BY HEZRON KISING

A TWO-WEEK workshop on financial literacy has highlighted the importance of financial literacy for pupils in Pre-Primary (Prep) to Year Six schools to raise awareness of financial literacy.

The workshop conducted by the Center for Excellence in Financial Inclusion (CEFI) focuses on the development of resource materials that will increase financial awareness among students from an early age.

The Financial Education Content Alignment and Development Workshop for Teacher Resource Books and Student Activity Books for K-6 is crucial to building the foundation for our future generations.

According to the workshop, it is very important for students to learn financial literacy. Imagine a young child learning how to manage money, understanding the difference between needs and wants, the value of saving, and the importance of making informed financial decisions.

Financial literacy isn’t just about teaching kids how to count coins or create a budget or savings plan; it’s about empowering them to be responsible, informed and proactive in their financial lives.

Senior officials from the Department of National Planning and Monitoring, Treasury and Education were present at the event.

CFI Deputy Chief Executive Officer Peter Samuel said financial education is like planting a seed in fertile soil.

With proper nourishment, the seed will grow into a strong tree that will bear fruit for many years to come. Just as a tree’s roots dig deep into the earth, providing stability and nourishment, financial education will give our children the foundation they need to thrive in our demanding cultural framework and increasingly complex financial landscape.

“By equipping our young learners with the skills and knowledge they need, we not only prepare them for personal success, but also contribute to the overall economic health of our communities and our nation,” he said.

“Financially literate people are more likely to save, invest wisely and make decisions that benefit not only themselves but also those around them.”

Instead, consider the ramifications of neglecting financial education.

Without it, we risk raising a generation ill-equipped to deal with the financial challenges of adulthood, like a ship sailing without a compass, lost at sea.

This is the current state of affairs in PNG where many of us live pay check to pay cheque.

Our goal must be to ensure that every child knows how to chart their course and reach their destination of financial freedom.