200 teachers to be trained in financial education

Two hundred teachers will be awarded scholarships valued at $31 million to pursue training in financial education through a partnership between the Ministry of Education and Youth and Profit Jumpstarter Academy.

The scholarships are designed to enhance financial literacy among teachers who will subsequently impart their knowledge to their students and the wider society.

Portfolio Minister, Fayval Williams, said financial training among teachers is the first step in equipping citizens to build wealth, which she noted, is a catalyst for national development.

“(It) is the key to unlocking opportunities for professional growth and financial security. Educators play a critical role in shaping the future generation and they must be equipped with the knowledge to manage their financial resources effectively. By investing in financial education for teachers we are investing in the sustainability and advancement of the education system,” the Education Minister contended.

She was addressing the 'Build Wealth Conference 2024' on August 16 at the AC Marriott Hotel in Kingston.

Underscoring the value of developing financial skills at an early age, Minister Williams said this will empower young people to make smart financial decisions, avoid debt traps and build a stable financial future for themselves and for the country.

“Financial literacy opens doors to opportunities for our students, enabling them to pursue higher education, start businesses and secure their financial independence. I am committed to incorporating a more widespread financial literacy education into our school curriculum to ensure that every student has a chance to develop these critical skills,” she pledged.

“It is not enough to excel academically; our students must be equipped with knowledge and skills to navigate the financial landscape with confidence and competence,” the minister added.

Chief Executive Officer of Profit Jumpstarter Academy, Keisha Bailey, said the partnership with the Education Ministry is a strategic step in building out a critical aspect of the education curriculum.

She noted that the provision of the scholarships “will ensure that the educators learn how to build wealth so they can teach the students. They can help the parents as well and through doing so, that is how we build a better Jamaica. That is how we build a better world.”

- JIS News

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