JA Cyprus Pilots a New Programme in Primary Schools
The piloting of the new JA Cyprus programme, “More than Money” in primary schools was concluded successfully on Wednesday, 16 March 2016. The Programme was introduced in five primary schools across Cyprus, with the financial support of the Association of Cyprus Banks and in cooperation with the Ministry of Education and Culture.
The Programme was incorporated in the module on health education and was applied in the following primary schools: Z’ Lakatamia, Peristerona, Ethnarchou Makariou (Larnaca), Limassol 23rd and Paralimni 3rd. Two hundred twelve-year old students participated in the pilot, under the guidance of 14 teachers and six volunteer mentors from the banks members of the Association.
“More than Money” aims at familiarising primary school students with concepts related to money management, such as income, expenses and savings. With the aid of the creative Community Game, students were familiarised with the role of money in both their daily life and society in general, and identified their potential professional skills and interests by combining them with potential jobs. By creating a simulated environment, the inventive Business Game introduced students to fundamental principles and processes related to a company’s operation, strengthened their decision-making and problem-solving skills, and introduced them to basic business ethics.
The General Director of the Association of Cyprus Banks, Dr. Michalis Kammas, stressed that in the modern, constantly evolving economic environment, consumers have many options when it comes to financial products and services. He noted that “our aim, through such educational programmes, is to familiarize students with basic financial concepts and their practical applications, in order to reinforce their decision-making skills concerning money management and their economic future in general”.
Eloiza Savvidou, CEO of JA Cyprus, explains that this is the first time that concepts such as consumerism and savings, that are included in primary school modules, are organized in high-quality teaching materials and transformed into an enjoyable and educational game.
