FirstBank Ghana concludes second Junior Internship Programme with essay competition and awards
FirstBank Ghana has once again reaffirmed its commitment to nurturing young minds with the conclusion of the second edition of its Junior Internship Programme (JIP). Designed to provide an early introduction to the world of banking to the Bank’s young customers, the programme fosters financial literacy, inspires career aspirations, and empowers children aged 11 to 14 years to become future financial leaders.
Launched in 2023, the JIP has quickly established itself as a flagship initiative for FirstBank Ghana. This year’s programme, which spanned three months, had the junior interns being welcomed to the Bank’s branches nationwide to intern for five working days. They gained hands-on experience in banking operations, explored the bank’s history, and delved into its diverse products and services. By observing FirstBank’s customer-centricity in action, the young participants gained invaluable insights into the essence of professional banking.
One of the programme’s highlights was an essay competition that got participants to showcase their creativity and critical thinking. The winning essay by Siaw-Wolfensohn Keziah Adwoa Ohenewa, titled, “Having Spent Time with FirstBank Ghana as a Junior Intern and Knowing the Bank’s Vision, What Should FirstBank Do to Become a Bank of First Choice?” earned her the top prize of GH¢5,000. Runners-up Phebe Anna MacWilliams, Manuela Zoe Naa Dedei Aryeetey, and Caridad Aba Akoa Nyarko also impressed the judges (essay markers). Caridad and Manuela wrote on the same topic as Keziah while Phebe focusing on how FirstBank can encourage more children to save with the bank. The first runner up, Phebe received GH¢3,000 while there was a tie between Caridad and Manuela as second runner-up and she received GH¢2,000, respectively. These prizes, deposited into the winners’ FirstBank accounts, which will support their educational needs.
Speaking on the programme’s success, Mr. Allen Quaye, Head of Retail Banking at FirstBank Ghana, emphasised the bank’s dedication to shaping young minds. “The Junior Internship Programme is more than just an initiative; it is a platform for empowering the next generation. By exposing these young minds to the banking world, we aim to instill financial literacy and inspire their career journeys,” Mr. Quaye stated. He praised the participants’ essays and reiterated the bank’s commitment to continuing the program with the support of valued partners like Graphic Communications Group Ltd, Unilever Ghana and the Ghana National Council of Private Schools (GNACOPS).
Parents of the participants were equally enthusiastic about the program. Mrs. Abigail Siaw-Wolfensohn, mother of the first prize winner, expressed her appreciation, saying, “This initiative by FirstBank is truly exceptional. It offers our children an invaluable opportunity to step into the corporate world, learn real-life skills, and prepare for their future. We are deeply grateful.”
As FirstBank Ghana celebrates the success of its Junior Internship Programme, the bank remains steadfast in its mission to inspire, educate, and empower the youth. By fostering financial literacy and providing mentorship opportunities, FirstBank is paving the way for the next generation of leaders in the financial sector.
FirstBank Ghana is a subsidiary of First Bank of Nigeria Limited. The FirstBank brand is celebrating its 130th anniversary this year. First Bank of Nigeria is the parent of FirstBank UK, FirstBank DRC, FirstBank Guinea, FirstBank Sierra Leone, FirstBank Gambia, FirstBank Senegal, and FirstBank Ghana.
