Heritage Bank Plc in partnership with Honourable Fatima Mohammed (FAMO) Foundation has provided succour to over 300 affected private school teachers and Small Medium Enterprises (SMEs). This is part of their efforts to cushion the effects of the COVID-19 on the education sector.
The challenges posed by the COVID-19 pandemic, have continued in the shutdown of schools for months leaving the private school teachers without any means of livelihood and no source of income.
To this effect, Heritage Bank has partnered FAMO to support over 300 Private School Teachers and small businesses as palliatives in 15 local governments; including five major markets in Ojokoro Local Council Development Area of Ifako Ijaiye, in Lagos State, weekend.
Speaking at the event, Mother Dan-Egwu, Group Head, Education, NGO & Faith Groups, Lagos Mainland Zone of the bank, stated that; “As educational-friendly financial institution, Heritage Bank appreciates the socio-economic role the sector plays in the country.”
“Heritage Bank deemed it necessary to partner FAMO to champion the corporate social responsibility of the bank in supporting private school teachers and small businesses out of hardship and the quagmire plunged into nationwide by the pandemic.”
“Heritage Bank and FAMO seek to help teachers in phases. This phase will comprise of 300 teachers who will get food items and cash worth Ten Thousand Naira (N10, 000) each.”
“FAMO selected the teachers based on the regions, as the first phase comprised of 300 teachers and SMEs in the South West (Lagos) would be assisted and the poorest of the poor are the main target through the help of National Association of Private School Teachers (NAPST) to identify those teachers in direst need of the assistance.”
“Heritage Bank’s strategy to provide basic palliative care to the educational system at the resumption of academic activities in schools. The bank has three areas of basic supports in providing mentorship program for schools, school portal and school health plan in partnership with Health Maintenance Organisations (HMOs).”
“Support programs churned out by the bank are designed to instill value and keep students focused on making the best of their lives through corporate models, help school authorities to manage operations and steer them into moving educational system to the new digital era; where teachers can use technology in classroom management, administration, engagement with parents.”
“Heritage Bank will help to provide a very affordable health plan to ensure that every member of the school community is covered medically, as this will reduce the anxiety amongst teachers, parents and school authorities.”
However, the Convener of FAMO, Honourable Mohammed, said; “I commend Heritage Bank for its bold steps in joining hand-in-hands to support the challenges private school teachers, SMEs sectors and the roles the bank plays in championing CSR in the country. The primary aim is basically to cushion the effect of poverty especially as it concerns the private school teachers.”
“The private school teachers because of the pandemic haven’t been paid for 6months and there are a lot of such cases around here. Ifako-Ijaye is the second largest LGA in Lagos State; therefore, it is time to reach out to the people. During the pandemic, we have reached out to them about 2 to 3 times. I reached out to Heritage Bank and they heard my voice just to partner with us with my palliative team just to cushion the effect.”
“Meanwhile, for the SME owners, additional plans have been agreed upon with the Agency Banking Unit of Heritage Bank to empower them to function as agents in this space. I also commend Heritage Bank as a youth friendly bank for their numerous supports to young Nigerians in helping to promote their businesses and dreams.”
