Stanbic bank partners with Brigid kosgei foundation to boost gender equality through education
Stanbic Outgoing Chief Executive-Chalres Mudiwa(L) Brigid Kosgey and Kenya Stanbic Foundation Head Pauline Mbayah/Photo James Gitaka
By James Gitaka
Stanbic Bank Kenya has partnered with their brand ambassador, Brigid Kosgei, the current World Record Marathon holder, to ensure that girls and young women receive a quality education.
The program will support Kipkudul Mixed Secondary School students in Elgeyo Marakwet County who dropped out of school during the COVID-19 pandemic.
As a Kenyan bank, we celebrate our own and most of all; we celebrate women who are the fabric of our society. In line with our shared passion for supporting women and young girls, we are now transitioning to partner with the Brigid Foundation for greater impact by supporting a cause close to Brigid’s heart-girl education to support our communities and promote development under the education pillar.
The initial 4-year partnership between the Stanbic Bank through the Stanbic Kenya Foundation and the Brigid Kosgei Foundation will kick off in 2023 with a set budget of Ksh 6 million.
The number of students benefiting from the program will progressively be increased to support the schools from Brigid Kosgei’s hometown and beyond. Stanbic has pledged to support the first group of 50 girls with school fees and will donate books, desks and a water tank to Kipkudul Mixed Secondary School.
This endeavour is consistent with Stanbic’s long-term goal of ensuring equitable education. The growing number of early pregnancy cases jeopardises young girls’ development opportunities.
Stanbic Bank brand ambassador and World Record marathon holder Brigid Kosgei, Founder of The Brigid Kosgei Foundation with Students from Kipkudul Mixed Secondary School/Photo James Gitaka
Supporting these young children to achieve their goals, particularly girls, was the
driving force behind this initiative.
According to the Kenya Ministry of Health, 45,724 pregnancies among girls aged 10 to 19 were reported in January and February 2022, an average of about 775 per day.
This growing concern has been fueled by a lack of basic needs, understanding, and a non-comprehensive approach to the problem, which results in adolescent girls dropping out of formal education.
School dropouts impede formal education, resulting in unemployment and productive disadvantages for women and girls while also making them vulnerable to poverty, violence, crime, and social exclusion.
Speaking during the event, Her Excellency Mrs. Salina Bii, Uasin Gishu County’s First Lady and the Chief Guest, applauded Stanbic Bank Kenya for their commendable efforts in promoting equitable education. “We will continue collaborating with the bank to ensure that we keep our girls in schools.
They are our future and must be empowered to achieve their highest potential. I have been a teacher for over 20 years; girl child education, empowerment and mentorship are very close to my heart.
“I know first-hand the difficulties that early pregnancy poses to a girl’s education and development because I, unfortunately, had to go through it.However, the Brigid Kosgei Foundation was established so that other girls would not have to drop out. My ambition is to create a community of fearless women who can achieve great things despite adversity.
We are grateful to Stanbic Bank Foundation for assisting us in achieving our goal of reaching and educating more girls.” Said Brigid Kosgei, founder of Brigid Kosgei Foundation.
“The partnership will broaden educational opportunities for the youth and advance the region’s equitable economic and human development,” said Pauline Mbayah, the Head of the Stanbic Kenya Foundation.
“It is our responsibility to ensure that all children are educated regardless of their circumstances for the benefit and growth of the country.
Additionally, women’s empowerment is crucial to Stanbic Bank, and we are delighted to collaborate with Brigid, our brand ambassador, to make a difference in the lives of women and girls. True to our brand promise, we believe it can be achieved if we apply our minds, energy, resources, and time.
Member of Parliament, Elgeyo Marakwet West, Hon. Timothy Kipchumba Toroitich(seated) and Stanbic Bank brand ambassador and World Record marathon holder Brigid Kosgei, Founder of The Brigid Kosgei Foundation.
” With the right skills and opportunities, young people can drive global growth and prosperity, but we cannot take this for granted. Therefore, we must work together to invest in education, training, jobs and entrepreneurship so they can reach their potential.
The event was attended by outgoing Chief Executive Stanbic Bank, Charles Mudiwa, Head of Stanbic Kenya Foundation, Pauline Mbayah and Chief Guest, the County First Lady, Her Excellency Mrs. Salina Bii, Member of Parliament, Elgeyo Marakwet West, Hon. Timothy Kipchumba Toroitich and Stanbic Bank brand ambassador and World Record marathon holder Brigid Kosgei, Founder of The Brigid Kosgei Foundation.
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