Polaris Bank and Evolve Charity Trust Join Forces to Empower Students at Gbaja Girls Secondary School, Lagos
Last week, Polaris Bank, in collaboration with its strategic CSR partner, Evolve Trust Charity, made a grand entrance at Gbaja Girls (Junior and Senior) High School in Surulere, Lagos. This visit marked a significant milestone in their ongoing school essentials program, aimed at supporting selected public school students across the country.
The roots of this partnership were planted in 2021, with a primary focus on empowering both the girl-child and their male counterparts. Their efforts have touched the lives of over 15,000 students in 35 public schools across nine states, including Lagos, Kano, Kogi, Imo, and the FCT, Abuja. The program encompasses a range of initiatives, from providing essential school supplies like bags, uniforms, sandals, books, and pens to equipping young learners with brain training techniques and emotional intelligence education. Additionally, the project includes training sessions for teachers in these schools, all generously sponsored by Polaris Bank.
During the presentation at Gbaja Girls Secondary School, Mrs. Abimbola Ozomah, the Bank’s Executive Director of Corporate and Investment Banking, reiterated the institution’s commitment to aligning its practices with the United Nations’ Principles for Responsible Banking. By supporting the UN’s Sustainable Development Goals and the Paris Climate Agreement, Polaris Bank aims to foster sustained interest in educating and empowering the girl-child.
According to data from the United Nations Educational, Scientific, and Cultural Organization (UNESCO), Nigeria is home to approximately 10.5 million out-of-school children, with six million of them being girls. Mrs. Abimbola Ozomah emphasized the importance of empowering girls through education, as educated girls grow into informed women who can drive positive change in society.
“Education is the most powerful tool at your disposal, and you must use it to its fullest potential. Polaris Bank is dedicated to bridging the educational gap, empowering girls, and fostering sustainability in line with global frameworks,” Mrs. Ozomah declared. She encouraged the students to seize the opportunities education provides and assured them of the Bank’s unwavering support in their educational journey.
Addressing the students, Mrs. Ozomah emphasized the transformative power of education and encouraged them to embrace the opportunities it presents. She reassured the students that Polaris Bank would continue to champion initiatives that empower girls to effect positive change in their communities and beyond.
Ejeh Godwin, the Programme Manager at Evolve Charity Trust, expressed gratitude to Polaris Bank for their steadfast support in advancing the Trust’s mission of supporting the girl-child nationwide. He highlighted the significant impact of the partnership, which began in 2021, on expanding their reach and positively impacting more schools across the country.
The Principal of Gbaja Girls Junior High School, Mrs. Dabiri Nwabuoku Adetoun Iyabo, extended her heartfelt appreciation to Polaris Bank for including their school in this impactful intervention program. She noted the palpable excitement and gratitude among the students and staff, highlighting the boost in morale that the initiative brought to the school community.
Bankole Oreofeoluwa Emmanuella, an Assistant Senior Girl at the school and one of the beneficiaries, expressed her gratitude to Polaris Bank for the thoughtful gesture. She pledged to make the most of the provided items and uphold a culture of responsible use and maintenance.
As officials from Polaris Bank and Evolve Charity Trust presented the school essentials to the students, the atmosphere buzzed with excitement and gratitude. The event was a testament to the power of collaboration and generosity in transforming the educational landscape for students in need.
In conclusion, the partnership between Polaris Bank and Evolve Charity Trust stands as a beacon of hope for students across Nigeria, underscoring the transformative impact of education and empowerment. Through initiatives like these, young learners are equipped with the tools and resources they need to succeed and make a positive difference in their communities.
