In a demonstration of commitment to Corporate Responsibility & Sustainability (CR&S), the 2024 cohort of FirstBank’s Graduate Trainees have visited the Mount Zion Presby Model Primary School in Dodowa, near Accra to engage with students and teachers while fostering a spirit of giving and community support.

The trainees, accompanied by representatives from the NGO Libraries without Walls, donated books, educational materials, and refreshments to the eager young learners.

The event was marked by lively interactions between the graduate trainees and the students, who were excited to receive the educational resources.

The donations included a variety of books spanning different subjects, aimed at enhancing the students' learning experiences and fostering a love for reading. In addition to the books, essential educational materials such as notebooks, pens, and art supplies were provided to support the school’s learning environment.

Victor Yaw Asante, Managing Director/CEO of FirstBank, expressed his pride in the initiative, stating, “At FirstBank, we believe in the power of education and the importance of giving back to the communities we serve.

Our Graduate Trainees are not only the future leaders of our bank but also ambassadors of positive change in society. Today’s visit to Mount Zion Presby Model Primary School exemplifies our commitment to nurturing the next generation and investing in their future.”

This event is part of FirstBank’s broader CR&S strategy, which focuses on education, community development, and environmental sustainability. The Bank recognizes that investing in education is crucial for empowering individuals and communities, and it is dedicated to making a meaningful impact through various initiatives.

Paul Amanor, a member of the for us at Libraries Without Walls commenting on the gesture said, “the Library Corners project is a much-needed social innovation, especially in schools without libraries. It operates on a simple premise that if we cannot build a library for a school, we can bring the gift of reading and literacy directly to the classrooms of the schools through small book shelves positioned in the corners of the classrooms. It’s a simple idea yet we have seen its profound impact on the children over the years.

We are grateful to First Bank Ghana for their support in acquiring the shelves, books, supplies and snacks for the over 350 children of the Mt. Zion Presby Model School in Dodowa has brought the gift of education and literacy to the school community. We are confident that it will go a long way to complement learning outcomes in the school and improve foundational literacy for all the children.

The partnership with Libraries without Walls further underscores FirstBank’s commitment to enhancing educational opportunities. The NGO works tirelessly to promote literacy and access to information, aligning perfectly with the bank’s mission to support educational advancement. Through this collaboration, FirstBank aims to create a lasting legacy of learning and growth in the communities it serves.

During the visit, the graduate trainees engaged the students in various activities, including reading sessions and interactive discussions about the importance of education. The enthusiasm displayed by the students was infectious, and the trainees were inspired by the resilience and eagerness to learn exhibited by the young learners.

FirstBank remains committed to its Corporate Responsibility & Sustainability (CR&S) initiatives and plans to continue supporting educational institutions and communities across Ghana. The Bank encourages other organizations to join in the effort to uplift and empower the youth, ensuring a brighter future for all.

FirstBank Ghana is part of the First Bank Group of Nigeria Limited, which celebrated its 130th anniversary last year. The group operates in the U.K., Nigeria, DRC, Ghana, Guinea, Sierra Leone, Gambia, Senegal, and China.