Access Bank Botswana has taken a significant step toward promoting inclusivity and improving literacy for deaf children in the country. The bank has partnered with the Botswana Society for the Deaf (BSD) to launch a new initiative aimed at enhancing early childhood education for deaf children. As part of its employee volunteering program, the bank’s Corporate Investment & Business Banking team raised funds to print 300 copies of a unique educational book. The book features vibrant images of fruits along with their names written in English and finger-spelled in Botswana Sign Language. This resource is designed to support young learners in building both literacy and sign language skills, bridging the gap between visual learning and language development.
The project aligns with the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goal #4, which focuses on ensuring quality education for all. By providing this tool, Access Bank aims to close the learning gap for deaf children in underserved communities. The initiative is expected to directly impact over 600 children, helping them develop foundational sign language skills and improve their literacy in a way that suits their specific learning needs.
Access Bank launched its employee-driven volunteering program earlier this year, focusing on key social issues such as health, education, environment, and entrepreneurship. The “Fruits with Sign Language” book project serves as a prime example of how the bank’s employees are coming together to address these critical areas.
“We are incredibly proud of the dedication and passion our team has shown,” said Akofang Kebonye, Head of Global Transactional Services at Access Bank Botswana. “Printing these books is about making education accessible to all children, regardless of their needs. These 300 books offer deaf children the opportunity to learn and grow, laying the foundation for their future.”
In addition to the book printing initiative, Access Bank recently organized a Deaf Culture Awareness Training session for its staff, conducted by the Botswana Society for the Deaf. This training aimed to raise awareness of the challenges faced by the Deaf community, fostering a greater understanding and promoting inclusivity within the organization.
The Botswana Society for the Deaf operates the country’s only two primary schools for deaf children, located in Ramotswa and Francistown. By distributing these books, BSD is helping to provide deaf children with essential educational resources, ensuring they have access to a more inclusive learning experience.
Dr. Kerileng Mpuang, Board Secretary of the Botswana Society for the Deaf, expressed gratitude for the partnership, stating, “This project gives deaf children the chance to engage with education from the start. Access to literacy is a fundamental right, and thanks to Access Bank Botswana, these children now have the tools they need to begin their educational journey on the right foot.”
Through its employee volunteering program and strategic partnerships, Access Bank Botswana is setting a new benchmark for corporate responsibility and inclusivity, demonstrating that businesses can play a crucial role in advancing both social and educational equity in Botswana.
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