Developing financial intelligence in children is more crucial than ever in today’s economic landscape. Preparing children for the future requires equipping them with essential skills and knowledge, such as financial intelligence, budgeting, and investment. Summer programmes focusing on youth entrepreneurship have emerged as powerful tools in teaching young minds how to navigate financial complexities from an early age.
These programmes offer a blend of interactive workshops, practical exercises, financial education, project leadership skills, and real-world applications that make financial concepts accessible and engaging for young learners.
The North Al Batinah Governorate has seen a significant rise in such initiatives, with various summer programmes designed to enhance children's financial acumen.
These programmes target children aged 9-15, introducing them to the basics of financial management, budgeting, and investment.
Activities include setting up mock businesses, role-playing customer interactions, and learning about supply and demand through games. Participants also create simple financial plans and understand the importance of saving and investing.
A 12-year-old participant, Faisal al Busaidi, shared his excitement: "I learned how to manage money and even started saving for my own small business idea. It was fun and educational, and I can finally earn money on my own without my dad’s help!”
Parents have also expressed their satisfaction with these programmes. Alia Salim, mother of an 11-year-old, said, "The programme has given my son a sense of responsibility and an understanding of money that I never had at his age. It’s a fantastic programme. I am really proud of the innovative minds behind such activities and ideas.”
Ahmed al Hosni, father of another participant, praised the programme's impact: "My daughter came home every day excited to share what she learned. She now talks about starting her own business and managing her own budget, and I can see her confidence growing."
Aisha Khalifa, a 10-year-old participant, shared her thoughts: “I learned that money is a tool, not a target in life, and we should learn how to use this powerful tool to improve our lives and our families' lives. I also learned how to plan my own business and earn money. That is beautiful.”
These programmes include sessions on entrepreneurship, where children brainstorm business ideas, create business plans, and present their concepts to a panel of judges. This approach not only builds financial intelligence but also enhances critical thinking, creativity, problem-solving, and public speaking skills.
Fatima Alameeri, a supervisor of one of the Financial Intelligence initiatives in the North Al Batinah General Directorate of Culture, Youth, and Sports, said, “We chose entrepreneurship programmes and an excellent coach who can teach children how to invest money and start their own businesses. What was really impressive was how engaged and excited the participants were, responding quickly to the coach’s request to create their own business ideas. By the end of the course, all of them had created their own branding and started selling their products to friends, earning money for the first time through their simple entrepreneurial ideas.”
These summer programmes have played a significant role in fostering a generation of financially savvy individuals who are well-prepared to face future economic challenges. They not only teach children about money management but also inspire them to think innovatively and act responsibly by integrating financial education with practical entrepreneurship activities. The positive feedback from both children and parents underscores the importance of continuing and expanding such programmes to reach more young minds across the region.
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