Through its focused initiatives, the Bank has facilitated ongoing education for over 15,000 students, granting them the chance to learn, excel, and contribute positively to society. While the program primarily emphasizes the empowerment of girls, it also includes male students, reflecting an inclusive strategy.
The partnership with strategic allies has further enhanced Polaris Bank's efforts to tackle the challenge of out-of-school children in Nigeria. Since 2020, these joint initiatives have supported the continuous education of 16,000 students, highlighting the significant impact of collaboration in driving societal progress.
This initiative not only provides essential school supplies—such as bags, uniforms, sandals, books, and pens—but also incorporates brain training and emotional intelligence education. It aligns with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goal 4, which advocates for inclusive and equitable quality education for all. The program specifically targets Nigeria's most vulnerable communities, where over 20 million children are deprived of basic education, as reported by UNESCO.
This phase of the initiative has reached schools in various regions, supplying essential items that are crucial for student enrollment. Research indicates that the absence of even a few basic school supplies can significantly hinder school attendance, contributing to the troubling number of out-of-school children in Nigeria.
Polaris Bank’s MD/CEO, Kayode Lawal, recently highlighted the importance of education, encouraging students to take advantage of the opportunities it provides. He mentioned that this initiative aligns with the Bank’s sustainability goals, which focus on decreasing the number of out-of-school children in Nigeria and improving access to quality education, particularly for girls.
As part of its mission, Polaris Bank visited eight schools from November to December 2024, including Opebi Junior Grammar School in Lagos, National High School Arondizuogu, Iheme Memorial Secondary School, Akokwa High School in Imo State, Government Girls Secondary School in Kano, Fortune Secondary School in Kogi, and Government Day Junior Secondary School in Abuja. The visit to Gbaja Junior and Secondary School in Surulere, Lagos, was rescheduled to mid-January 2025.
The goal of this program is to assist 50,000 students by 2028, building on the current support for 16,000 students across nine states. In addition to providing essential school supplies to underprivileged public school students, the initiative includes the Brighter Minds Programme, which introduces innovative brain-training and emotional intelligence education to young learners.
This program has made significant progress, offering a comprehensive learning experience that fosters resilience, focus, and confidence among students. Each pilot group marks a new milestone in empowering young minds with essential life skills, thanks to the steadfast support from Polaris Bank, partners like EvolveCSR, schools, and parents.
To further enhance this educational effort, there’s the Inspire Teachers Training Program, a three-day initiative designed to equip teachers with vital soft skills and alternative teaching methods.
This program delves into various subjects, including compassionate teaching, facilitation methods, diverse learning strategies, effective communication, heart-centered education, self-awareness, and the development of ethical skills.
Participants who successfully complete the program are awarded certificates and are encouraged to disseminate their knowledge by training fellow educators, thereby creating a ripple effect that enhances a soft-skills-oriented educational framework.
Although the initiative has achieved considerable progress, the final set of schools scheduled for visits—Gbaja Girls Junior and High Secondary School in Surulere, Lagos—has been rescheduled to January 2025. This change underscores the Bank’s dedication to ensuring that every child has access to quality education.
Polaris Bank is steadfast in its mission to close educational disparities, working towards a brighter future for Nigeria’s youth through meaningful and ongoing interventions. By empowering students and supporting teachers, the Bank continues to spearhead efforts to transform the lives of Nigeria’s future leaders.