Barclays, VSO to Launch Partnership

Formal launching of the Barclays Bank and Voluntary Services Overseas (VSO) Partnership in Ghana will come on at the Lombard Board Room, Barclays House in Accra on Thursday, June 27, 2002. Barclays/VSO Partnership programme is a community-based project in which Barclays Africa has pledged to donate ?100,000 per annum for the next three years, to be used to sponsor volunteers.

VSO is a respected international development agency which works through volunteers to tackle disadvantage and poverty and help people realise their potential. Nearly 2,000 professional volunteers are recruited annually, worldwide, from the UK, Netherlands, Canada, Kenya and the Philippines to work in over 70 countries all over the world, including Ghana.

The VSO Volunteer in Ghana for the Partnership, Jane Mallison is currently working with the Integrated Community Centre for Employable Skills (ICCES) in Ve-Golukuati in the Volta Region. Her work at the Centre will among others, include supporting the management in a bid to initiate a project aimed at utilizing the clay deposits in the area in the development of a ceramic and pottery industry.Mr. Kobina Quansah, Managing Director of Barclays Bank Ghana in a comment says Barclays Africa and Barclays Ghana are committed to making a positive difference to the communities in which they operate through this partnership with the VSO.

He said by working in relationship with VSO Volunteers, Barclays can meet the needs of the people, support those with disabilities to play a fuller part in society and enhance opportunities that increase access to sustainable incomes for rural area and women.