events already planned throughout the year and we're open to collaborating with other companies to raise awareness, funding, and support for our secondary school. If you are interested in getting involved in this project, get in touch with me.

Thank you to everyone who has played a part so far. Let's make the year ahead even more impactful.