Access Bank Ghana Plc has announced an initiative to donate about 13,000 sandals to school children across the country to promote a safer living for the students in the next five years.
The campaign dubbed “A sandal more for a better tomorrow” is a societal impact drive that will donate a premier set of 1000 sandals to two schools each in the five regions of Ghana on Friday, October 20, 2023.
Over the next three to five years, the campaign will provide over 13,000 high-quality, eco-friendly footwear for underprivileged pupils from selected regions in Ghana valued at about GH₵1 million.
The project which is to be executed in partnership with Chaint Afrique, a prominent environmental sustainability organization, is focused on promoting the innovative upcycling of used car tyres into eco-friendly, durable school sandals.
This initiative thus tackles the dual needs of promoting quality and inclusive education for all children through the provision of sandals for underprivileged children, and the promotion of environmental sustainability.
This visionary endeavour is rooted in Access Bank’s unwavering commitment to sustainability which seamlessly aligns with Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs 4 and 12), which emphasize quality and inclusive education and responsible production and consumption respectively.
Managing Director of Access Bank, Olumide Olatunji, expressed his enthusiasm for the initiative, stating that the campaign exemplifies its enduring commitment to positive societal impact.
“By addressing both the educational needs of underprivileged children and environmental challenges, we are actively shaping a future where economic, social, and environmental prosperity go hand-in-hand.
“The overwhelming support received for “A Sandal-More Campaign” has been nothing short of extraordinary. We are immensely grateful for the help we have received so far on the campaign. The unwavering support of customers and staff and online community to donate their old tyres for this project is commendable and will make a positive impact on countless lives”, he said.
Head of Corporate Communications and Brands Management at Access Bank, Oluwaseun David-Akindele, on his part said research has shown that over 20 million children in Africa lack footwear which impedes their education, therefore the campaign seeks to contribute to bridging this gap so that children everywhere can enjoy their education for a better tomorrow.
Chief Executive Officer of Chaint Afrique, Venan Sondo, emphasized the significance of its partnership with the Bank. “This collaboration showcases the power of collective action towards a more sustainable future. We believe that by repurposing used tyres into eco-friendly sandals, we are not only reducing environmental harm but also providing children with basic needs to support their commute to school and elsewhere,” she said.
Access Bank as a leading financial institution is committed to sustainable banking and making a positive impact in the communities it serves. With a focus on responsible finance, it leverages resources and expertise to drive economic, social, and environmental prosperity.
The Bank’s leadership in driving sustainability and corporate social responsibility has been recognized by reputable international and local awards including Best CSR Bank by Euromoney, Global Brands Magazine, World Economic Magazine and Finance Derivative Awards in 2023.
Access Bank remains committed to ensuring that shareholders, customers, and staff enjoy a more-than-banking experience. The bank presently operates through more than 700 branches and service outlets in 18 countries, including the UAE, UK, and France, and three representative offices in China, India, and Lebanon.
