Baobab Nigeria has assisted widows facing difficulties covering their children’s educational expenses during the back-to-school season.
This effort reflects Baobab’s mission to make a meaningful difference in vulnerable communities through financial inclusion.
This initiative was carried out in partnership with the Patrick Stephen Purple Heart Foundation, an NGO run by a young widow and registered in February 2023.
Through the “School Fee Giveaway Project,” the foundation reaches out to widows under 40 who need financial assistance for their children’s education.
Baobab Nigeria’s involvement in this project reflects our mission to go beyond traditional banking services and build brighter futures for vulnerable families.
As Acting Chief Executive Officer Eric Ntumba remarked, “This initiative is a testament to our ongoing efforts. Baobab is committed to making a meaningful difference, from providing micro-loans to small businesses and supporting women entrepreneurs, to sponsoring educational programs in underserved areas.”
Eric emphasised the initiative’s alignment with our dedication to quality education, stating, “Education is a powerful tool for change.
By financing school fees, we’re not just investing in these children’s futures but also their families and our community. We aim to extend this support to at least 2,000 widows under 40 by 2028.”
Expressing her delight at the partnership, Oluwaseun Joan Stephen, the CEO of Patrick Stephen Purple Heart Foundation, who received N5,500,000 for the School Fees Giveaway Project, said, “This has changed everything for many widows in the foundation. A lot of children’s education has been secured, and I am beyond thankful to Baobab Nigeria. It has indeed taken a huge weight off many widows in the foundation. Reaching out to widows during this period is heart-warming, and it shows that Baobab Nigeria cares not only about their profits but also about the community at large.”
This initiative serves as a call to action for corporate organisations to recognise their role in uplifting the vulnerable in our communities through education and financial empowerment. By working together, we can build a more equitable and inclusive future.
