In a display of its commitment to supporting the ‘Girl-child Education Project’, a critical pillar of its corporate social responsibility (CSR) framework, Polaris Bank, in partnership with Evolve Charity, a non-profit Organization, recently presented educational materials to more than 400 students in Ikeja and Surulere areas of Lagos.
The materials, including school uniforms, school bags, pens, sandals, and various books, were presented to the students of Opebi Junior Secondary School, Ikeja and Gbaja Junior and Senior Girls High School, Surulere.
The initiative was part of activities marking the United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF) International Day of the Girl (IDG), observed annually on October 11, as a global platform to advocate for the full spectrum of girls’ rights.
Speaking at the presentation of the educational materials at Opebi, the Managing Director/CEO of the bank, Adekunle Sonola, said, “At Polaris Bank, we are of the firm belief that every investment in education, especially on empowerment of the girl-child, leaves a lasting impact, not only on the child but on the society. This is why we partnered with Evolve Charity to launch the Support for the Girl Child Education Project.”
He reaffirmed the bank’s confidence in education and its belief in identifying with public school pupils.
According to the CEO, the intervention aims to keep the girl-child in school and educated, thereby reducing the growing cases of early marriages in society. He stressed that the objective “is to empower these underprivileged girls through education by providing them with school supplies and personal development tools they need.”
The Managing Director of Pacegate Limited, Umesh Amarnani, acknowledged the essence of sustainable education intervention.
“The select schools are now our responsibility by adoption, and we will continue to provide the students with school supplies whilst focusing especially on the girls and teaching their teachers value-based education that impacts good manners on the students.”
He commended the partnership with Polaris Bank.
“We’re happy to partner Polaris Bank and other institutions that have supported us in our cause. And what is most interesting is that all the work is being done voluntarily by all Nigerians working in the company,” said Amarnani. “And we are covering 36 schools across six states. We started this initiative four years ago, and we are planning to go on every year and do more and more.”
The principals of the beneficiary schools expressed their appreciation on behalf of the management and students of their respective schools.
Mrs. Omolara Awosan, the principal of Opebi Junior Secondary School, stated, “I’m so excited, on top of the world. I think this is the third time since I became the principal of the school that they have been here, giving our children school bags, uniforms, sandals, and other writing materials. I’m so happy.”
