Bank donates BDS$60 000 to ‘I am a Girl’ initiative

With International Day of the Girl being observed on October 11, Scotiabank has deepened its partnership with the I am a Girl Non-governmental Organization (NGO) to help provide opportunities for girls to realise their full potential. The bank has donated US$30 000 to the NGO which will be used towards helping 75 girls in the NGO’s Adopt-A-Girl Programme.

The Adopt-A-Girl Programme aims to support the most vulnerable15 to 18-year-old girls towards their educational and social needs so that their academic and career goals may be realised. Some key provisions include educational study tools and scholarships, capacity building support, eliminating hygiene and food poverty, mental wellness and after-school support and supplemental lessons for exams.

Alian Ollivierre, executive director and founder of I am a Girl commented: “Over the past year I Am a Girl’s partnership with Scotiabank has been a rewarding one for our girls. Educational stability and growth for adolescent girls is at the foundation of their support in our programming. We are looking forward to yet another year of partnership where we get to work together in impacting more lives, building the financial awareness of our youth towards a generational shift about investing and money management, and setting up more prosperous futures for girls and our community.”

Kaira Stuart, participant in the Adopt -A-Girl Programme shared her feedback as well. “Knowing that Scotiabank supports I Am a Girl, other girls in the programme could have the same opportunities that I have. It made me believe in myself and become a better person. It helped me gain confidence. I really appreciate being in this organization. It really helped me a lot,” she said.

Suzette Armoogam-Shah, Managing Director, Scotiabank Barbados, expressed the bank’s delight in continuing its partnership with I am a Girl. “The work this NGO does deserves much praise. We commend its passion and dedication to equipping girls with life skills and helping them to complete school, in order to bolster employment prospects, life opportunities and financial success. When our young people succeed, their families, communities and country as a whole benefit. We’re proud to support young girls in Barbados unlock their full potential. (PR)