NAIROBI- Ecobank Kenya on Saturday donated foodstuff and equipment to orphans and children living with disabilities at the Songa Mbele na Masomo Children Centre in Nairobi’s Mukuru Slums.
In the spirit of Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR), Ecobank Kenya's staff spent time sharing meals and putting smiles onto the faces of the children.
The yearly event is dubbed ‘Ecobank Day’ and has seen Ecobank dedicate to charity activity across its network of 33 countries in Africa in the past six years.
During the event, Ecobank Kenya head of operations and technology for Central, Eastern and Southern Africa Didier Yobou said the institution aims to improve lives of communities and enhance the well-being of vulnerable children in the society.
“At Ecobank, we believe in making a change in the lives of our communities through improved childcare,” he said.
Adding that, “ Such children (in orphanages and those living with disabilities) are less likely to socialize with their peers but are rather, at a young age, forced to develop negative survival strategies.”
Ecobank donated special therapy seats, standing aids, sanitary equipment, dry foodstuff and clothing.
On her part, Sister Mary Killen, the director of Songa Mbele na Masomo Children Centre said such initiatives will go a long way in making life better for the children.
“We appreciate very much the assistance of Ecobank,” she said.
“It is wonderful that the staff will give their time on a Saturday to be with children living with disabilities in the Mukuru slums.”
Statistics from UNICEF and global partners indicate that there were about 140 million orphans globally in 2015 with 52 million of the figure being in Africa.
It is this population that Ecobank targets to reach in communities and countries where they operate.
In 2017, the 'Ecobank Day' was devoted to safe water, healthy living which resulted in construction of high capacity water storage tanks and refurbishment of classrooms at County Girls High School.