Polaris Bank, in collaboration with Evolve Charity, a non-profit organization, has generously donated educational materials to more than 400 students in the Ikeja and Surulere areas of Lagos State in their commitment to empower girls through education. This philanthropic initiative is a crucial pillar of Polaris Bank’s Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) framework.
The heartwarming act of benevolence involved the presentation of essential educational supplies, including school uniforms, school bags, pens, sandals, and various books, to students from Opebi Junior Secondary School in Opebi, Ikeja Lagos, and Gbaja Junior Girls High School and Gbaja Senior Girls High School in Surulere. The donations took place on Wednesday, October 18, 2023, and Thursday, October 12, 2023, respectively.
These initiatives were undertaken as part of the observance of the United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF) International Day of the Girl (IDG), which is celebrated annually on October 11. The International Day of the Girl serves as a global platform to advocate for the full spectrum of girls’ rights, and Polaris Bank’s support for the ‘Girl-Child Education Project’ is perfectly aligned with this goal.
Adekunle Sonola, the Managing Director/CEO of Polaris Bank, expressed the bank’s unwavering commitment to the education of the girl-child. He emphasized the lasting impact that investments in education, especially for girls, have not only on individuals but on society as a whole. He said, “This is why we partnered with Evolve Charity to launch the Support for the Girl Child Education Project.” He further underscored the bank’s dedication to this cause, emphasizing that this commitment will persist.
The primary objective of this intervention is to ensure that the girl child remains in school and receives an education, thereby reducing the prevalence of early marriages in society. The initiative aims to empower underprivileged girls through education by providing them with essential school supplies and personal development tools.
Umesh Amarnani, the Managing Director of Pacegate Limited, the parent company of Evolve Charity, highlighted the importance of sustainable education interventions. He praised the partnership with Polaris Bank and noted that the select schools have become their responsibility through adoption. This partnership aims not only to provide students with school supplies but also to impart value-based education to the girls and instill good manners through their teachers.
The principals of the beneficiary schools expressed their profound appreciation for Polaris Bank’s continuous support. The students themselves couldn’t contain their excitement and gratitude for the generous gesture towards their educational development.
Polaris Bank’s collaboration with Evolve Charity underscores its commitment to girl-child education as part of its CSR efforts. In addition to supporting girl-child education, the bank also has various initiatives aimed at improving the lives of women. In 2021, the bank’s Feminine Hygiene Campaign, which focused on menstrual hygiene for girls, reached nine secondary schools across three states in Nigeria.
Moreover, Polaris Bank has been actively involved in raising awareness about breast cancer and providing free breast cancer screening to over 20,000 women in partnership with Care Organization Public Enlightenment (COPE), a leading breast cancer-focused NGO in Nigeria.
Polaris Bank, recognized as the digital bank of the year in 2021 and 2022, remains committed to shaping the future by delivering industry-defining products and services across all sectors of the Nigerian economy.