Kilmarnock kids to get money savvy
06/03/2013 14:53:16
Pupils in every school in Kilmarnock will have the chance to learn more about money during My Money Week, which runs from 3 – 9 June.
The aim of the week is to support teachers in Kilmarnock and across the country in educating young people about money, through fun activities in the classroom.
A new partnership between financial education charity pfeg (Personal Finance Education Group) and Barclays, My Money Week is running in schools in Scotland for the first time this year. The week will improve young people’s financial skills, knowledge and confidence through special lessons, activities, debates and a national competition for schoolchildren.
Barclays employees will also share their financial expertise and skills with young people in teacher-led activities in schools. In addition, this year will see extra resources targeted towards disadvantaged young people.
Councillor Iain Linton, Spokesperson for Lifelong Learning, said: “It has never been more important for young people to be able to access the support they need to learn about money. Having sound financial skills and being confident in managing funds is critical to everyday living and achieving future goals”.
Tracey Bleakley, pfeg chief executive, said: “This year, My Money Week is going to be bigger and better than ever – and I hope that every school in Kilmarnock will seize the chance to get involved using our free support and resources.
“Financial education is absolutely essential if we are to give young people the best possible start in life, equipping them with the skills, knowledge and confidence they need to be able to manage their money well”.
Ashok Vaswani, CEO UK and Retail Business Banking at Barclays, said: “When I speak to those who have taken part in Barclays Money Skills, volunteers and participants alike, I hear at first hand just how much young people and those who are disadvantaged benefit from dedicated support”.
Since the first My Money Week in 2009, more than three million young people have been helped to understand more about money and personal finance in schools. Last year, around 500,000 young people took part, with 99% of teachers reporting an increase in skills and knowledge and 91% of teachers reporting a shift in students’ attitudes towards money.
Teachers in Kilmarnock can pre-order their free My Money Week Activity Packs at www.pfeg.org/mymoneyweek
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For further information, contact Elaine Scott on 01563 576013 or email elaine.scott@east-ayrshire.gov.uk