Businesses, church groups, clubs, or corporate groups that require presentations on financial education for their membership may contact the Ministry of Energy and Business’ National Financial Literacy Programme (NFLP).
This reminder came from Coordinator of the NFLP, David Simpson, who said his team was available to offer “customised sessions” to various organisations. He made the comments recently at the official launch of phase two of the FLITE (Financial Literacy) Schools’ Programme 2024-2025.
Mr. Simpson told the audience: “We have been doing some work with the Anglican Diocese, and we’ve confirmed…work with other church denominations across the island, which will commence shortly as well…. We are currently working on various core branded programmes with various persons.
“The response to all of our programmes is significantly high. There are a number of corporate entities that we’re currently meeting with, trying to thrash out MOUs and other activities and agreements with them.”
He noted that several schools had asked to be included in phase two of the FLITE Programme. Additionally, he proffered the view that since the introduction of the NFLP, financial literacy activities and conversations had increased.
“And, that was one of our aims, not that we would be responsible for every single activity in financial literacy, but that we would be a motivating factor to getting more people involved….
“So, I think all of that says that we are doing something that is very useful to the economy, to our society and to our citizens and residents because this is not only for Barbadian citizens; it’s for anyone living and residing in the country,” Mr. Simpson stated.
The Coordinator emphasised the importance of the schools’ component of the programme, outlining that children were impressionable and learned very quickly, so they would be able to take the financial literacy message into their homes and communities.
He added that his team was in the process of taking financial literacy education into communities, and special Lunch and Learn sessions were also being held for public officers.
During the launch, Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Energy and Business, Kevin Hunte, lauded the facilitators, as well as AffinityPlus Credit Union Limited for its partnership.
Mr. Hunte said: “Your presence…and this project…speak well to what can be accomplished in partnership. Our country is at a stage where we need partnerships at all levels, so that we can build sustainability, not just for now, but for the future and for our children….
“I encourage this partnership to continue and let us see where this can go…. Let’s not limit this to Barbados; let Barbados be the pilot for the region.” For financial literacy sensitisation, persons should call the Ministry at 535-7700, or email flb.246@barbados.gov.bb.