Scotiabank and the non-profit organization I Am A Girl are commemorating five years of impactful collaboration through their flagship Adopt-A-Girl programme, which has transformed the lives of vulnerable teenage girls across Barbados. To celebrate this milestone, Scotiabank has reaffirmed its commitment by contributing an additional $60,000 to the initiative, ensuring continued support for girls aged 15 to 18 in overcoming challenges and achieving their academic and personal goals. The programme provides a comprehensive safety net, offering scholarships, essential learning tools, mental wellness services, and assistance with daily necessities like food and hygiene. This holistic approach ensures that, as organizers emphasize, “no girl is left behind due to circumstance.” Since its inception, the partnership has empowered hundreds of girls through mentoring, resources, and encouragement to stay in school and excel. The initiative has been a catalyst for change, not only for the participants but also for their families and communities. Scotiabank’s involvement extends beyond financial support, with employees actively engaging as mentors and capacity-builders through the Empower Employee Resource Group. They have conducted workshops on leadership, financial literacy, career coaching, and interview skills, serving as positive role models. Alian Ollivierre, executive director and founder of I Am A Girl, reflected on the partnership’s success: “Collaborating in a way that truly centres our girls and reflects meaningful partnership has exceeded our expectations. Together, we’ve deepened impact and created measurable change.” Suzette Armoogam-Shah, managing director of Scotiabank Barbados, added: “This partnership is about more than giving; it is about growing. Watching these young women rise, discover their strength, and pursue their dreams has been inspiring.”