VIA GRAPHIC PLUS — Access to quality learning materials can help students make the most of every school year. For many visually impaired learners, these specialized resources remain essential to their studies.

Recognizing this need for more inclusive education, Skyro, an SEC-registered fintech company in the country, through its corporate social responsibility initiative, SkyroShares, recently held a Back-to-School outreach activity at the Philippine National School for the Blind (PNSB) in Pasay City.

The outreach benefited more than 170 participants, including elementary to senior high school students, learners with multiple disabilities, dormitory students from low-income or provincial areas, and teachers.

It opened with a message from Nasim Aliev, Skyro Co-founder and Co-CEO, who shared the company’s belief in the transformative power of education: “One of the things that we’re doing today is part of the whole work that should come from our side to support changes in society. Education is one of the most important things because it gives people more tools in life to sustain themselves. Edukasyon ay buhay. I would like to thank you for accepting us,” shared Aliev.

Likewise, Ira Franco, Skyro Chief Operating Officer, emphasized that meaningful impact goes beyond business growth: “Kami po ay narito ngayon bilang Skyro sapagkat kami ay naniniwala na ang tagumpay ng isang kumpanya ay hindi lamang nasusukat sa paglago ng negosyo nito, kundi pati sa positibong ambag nito sa lipunan, kabilang na po ang mga aktibidades katulad nito. Ang bawat isa sa atin ay may natatanging talento, kakayahan, at pangarap. Dahil po sa mga dahilang iyon, kami ay naririto hindi lamang para mag-ambag, hindi lamang para magbahagi, kundi makibahagi. Kami po ay naririto upang matuto mula sa inyo, makilala kayo, at magdiwang kasama kayo.”

The program featured a series of engaging activities, including dance and musical presentations by students, games, food pack distribution, and the turnover of school donations. Partially and completely blind students were able to receive school backpacks containing both specialized learning materials, such as Braille paper and slate & stylus sets, along with essential school supplies such as notebooks, pens, crayons, and paper.  Students residing in dormitories were also provided with hygiene and food essentials.

Meanwhile, the faculty received educational materials and equipment to support their teaching needs, including a printer with ink, embossing paper, bond paper, and wall fans. The school was also gifted with essential equipment such as a portable embossing machine (Index Braille Basic-D V5), drum and lyre sets, Braille staplers, industrial fans, a refrigerator for dormitory use, and a speaker system with wireless microphone.

Ms. Corazon Salvador, the school principal, expressed her appreciation for Skyro’s Back-to-School outreach: “We are deeply grateful for your generosity. Your support goes beyond the items you donate. It sends a powerful message to our children that they are valued, remembered, and capable of achieving their dreams. Thank you for making a difference in the lives of our learners.”

Through SkyroShares, the company continues to advance its mission of bringing hope, happiness, and support to Filipinos through educational, community, and financial literacy initiatives.

To learn more about Skyro and its CSR programs, visit skyro.ph and follow its social media accounts on Facebook, Instagram, LinkedIn, YouTube, and TikTok.