Standard Bank colleagues in Jersey joined together to celebrate Africa Day, a significant occasion for the African-owned bank.
As part of the festivities at the Jersey office, a lively braai themed lunch (barbecue) was hosted at its St Helier headquarters, creating a fun and vibrant atmosphere where colleagues could connect and celebrate.
This year, Standard Bank elevated its Africa Day celebrations by extending its impact within the local community. The bank donated a large collection of books, that have an African author or theme to their pages, to Rouge Bouillon School in the Island’s capital, The purpose of this initiative is to not only share the wonderful vibrancy of the African continent with the Island’s young people, but to also share diverse and inclusive literature with a culturally diverse school, welcoming pupils from across the globe. Belonging and inclusivity are values that the bank upholds in its core behavioural practices.
Barry Cairney, Non-Financial Risk Specialist at Standard Bank Offshore, attended the local-to-office school, to deliver the books and shared: “It was great to speak to the children and teachers and be able to share a small piece of our business’s rich African history. Our Island is so diverse and being able to create this small initiative that promotes that to the next generation is a great thing to do.”
Furthermore, Standard Bank demonstrated its commitment to promoting varied culture and diversity by providing a communal library of African stories and authors within the office, sharing the richness of the continent, and fostering inclusivity.
Charles Molteno, CE & Island Head for Standard Bank Jersey, expressed gratitude for the enthusiastic participation of colleagues in embracing the spirit of Africa Day. He said: “Africa has been our Group’s home for over 160 years, and we hold high our Group’s purpose of ‘Africa is our home, and we drive her growth.’
“Witnessing our colleagues in Jersey come together to celebrate Africa Day locally, embracing the vibrant tapestry of our heritage and purpose, fills me with immense pride that the connection between Jersey and the continent is present.”
Pictured: Jael Crystal-Azah and Barry Cairney of Standard Bank with Rouge Bouillon staff and students
