Lifelong learning and universal access to quality education are part of the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals, and this education must begin as early as possible. The aim is to provide all boys and girls with access to pre-school learning by 2030. Sadly, this pre-school education is still a privilege in many extremely poor countries.
SOS promotes the equal right to quality education from a pre-school age through early childhood programmes that meet children’s basic needs for nutrition, health and protection. In the Nigerien Dosso region, where half the population is under 15, the adult literacy rate is less than 20%! BIL’s donation will help fund the SOS Children’s Village in Dosso. The Kindergarten hosts 55 children, including 30 girls. They receive healthy meals and medical treatment, and take part in numerous early learning and personal development activities.
Sophie Glesener, Managing Director of SOS Villages d’Enfants Monde, thanked BIL warmly for this new vote of confidence and generous support: "I am delighted to see this partnership between BIL and our charity continue. It serves as a reminder that, in pursuit of sustainable development, early education is a key factor in ensuring that the most vulnerable children of the Dosso community – both girls and boys – get a good start in life. Last year our support meant that the kindergarten could afford new outdoor and indoor games, which the children loved."
Hugues Delcourt, BIL’s Chief Executive Officer, added, "Education is one of the major themes that BIL intends to promote as part of its corporate social responsibility (CSR) policy. We are proud to continue to be of service to SOS Villages d’Enfants Monde. With this donation, and thanks to the great work of the teams on site, we are seeing concrete results."
This partnership complements BIL’s support for local education in Luxembourg with Jonk Entrepreneuren and Lëtzebuerger Guiden a Scouten. Every year, the bank also actively supports the project Woch vun de Suen, which is organised by ABBL and aims at introducing school children in Luxembourg to the world of finance.
