Story, Louvier Kindo Tombe
On a bright morning in Bali, the laughter of children fills the halls of the Inclusive Public School. Today, those halls have a new rhythm—a buzz of excitement around a modern, fully equipped computer laboratory donated by Ecobank Cameroon as part of its 13th Ecobank Day celebrations.
This year, Ecobank marks four decades of banking across Africa. But rather than just celebrating, the bank has chosen to shine a spotlight on something far more meaningful: inclusive education.
With a focus on ensuring that children with disabilities or learning difficulties have equitable access to learning, the bank is harnessing AI and assistive technologies to bridge educational gaps.
“The theme of Ecobank Day 2025, ‘Promoting Inclusive Learning for All,’ is a true call to action,” said Gwendoline Abunaw, Managing Director of Ecobank Cameroon.
“Too often, children with disabilities or learning difficulties are left behind—not because they lack potential, but because the world has not always adapted to their needs. This year, we are changing that.”
A school transformed
The computer lab at Bali’s Inclusive Public School is more than a donation—it is a promise. Equipped with specialized tools for blindness, autism, and hearing impairments, the facility, along with the school’s renovation, is set to create a comfortable and inspiring environment where every child can thrive.
“A visually impaired child can now follow a lesson thanks to voice synthesis software,” Abunaw explained.
“A student with difficulties in writing can use voice recognition tools to express their ideas. These tools are not just gadgets—they are keys that open the doors to learning, confidence, and a sense of belonging.”
Teachers and parents see the impact immediately. “Our children now have the tools to explore, create, and learn in ways we could only dream of before,” said the school’s headmaster. A parent added, “I feel hopeful. My child can now learn alongside others, without limitations.”
From digital skills to inclusion
Launched in 2013, Ecobank Day has grown into the bank’s flagship social responsibility initiative, mobilizing employees, the Ecobank Foundation, and partners around urgent social causes—from malaria prevention and maternal health to digital education and AI integration.
Abunaw emphasized the wider impact: “Over the past three years, Ecobank Cameroon has reached 3,000 students, multiple schools, teachers, and communities through our campaign ‘Transforming Africa Through Education.’ Today, we are donating a modern computer lab to encourage all students, especially those with special needs, to seize the opportunities technology provides, discover their potential, and give their best to the world.”
A collaborative effort
The initiative was made possible with strong support from the government of Cameroon. “We salute the government for the historic national policy on inclusive education published in 2024 and for concrete measures, including the significant expansion of the network of inclusive schools,” said Abunaw.
Teachers, parents, and students alike play a crucial role in fostering this inclusive environment, and Ecobank is proud to work alongside them.
“To the bright young minds with us today: you are the very heart of this day. Your dreams, potential, and voices are the reason we are here,” Abunaw added.
Building Africa’s future, one child at a time
As students explore the new lab, the broader significance becomes clear. Ecobank’s initiative is not only about computers or classrooms—it’s about unlocking potential, nurturing talent, and inspiring the next generation of African innovators.
Ecobank Day, now in its 13th edition in Cameroon, is more than a day of giving; it is a celebration of community, empowerment, and inclusion, a legacy that will resonate for decades to come.
