George Tsounias finds out why teachers want our members back in the classroom to talk to kids about financial education.
In the first two months of the new academic year, the My Personal Finance Skills initiative booked in more than 150 sessions nationwide, with Education Champions coming forward to take on the various local and national opportunities. Understanding money has never been so important and we have a duty as a society to start with financial education in school, to ensure the adults of the future are more financially resilient.
After a year of mainly remote sessions taking place, teachers are keener than ever to see a return of Education Champions to the classroom to talk all things money with their students, help them understand more about personal finance and, in the process, inspire a new generation of young people who might be interested in a career within our profession.
Hybrid model
Since inception, the main method of delivery has been face to face and has always been something we are proud of, given the large number of Education Champions we have around the country who are committed to giving back to their local communities. However, where school requests outstrip our local volunteer capacity, we are opting for a mix of in-school and remote options, to ensure that we can cover the schools’ requests.
For example, a recent request of 11 sessions taking place at the same time, on the same day, required a remote delivery model. This also allows volunteers in areas where we have not yet engaged with local schools to take part.
Teacher approved
When asked about the My Personal Finance Skills education sessions, Emma Fox, learning mentor at Mirfield College, said: “The sessions were delivered with lots of enthusiasm and humour, which really engaged and inspired our students.
“It was particularly valuable to have a finance specialist in to deliver the content of the session, as they were able to give them such a good insight into all things finance, which I truly believe will have a positive impact on decision-making when planning their next steps.”
Samima Chati, school business manager and senior administrator at Islamiyah School, said: “I believe strongly that it has planted a seed and given them a glimpse into an important part of ‘grown-up’ life, which I think they will appreciate later.”
Help spread the word
This year we are looking to increase our school engagement, so we are particularly keen for any advisers with a secondary school contact in their area come forward.
Make a start today by scanning the QR code to download the Education Champion toolkit.
Join the growing network of Education Champions and help provide much-needed financial education to young people, with our support.
To get in touch, email skills@thepfs.org or visit www.mypersonalfinancekills.org for more information.
The Winners
A big thank you to everyone who entered the Education Champion of the Year award at the PFS Awards.
Congratulations to our winners Robert Boland and Hazel Bowen!
George Tsounias is education relationship manager of the PFS
Image credit | iStock
The Winners
A big thank you to everyone who entered the Education Champion of the Year award at the PFS Awards.
Congratulations to our winners Robert Boland and Hazel Bowen!
