PRESS RELEASE - Their hands were up and their eyes twinkled with excitement as they raced to answer questions from First Citizens Investment Services Business Development Officer Christine Charlemagne as she quizzed them about budgeting, saving, income, expenses and more.
It was all part of a drive by First Citizens to educate even the youngest among us about financial terms and good money management.
The initiative, for Financial Information Month which is marked in October, took the First Citizens team to Gros Islet, Monchy, Anse La Raye, Richfond, Anglican and Carmen Rene Primary Schools to speak to over 230 Grade five and six students.
“What is money? What do we do with it?” asked Ms. Charlemagne, who engaged students and shared with them knowledge on how they could budget even the smallest amounts.
The presentation was specially prepared for their age group and featured some exciting activities during which students could win prizes.
The students were eager to take part in the exercises and learn some new information they can put to use, even with their own daily or weekly allowance.
“Our aim is to help students understand how money works,” explained Business Development Manager Priscilla Charles, “We hope that we can teach them good financial practices in the early years so the next generation can be on the right financial footing.”
“As a financial entity operating in an emerging market First Citizens is deeply committed to a community where everyone is financially educated. We are also committed to engaging and supporting not just students but teachers and parents as well. Money management skills and financial literacy has the power to transform financial lives and we look forward to continuing to spread this knowledge and important message.”
In 2013 First Citizens focused on educating tertiary level students with a road show called “CommonCents” which was very successful.
First Citizens has always endeavoured to promote policies that help consumers of all ages improve their financial knowledge in order to enable them to navigate the financial marketplace effectively and take more control over their economic lives.
To that end throughout the year we host informational seminars for different sections of the society.
As part of this year’s Financial Information Month, executed by the Eastern Caribbean Central Bank (ECCB) in collaboration with the Bankers Association of Saint Lucia, First Citizens will also be participating in the Financial Fair scheduled for this Thursday on the William Peter Boulevard.