First Caribbean Bank, Governor's Harbour - Adopts Center for Exceptional Learners

Bill Holland of Center for Exceptional Learners accepts donation from First Caribbean's Sharon Lockhart

First Caribbean Bank's Adopt-A-Cause project is a social responsibility programme based on the premise of being a good corporate sponsor. Under the initiative the Bank reaches out into the community annually and lends financial assistance, builds relationships and endeavours to serve as a mentor to a selected organization - "It should be similar to a big brother or big sister, where we actually build a meaningful relationship with that community organization." said Sharon Lockhart, Branch Manager, First Caribbean International Bank, Governor’s Harbour Branch.

In Governor's Harbour, the bank has adopted the Center for Exceptional Learners, the Governor's Harbour arm of  Exceptional Education Outreach (EEO), a non-profit special education and literacy project that operates across Eleuthera and Harbour Island.  

On Thursday, September 25th, the bank hosted a ‘Day At Work’, where they invited the students and teachers to spend some time with staff at the branch on Queen's Highway. Six of the eight students currently enrolled in the programme, two team members and Bill Holland, head of the Governor's Harbour Center were welcomed at First Caribbean at about 10 a.m and were introduced to employees. Each student, ages 6 to 14 were afforded the opportunity to introduce themselves and then split up among staff members who worked along with them on computers.

First Caribbean also presented the school several items including; a Dell desktop computer with a flat panel monitor;  a printer, an electric drill for repairs around the school; and back to school goodie bags for each of the students containing pencils, rulers, an activity book, a reading book, and sweet treats. The EEO relies in part on donations such as these to assist with the running of its programmes and contributions of time and goods in this manner go a long way, according to the organization. 

"Everything went very well, they thoroughly enjoyed it", said Ms. Lockhart. She went on to say that there are plans to have a day of reading with the kids and to further partner with them for the remainder of the fiscal year. 

Ms. Sharon Lockhart who is originally from Nassau, has been with First Caribbean for 14 years. She has been in Eleuthera for about one year and says she is fully enjoying her time on the island. Affecting an efficient modernization of the branch has been her biggest challenge in her eyes and she expressed confidence in her leaders in the branch.

First Caribbean Staff Spends Time With Students

Students and Staff of The Center For Exceptional Leaners at First Caribbean Governor's Harbour