MP backs ‘money lessons’ plan for local schools
David Mundell, MP for Dumfriesshire, Clydesdale and Tweeddale, is encouraging local schools to put on money lessons this June, to boost young people’s understanding of money management and personal finance.
The move comes in advance of the return of My Money Week (9 to 15 June), run by financial education charity pfeg (Personal Finance Education Group), after a successful first year in Scotland in 2013.
Every primary and secondary school in Dumfriesshire, Clydesdale and Tweeddale is being given the chance to take part in this year’s My Money Week, which aims to help young people learn more about money and personal finance, for free. My Money Week 2014 will be themed around current affairs, challenging young people to improve their financial skills, knowledge and confidence through topical lessons and activities on personal finance.
The local MP said: Mr Mundell said: “This initiative is a really fun and interactive means to help schools give our young people the skills the need for the future. All the evidence suggests that teaching children about financial skills and independence early on in life is the most effective way to teach them how to be responsible with their money. These sorts of skills are also very important in a number of careers and can easily be combined and made part of cross circular activities boosting decision making and numeracy skills.”
“I know a number of schools in my constituency are already taking part in this and other similar schemes but I wanted to do what I could to promote the My Money Week as I think it is really important. As the difficult economic conditions we have been facing show us, it is vital that people can make the most of what they have and I hope other schools will take the opportunity to join in this year.”
As the UK’s leading financial education charity, pfeg is offering teachers in Dumfriesshire, Clydesdale and Tweeddale free online resources, advice and training to help plan their activities. My Money Week offers an opportunity for schools to build on the financial education already being taught in the Curriculum for Excellence through a dedicated week of activities for their pupils.
Tracey Bleakley, chief executive ofpfeg, said: “David Mundell MP is absolutely right to call for all local schools to take part in My Money Week, which is a terrific opportunity to help pupils learn more about money in a fun and engaging way. We are delighted to have his support for what we hope will be an even bigger My Money Week in Dumfriesshire, Clydesdale and Tweeddale this year.”
Since the first My Money Week in 2009, millions of young people have been helped to understand more about money and personal finance through focused activities in schools. In 2013 My Money Week reached approximately 1.3 million young people in more than 4,500 schools and other settings, including running in Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland for the first time.
Schools and other organisations that work with young people in Dumfriesshire, Clydesdale and Tweeddale can find out more about My Money Week at www.pfeg.org/mymoneyweek
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