Scotiabank commits to empowering young females

Progress for girls has not kept pace with the realities they face today, and the COVID-19 pandemic has reinforced many of these gaps.

Through a collaboration with I am a Girl Barbados (IAAGB), Scotiabank hopes to help provide opportunities for girls to realise their full potential. Thus the bank has donated US$30,000 to be used towards IAAGB’s Adopt-A-Girl Programme.

Seventy-five girls, ages 15 to 18 from low income households will benefit from the initiative.

IAAGB’s Adopt-A-Girl programme aims to assist with the educational and social needs of girls, helping guide them on the path towards academic and career success.

Key components of the programme include educational study tools and scholarships, capacity building support, hygiene and food support, mental wellness and after-school support.

This collaboration aligns with ScotiaRISE, the Bank’s newest global community investment initiative designed to
promote economic resilience among disadvantaged groups.

“Through associations such as this one with IAAGB, we’re helping these girls improve their education and employment prospects, adapt to changing circumstances and enhance their life opportunities and full participation in the economy,” Suzette Armoogam–Shah, managing director, Scotiabank Barbados, said.

“We commend IAAGB on its dedication to helping disadvantaged girls in Barbados thrive and succeed in today’s world and we’re pleased to work with them as wecreate better opportunities for our girls who are on the cusp of adulthood,” Armoogam-Shah added.

Alian Ollivierre, founder and executive director, IAAGB, indicated her delight in working with Scotiabank not only as International Day of the Girl was celebrated on October 11, but also the organisation’s 7th anniversary.

“As we celebrate our 7th anniversary, we stay committed to working “with and for” girls. One of our core pillars of girls’ development is personal upliftment through enhancing educational capacity.

This is exactly why we are elated to partner with Scotiabank, through the ScotiaRISE initiative, as this donation will play an integral role in advancing our efforts to support girls’ educational resilience, while tackling unemployment, under-employment, poverty and high school dropouts,” she stated.                                 

Ollivierre added: “Our aim, through this initiative is to use this timely support to amplify opportunities for girls and ignite their desire to succeed, while also advocating for their empowerment in having an advantage on their professional journeys and livelihoods.” (PR)