Smartbucks programme teaches children how to take care of their money
SANDTON – The Smartbucks programme uses movies to educate high school learners about using their money wisely.
A financial literacy programme to help underprivileged youths save money was celebrated for its success at an event in Sandton on 16 May.
The Smartbucks programme, created by Primestars, has two movies that introduce schoolchildren to the basics of managing debt and savings, and spending wisely. The programme is presented to youngsters from Grade 9 to 12 at Ster-Kinekor theatres across the country. Each Saturday from 5 May to 2 June, they will have the opportunity to see the movies and receive an information booklet to reinforce the lessons they learned.
The Smartbucks programme is supported by the Department of Basic Education and the private sector, with companies including Liberty, Calgro M3, Tsogo Sun, Kulula and Gearhouse assisting.
Martin Sweet, the managing director of Primestars and facilitator of the programme, said that South African consumers have a combined debt of R1.7 trillion and a poor level of savings, making it essential to educate the youth about smart money choices. “Our goal was to educate 15 000 historically disadvantaged learners from across South Africa about how to become smart with their money,” he said.
“I am proud to say that to date, we have reached over 75 000 learners and will reach a further 15 000 this year, using the cinema channel.”
Seipati Nekhindeka, a director at the National Treasury, said that not being financially literate could be likened to not being able to read or write, as it prevents people from being fully productive members of the economy. She added that ensuring people are financially literate unlocks jobs and helps the economy grow.
Wikus Lategan, CEO of Calgro M3 added, “We strongly believe that by supporting educational initiatives, we can make a meaningful difference to changing the well-being of all South Africans, in line with our tagline of Building Legacies, Changing Lives. The Smartbucks programme, which teaches learners about financial concepts such as managing debt, looking after one’s savings and spending wisely, in an engaging, fun way, while delivering powerful messages, is something that we can really get behind.”
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Related articles:
https://www.citizen.co.za/sandton-chronicle/119598/pupils-encouraged-to-save-at-smartbucks-movie-launch/
