Bristol children learn what money means

Release Date:  21-May-2009

A new project in Bristol primary schools is helping children learn how to manage money.

'What Money Means' is a groundbreaking project designed to support primary schools in teaching about personal finance.

Created by the Personal Finance Education Group (pfeg), the project is being run by Bristol City Council's Children and Young People's Services and funded by HSBC. Bristol is one of a handful of places in the UK selected to take part in the project this year.

Sixteen Bristol primary schools have signed up to the project, with seventy 10 and 11 year olds taking part.

Schools are being supported by volunteers from HSBC, who assist with classroom teaching. They can help teachers to:

• use real-life examples to make financial education more meaningful for children
• share their own knowledge and experience of how people manage money
• use local knowledge to link financial topics to real life situations
• explain their work to help children understand the role of banks

Strategic Director for Children, Young People and Skills, Annie Hudson, said: "In the current difficult economic climate, it is more important than ever that we ensure children develop the knowledge and skills to manage money effectively. By working in partnership with HSBC, we are able to offer an engaging programme of financial education to primary age children. This will help improve their numeracy skills and prepare them to look after their own finances as they gain independence through their teenage years."

In addition to funding the programme, HSBC has donated £2,000 for the children to use to fund a project of their choice that they think will help tackle issues to do with personal finance in Bristol.

At a special event held in the Council House on 1st July, the children will hear from groups and individuals bidding for funding, before reaching a decision on how the money should be used.

Anyone with an idea they would like to put forward for funding should contact Hugh Thomas at Bristol City Council on 0117 927 6444 x.349, or email hugh.thomas@bristol.gov.uk

The funding is open to bids from groups or individuals with ideas that would help improve personal finance capability for a specific group in Bristol. Ideas must be received by the 5th June.
 

Author:   Katharine de Lisle 0117 922 2732

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