A Message from Simone

Dear SEED Friends:

The turn of the year is a time when I like to express my appreciation for your support and to share my reflections on SEED’s latest accomplishments with you.

In 2007, SEED continued to expand our School Network Program and to deepen our relationships with our communities. In all, we awarded 39 two-year connectivity grants, two of which were renewed via “second grants”, bringing the total number of connected schools to 225. Sudan and Turkey joined our worldwide network, which now includes 39 countries where Schlumberger has operations.

I want to acknowledge two factors that contributed in special ways to the success of SEED: the commitment of our volunteers and the support of Schlumberger senior management. This is especially true in countries like Venezuela, Russia and Malaysia, where our GeoMarket managers have embraced SEED for its power to benefit local communities and to win recognition from our host countries. Many countries have encouraged the development of SEED and participated as partners in the program. Following the lead of Schlumberger, SEED aspires to be a native expression of outreach in the countries where it takes root.

As our commitments continue to grow, SEED is evolving. SEED Russia is a great example. It has “branded” a new era in SEED as a program that helps school communities advance “from connectivity to creativity.” This aim is at the heart of SEED; we want to give students and teachers not only tools for learning and teaching, but also for identifying and responding to the challenges of the future. It is an ambitious goal, and one well worth pursuing.

Collectively in 2007 we made many achievements, including: 

SEED also spent a great deal of time considering our future over the course of 2007. Last January, the reporting line for SEED was transferred from Schlumberger Limited to Oilfield Services QHSE (Quality, Health, Safety and Environment) under the executive leadership of Mike Mannering. As part of the change, SEED is developing a 5-year strategic plan, in which we are taking stock of our experience and ideas and drawing a roadmap for the future.

These accomplishments and many others hold even more meaning as we enter 2008 because this year marks the 10th anniversary of SEED. Ten years is a significant and rewarding milestone, and I am surprised as well as touched to reach it. We have achieved much more as a global team than I imagined possible. Still, as always, there is more work to be done, and I hope you will continue to offer your support.

Wishing you all the best,

   Simone Amber