Absa Bank has started off a countrywide initiative to support 46 special needs schools. In line with its Sustainability and Corporate Citizenship Agenda, the bank will be donating over 4,000 school bags and 20,000 reusable face masks countrywide.
Speaking during the handover event at Joseph Kang’ethe school in Kibera, Absa MD Jeremy Awori re-affirmed the bank’s commitment to help alleviate socio-economic challenges communities face in light of the COVID-19 pandemic. “Education and Skills is one of the strategic pillars of our citizenship agenda and as a purpose-led institution, we are determined to invest in the education and well-being of generations to come. Given the different challenges that teachers and students continue to face due to Covid-19, we are providing necessities such as face masks and school bags to ease the challenges and ensure that learning goes on uninterrupted,” he added.
The school bags donated were made from repurposed billboard flexis obtained during Absa’s rebranding process, saving the environment up to 3,000 tons of plastic waste. The reusable face masks were produced through Absa’s partnership with the Bombululu Association of Persons with Disabilities Cultural Centre under the Diversity and Inclusion Agenda.
Speaking as he received the first batch of masks and repurposed school bags on behalf of Joseph Kang’ethe Primary School, Education Cabinet Secretary Prof. George Magoha thanked Absa for their contribution to education. He further called upon more organizations to invest in social and education programs that help schools to mitigate challenges presented by the pandemic.
“The Ministry of Education appreciates the support from Absa, both during the period of remote learning and the phased reopening of schools. We are optimistic that these initiatives and investments will help in the growth and development of underprivileged and differently abled children who need a lot of support from like-minded organizations and individuals. This donation will go a long way in mitigating the spread of the COVID-19 virus and in contributing towards protecting the entire community as we slowly regain normalcy,” added Prof. Magoha.
Absa has also partnered with the Higher Education and Loans Board (HELB) to provide scholarship opportunities to over 500 disadvantaged students in 56 local universities. The bank has also invested in programs that equip learners with the necessary skills required in the future under the Ready to Work Program, benefitting over 170,000 learners. Absa also refurbished over 3,000 computers, in partnership Computer For Schools Kenya (CFSK) which will be donated to 66 schools across the country this year as well as fruit trees to supplement the pupils diet.