Breaking Barriers: Access Bank Championing Education for Every Child in Africa
Access Bank PLC, a leading financial institution in Africa, is reaffirming its unwavering commitment to education and community development through a series of impactful initiatives across the continent. At the heart of their efforts is the belief that every child, regardless of circumstances, deserves access to quality education. This dedication is showcased through their annual UNICEF Charity Shield Polo Tournament, which highlights the Bank’s role in transforming lives through education and social empowerment.
The urgent need for education in Africa cannot be overstated. UNICEF’s Regional Education Adviser for Eastern and Southern Africa, Wongani Grace Taulo, emphasized, “Children in emergency situations have a right to quality education like every other child, yet education in emergencies continues to be critically underfunded and under-resourced.” The educational crisis is further reflected by UNESCO data, which indicates that of the 244 million children globally between the ages of 6 and 18 who are not in school, over 98 million—more than 40%—are in sub-Saharan Africa. Nigeria alone accounts for 20.2 million of these children.
Recognizing these alarming statistics, Access Bank is spearheading efforts to address the educational crisis across Africa. During the 2024 UNICEF Charity Shield Polo Tournament, the Bank announced the construction of 60 additional classrooms in Maraban Jos, Kaduna, doubling down on its commitment to expanding access to education. This follows their efforts in 2023, where they commissioned 30 new classroom blocks. The expanded Access Bank Fifth Chukker School, upon completion, is expected to significantly increase its enrolment capacity, providing thousands more children with the opportunity to receive a quality education.
Beyond infrastructure, Access Bank is making strides through various partnerships aimed at empowering children and young adults. In collaboration with the Temitayo Awosika Help Foundation (TAHF), the Bank launched the Back to School Project, designed to alleviate financial pressures on parents of children with sickle cell disease. This project has benefitted over 12,000 underprivileged students by providing essential educational materials, including textbooks, notebooks, backpacks, and stationery. This initiative ensures that children from disadvantaged backgrounds can continue their education with the necessary tools for academic success.
Further solidifying its dedication to addressing educational disparities, Access Bank partnered with the Bethesda Child Support Foundation to introduce the “SHE Reads” initiative. This ambitious project aims to enroll 5,000 out-of-school young women in Nigeria over the next five years. Through a one-year intensive literacy program, the initiative seeks to empower these young women with foundational skills in reading, writing, numeracy, and financial literacy. By fostering independence and providing mentorship, the program helps participants build self-confidence, setting them on a path toward personal and professional growth.
Access Bank’s commitment to education extends beyond Nigeria. In Ghana, the Bank partnered with CHAINT AFRIQUE on the “A Sandal More” project, which focuses on recycling used tires into durable school sandals for underprivileged children. Launched in 2023, the project has supported over 1,000 school children and trained 1,000 individuals in tire recycling techniques, creating a sustainable model that benefits both the environment and education. This initiative has impacted more than 400 communities across Ghana and is being expanded into other African nations.
In Zambia, Access Bank is breaking down barriers that prevent girls from accessing education. Many girls in rural areas, such as Kasama, face significant challenges due to the long distances they must travel to reach school. To combat this, Access Bank Zambia donated 60 bicycles to the Strong Girls Strong Zambia Campaign, providing a safe and reliable means of transportation for girls to attend school regularly. By addressing this logistical hurdle, the Bank is empowering girls to prioritize their education and achieve academic success.
Another groundbreaking initiative is Access Bank’s “Project Educate Me,” launched in partnership with Kidpreneur Africa. This project is designed to provide literacy, financial, digital, and life skills training to internally displaced and underserved youth in Adamawa, Katsina, and Borno states in Nigeria. Targeting over 150,000 children, the initiative aims to create a lasting positive impact on the lives of some of the most vulnerable populations in the region.
Access Bank’s contributions to education are not limited to direct interventions. In partnership with FREEE Recycle, the Bank launched an initiative in Oyo State, Nigeria, which involved collecting and recycling over 700 discarded tires. These tires were repurposed into 2,500 rubber sandals for school children, addressing both environmental and educational challenges. By empowering local communities and promoting sustainable practices, Access Bank is demonstrating its commitment to holistic development that benefits both individuals and the environment.
Through these transformative projects, Access Bank continues to champion education as a fundamental human right and a driver of socio-economic progress. The Bank’s initiatives are aimed at addressing the root causes of educational deprivation while empowering vulnerable populations. Whether through building classrooms, providing school supplies, or fostering literacy, Access Bank is making a significant difference in the lives of countless children across Africa.
As Taulo rightly points out, “Education is lifesaving and should not be seen as a second phase of a humanitarian response.” Access Bank’s ongoing efforts highlight the Bank’s dedication to ensuring that no child is left behind, regardless of their circumstances. By prioritizing education, Access Bank is paving the way for a brighter future for children across Africa, ensuring that they have the skills and opportunities needed to succeed in life and contribute meaningfully to their communities.
Source: Access Bank
