To further its goal to achieve a financially developed and vibrant
ECCU, the Eastern Caribbean Central Bank is spearheading the
implementation of a Financial Literacy programme. The programme
is being developed on two main pillars:
(i) Maintenance of a strong EC dollar,
and
(ii) The OECS single financial space
The objectives of the programme are:
To facilitate understanding of financial and money matters
and the importance of investing
To mobilise public discussion on economic and financial matters
To create awareness and interest in financial developments
and mobilise the public to take advantage of the investment
opportunities in the ECCU.
ABOUT FINANCIAL INFORMATON MONTH
Financial Information Month is celebrated in October each year in the Eastern Caribbean Currency Union.
The Month forms part of an ECCU public education programme coordinated by the Eastern Caribbean Central Bank (ECCB). The Programme promotes awareness and understanding of general financial and economic issues, that is, functional financial and economic literacy among the masses. The programme incorporates a series of initiatives designed to support the attainment of the goal of “a financially developed and vibrant ECCU region that fosters strong and sustainable economic growth and the improved well-being of the citizenry.”
During the month of October, the Eastern Caribbean Central Bank in collaboration with financial institutions, Ministries of Education and Finance, the media and community groups implement various educational initiatives aimed at preparing citizens to make the type of financial decisions that can result in an improvement in their quality of life.
During October 2010, the month’s activities will focus on “Financial Planning and Goal Setting” and “Personal Financial and Business Success”. These activities are expected to serve as catalysts for the delivery of financial education programmes in ECCU schools and wider communities, as institutions and groups rise to the challenge to bring financial information effectively to their constituencies. Planned activities include:
COMMUNITY PROJECTS
- Symposiums and workshops on financial planning, investing, risk management and entrepreneurship.
- Discussions with community groups, churches and business institutions.
- Exhibitions at public libraries.
SCHOOL PROJECTS
- Youth symposium on financial planning and entrepreneurship targeting high school and college students.
- Visits to Primary and High Schools – Representatives from financial institutions will visit schools to engage students in discussions on savings, wise use of money and credit, budgeting, and financial planning.
- Presentations at Parents-Teachers Meetings
MEDIA PROJECTS
- Daily tips on money management and investing.
- Newspaper Articles on financial matters.
- Media Programmes with discussions on financial matters.
- Financial Information Month theme song promoted on radio stations.
PROMOTIONAL PROJECTS
- T-shirts sporting the theme and logo
- Street banners promoting the theme and logo
TION MONTH 2010 We all have dreams…
Dreams of being debt free, dreams of buying our own home, dreams of operating our own business, dreams of providing for the future financial security of our families, dreams of sending our children or ourselves to university, dreams of retiring in comfort.
Unfortunately many persons never realise their dreams because they fail to plan, take control of their finances and take action to ensure a secure financial future… as the old adage goes- “fail to plan, plan to fail”.
The theme adopted for Financial Information Month, October 2010 “ Make Your Dreams a Reality - Save and Invest Wisely” seeks to underscore the importance of goal setting and financial planning to realise one’s dreams by challenging individuals to save and invest wisely. It is a call to action for individuals to put a financial plan in place to realise their dreams.
As simple as it sounds, many people fail to save and invest wisely to achieve their goals. One hears excuses as – I don’t make enough money to save; I have a weakness for spending; I will start to save next year.” The theme challenges us to adopt today, good practices of saving and investing so that our dreams can become our destiny.
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