Our reporter
Polaris Bank Limited, in partnership with Evolve Charity Trust, has made a significant impact in Ideato North Local Government Area of Imo State by donating educational materials to 300 students across three public schools.
The beneficiaries, students of National High School Arondizuogu, Iheme Memorial Secondary School, and Akokwa High School, received items including school uniforms, bags, sandals, books, and writing materials to enhance their learning experiences.
Speaking at the presentation ceremony, Polaris Bank’s Managing Director, Mr. Kayode Lawal, represented by Mrs. Ifeyinwa Nwokoro, Business Development Manager at the Urualla branch, reiterated the bank’s commitment to improving access to quality education, particularly for the girl-child.
“Our aim is to reduce the number of out-of-school children in Nigeria and ensure that girls, especially those from disadvantaged backgrounds, have the resources to stay in school and succeed,” Lawal noted. He added that the initiative also aligns with the Imo State Government’s free education program and aims to curb early marriages among young girls.
The project, part of the bank’s sustainability and Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) efforts, contributes to the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goal 4 (SDG 4) focused on quality education. Since its inception in 2020, the program has reached over 15,000 students across nine States, with plans to impact 50,000 young girls over eight years.
Evolve Charity Trust’s Project Manager, Mr. Godwin Ejeh, highlighted the broader vision of the initiative, linking the empowerment of the girl-child to global environmental benefits. “Educating girls has been shown to contribute to reversing the effects of global warming, and this project embraces that dual purpose of social and environmental sustainability,” Ejeh said.
School administrators and students expressed gratitude for the intervention. Mrs. Chike Anaekwe, Principal of National High School, Arondizuogu, commended Polaris Bank and its partners for their unwavering support.
“Many of our parents cannot afford these essentials, and this intervention has lifted a significant burden,” Anaekwe said.
Two beneficiaries, Victory Chukwuye and Chika Utazi, shared their excitement over the donations. “This support motivates us to focus on our studies and achieve our dreams,” Victory remarked, while Chika added, “Now I can attend school with pride in my new uniform and sandals.”
With its continued dedication to education, Polaris Bank’s initiative promises to create a lasting impact on the lives of students and communities in Nigeria.
