Year 10 students from St Ninian’s High School are the first school to benefit from a scheme supported by HSBC. ‘It’s All About Money’ is a half-day programme run by Manx charity Junior Achievement, the aim of which is to teach young people how to become financially capable adults.
A team of 14 business volunteers worked with seven classes to cover important topics such as how to manage a bank account, protection against identity theft, how not to fall victim to a scam, the pitfalls of payday loans and the importance of budgeting and saving.
Junior Achievement chief executive Sue Cook said: ‘3,000 students are set to benefit from this programme over the next three years. It’s important that we introduce young people to the essentials of personal finance and equip them with the skills to navigate the complex area of financial products and services. At Junior Achievement we aim to prepare young people not only for the world of work but also to teach them the skills that will help them to realise their potential so they’re able to benefit from as wide a choice of career opportunities as possible. It’s All About Money is a core component of our work and thanks to a three-year partnership agreement with HSBC we can deliver this essential programme free of charge to every year 10 student in the island.’
HSBC Isle of Man senior manager Kevin Cartledge said: 'HSBC is delighted to support Junior Achievement with this “It's all about Money” project.
‘Our commitment to education is all about investing in the future of young people and through Junior Achievement we can help young people to build their confidence and understand the importance of money management.
‘An added benefit is our employees giving their time, sharing their enthusiasm and skills to encourage young people in the Isle of Man prepare for the world of work. Our employees have shown so much enthusiasm for supporting such educational programmes and some will voluntarily help facilitate the sessions.’
Junior Achievement is a member of Junior Achievement Europe which works with 31,380 schools, with the help of 116,687 teachers and 164,363 business volunteers to empower 3,454,750 million students across 39 countries.
To find out more about Junior Achievement programmes and how you can become a volunteer contact Sue Cook, 666266 or visit www.jaiom.im.
Photo - HSBC volunteer Stephen Forrest with St Ninian's High School students students Jamie Morris, Gracel Delos Santos, Amber Baker and Sarina Dove. Picture Andrew Barton.
