In a poignant display of their commitment to the ‘Girl-Child Education Project,’ a cornerstone of their Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) framework, Polaris Bank has joined forces with Evolve Charity, a non-profit organization. Together, they have presented essential educational materials to over 400 students in the Ikeja and Surulere areas of Lagos State, underscoring the profound impact of their dedication to community upliftment.
The donated materials, including school uniforms, bags, pens, sandals, and various books, were generously distributed to students at Opebi Junior Secondary School, Opebi, Ikeja Lagos, Gbaja Junior Girls High School, and Gbaja Senior Girls High School in Surulere. The timing of these initiatives aligns with the United Nations Children’s Fund’s (UNICEF) International Day of the Girl (IDG), observed annually on October 11, advocating for the full spectrum of girls’ rights. Polaris Bank’s support for the ‘Girl-Child Education Project’ aligns seamlessly with this global initiative, aiming to empower young girls through education.
Addressing the gathering at Opebi Ikeja, the Managing Director and CEO of Polaris Bank, Adekunle Sonola, expressed the bank’s unwavering commitment to the education of girls. He emphasized the lasting impact of investing in education and highlighted the collaborative effort with Evolve Charity in launching the ‘Support for the Girl Child Education Project.’ Mr. Sonola reiterated the bank’s belief in education and its dedication to supporting underprivileged girls through the provision of necessary school supplies and personal development tools.
The intervention, according to the CEO, aims to keep the girl child in school and educated, playing a crucial role in reducing the prevalence of early marriages in society. He underscored the bank’s mission to empower these young girls and create a pathway for their holistic development through education.
Speaking alongside Mr. Sonola, Umesh Amarnani, the Managing Director of Pacegate Limited, owners of Evolve Charity, acknowledged the essence of sustainable education intervention. He emphasized that the selected schools were now the responsibility of Evolve Charity through adoption, promising continued support by providing students with school supplies and focusing on teaching their teachers value-based education that instills good manners in the students.
Commending the partnership with Polaris Bank, Amarnani expressed gratitude for the support received from various institutions. He highlighted that the initiative, executed voluntarily by Nigerians within the company, aimed to cover 36 schools across six states, with plans to expand and do more in the coming years.
The principals of the beneficiary schools expressed profound appreciation on behalf of their management and students. Mrs. Omolara Awosan, the principal at Opebi Junior Secondary School, conveyed her delight at the recurring goodwill from Polaris Bank, emphasizing the positive impact on the students.
The students, brimming with excitement, expressed their appreciation for the school supplies and the support provided by Polaris Bank and Evolve Charity. One student, Ogunsanya Kemisola, remarked on the practical benefits of the writing materials, school bag, and uniform received, highlighting the helpfulness of the presentation for her academic development.
Polaris Bank’s collaboration with Evolve Charity signifies a strategic footprint in education as part of its CSR initiatives. Beyond girl-child education, the bank has undertaken various initiatives aimed at improving the lives of women, including the Feminine Hygiene Campaign and interventions addressing breast cancer awareness.
Adjudged the digital bank of the year in 2021 and 2022, Polaris Bank remains committed to delivering industry-defining products and services while actively contributing to community development and empowerment.
