Cenovus extends partnership with Captivating International to empower women and girls in rural China

For more than a decade, Cenovus has supported programs empowering women and girls in rural China through Captivating International, an organization that helps people overcome extreme disadvantage to seize opportunity. Through two transformative initiatives – the Husky Energy Tailoring Skills Program for Women and the One More Year Scholarship Program – this partnership continues to break cycles of poverty and open doors to brighter futures.

Tailoring Skills Program: Stitching confidence & opportunity

Since its inception, the Husky Energy Tailoring Skills Program has equipped women from remote nomadic communities in Qinghai Province with practical sewing skills and the building blocks for reading, writing and mathematical literacy. In 2025, 56 women aged 20 to 35 completed the three-month course.

“These women aren’t just learning to sew – they’re learning to believe in themselves,” said Andrew Colquhoun, CEO of Captivating International. “We’ve seen participants radically change their financial and social trajectory by moving on from hauling bricks at construction sites and ending pain that affected the very basics, including their sleep.”

The program’s holistic approach includes developing life skills like reading and writing, helping participants gain confidence and independence. Over 90% of participants successfully complete the program, with many securing stable employment or launching home-based tailoring services.

One More Year Scholarship Program: Keeping kids in school longer

In parallel, the One More Year Scholarship Program addresses a critical barrier to education – affordability. Education past Grade 9 is expensive for a rural family in China. While government subsidies cover some of the costs of senior high school, there is still a funding gap that remains out of reach for many.

The program provides financial support to girls (and some boys) who would otherwise be forced to drop out after Grade 9. The program aims to support 500 students per year, helping them stay in school and pursue their dreams often until they graduate.

“Education is the most powerful tool we can offer,” says Andrew Vincent, Director, H&S, Asia Pacific at Cenovus. “In many parts of Asia Pacific, access to continued education – especially for girls – can be the difference between a life of limited opportunity and one filled with possibility. By investing in these students, we’re not only supporting individual growth, we’re helping to build stronger, more resilient communities for generations to come.”

Each year, Cenovus employees based in the region also participate in Captivating International’s annual charity auction, which raises additional funds for the scholarship program.

A shared vision for the future

With this renewed three-year commitment , Cenovus and Captivating International are keeping the momentum alive championing programs that spark self-sufficiency, restore dignity and fuel hope across rural China.

Note: Husky Energy is now a member of the Cenovus group of companies.

LAST UPDATED: NOVEMBER, 2025