Community & Social Responsibility in EMEA

The community activities and corporate citizenship efforts taking place across Europe, Middle East and Africa (EMEA) are deeply rooted in Red Hat's collaborative and open culture. Community is at the heart of everything Red Hatters do, and open source principles are our compass guiding the way – from helping to inspire the next generation of technologists, to preserving our natural environment, supporting local charities and creating a more inclusive and diverse world. The stories below highlight our work in action and are just a small sample of the many activities taking place across the region.

Sponsored by Red Hat, The World Robot Olympiad is a global robotics competition for students aged from 8-19, dedicated to science, technology and education. WRO helps young people develop their creativity and problem-solving skills in a fun and engaging way. The international final is where over 1,000 students from almost 100 countries around the world come to compete across four different robotic competition categories.

For many associates in Waterford, Ireland, helping to inspire the next generation of technologists through STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics) projects in local schools and universities is a passion and a part of their culture. Their efforts extend from hands-on activities and mentorship programs to technology donations with the help of the Red Hat Cares program.

In 2021, associates launched the Social Innovators in Sub-Saharan Africa, an internal committee to support local, sustainable projects. From long-term financial support for charities who provide nutritious meals to school-aged children, to encouraging students along their educational journey and distributing blankets in the freezing winter, the committee continues to find new and innovative ways to be active and engaged in their community.

For almost three years, associates from the Red Hat Madrid office have been leading Co.Lab activities in local schools – in person and virtually. By encouraging girls to pursue their STEM interests through hands-on activities and teamwork, their goal is to serve as role models and to help create a more diverse and inclusive environment in technology for their young participants.