About 40 children from various primary schools are now more financially savvy after participating in a financial workshop last weekend at the University of the West Indies (UWI) Open Campus Dominica site.
The workshop which forms part of the 2014 Financial Information Month (FIM) was facilitated by Eastern Caribbean Central Bank (ECCB), SAGICOR and University of the West Indies.
The event was held “to enlighten young children about age appropriate financial matters.”
The workshop began with a video presentation called “EC Dollar and You” which informed the participants about the EC Dollars, its origin and evolution.
The children obtained an appreciation of the importance of productivity and how a country earns foreign exchange. They were also taught the importance of savings and budgeting at every stage of their lives, including a humorous Anansi Story entitled “Anansi and the EC Dollar.”
The video was presented by Tracey Josephs of the ECCB which sought to highlight the stability of the EC Dollar and the ECCU Monetary System as Anansi tried to take over the EC Dollar but was unsuccessful as he would have had the task of convincing the heads of the eight (8) countries which use the EC Dollar (ECCU).
Participants were also given financial tips from SAGICOR’s representative, Avril Elie, who informed the children on how they can earn and save money and the advantages of practicing money management techniques early in life.
The session came to an end with FIM questions focused on the 27 FIM partners and all participants receiving tokens made possible through donations of the financial partners.
“This was a very successful event, as educating one child can impact a household and later a community and country,” Coordinator of the workshop and resident representative of the ECCB, Sherma John, said.
There are plans next year to move the event out of Roseau so other children could benefit.
We reside in a society which think children are adults and treat them accordingly. Is it any wonder some of them cannot be controlled? For God’s sake, let the children be children!
They may think it is important for the primary school children. Should these children, at that stage be learning about finance? They are filling the children’s heads with what they should not.
Why not the high school children?
It is noted that the financial sector (not only in Dominica) are targeting children. My goodness! They are not employed and are far from being employed. The few dollars that their parents may afford to give them, if they get any, are not enough to save.
It is all about money and investing. Money, money, money! Money talks! It could be the root of all evil. Anyway, how much of that will they remember by the time they are in high school and hopefully graduate?
Save that for high school children who are older, able to comprehend and grasp the importance of money, saving and investing since they will soon graduate and seeking a job. Do not tarnish the minds of the younger ones with money. They have much to learn prior to completing primary school.
Why not teach them about discipline, morality and self-control? The Lord will be pleased with that.
I am warning you, on that day, God will punish some adults and educators. Take note! I reiterate, let the children be children. Your priorities for children are totally wrong. If you are copycatting the US system better cease now. It is not worth it.