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Adding a Social Twist to Financial and Enterprise Education

posted on Tuesday, May 27, 2008 01:37 PM

Helping to create the next generation of informed consumers making ethical choices about where they invest their money, and knowing it is in their power to become agents for social change, MyBnk’s unique educational service opens its doors to 30 new schools and colleges.

MyBnk offers young people the hands-on experience of running a bank, planning and carrying out an enterprising activities and taking control of their banking decisions. Through an innovative educational program inspired by consultations with young people, teachers and artists, MyBnk provides a fun and interactive way to help young people effectively manage their finances and make enterprising choices in their lives.

An independent service, MyBnk is not affiliated to any financial institution, and encourages young people to question what banks do with their money and consider ethical policies. This way, we hope to educate young people to grow up to be questioning consumers in a society where more people get divorced than change banks! MyBnk also prides itself in promoting the idea of social enterprise as opposed to purely profit driven business, empowering young people to go out into the world of work with the belief their career choices could actually shape the world around them.

One of our patrons is Michael Norton (author of '365 ways to change the world', and described by The Guardian as a 'One man Ideas Factory'!).

We are also supported by John Bird, Social Entrepreneur and Founder of the Big Issue, who said:
"When you have money, and you know how to deal with it, then your choices are made freely. You are not alienated anymore. I support and encourage MyBnk because it is about independence, choice and education."

MyBnk’s inspirational workshops, assemblies and resources are PFEG and FSA approved, and fit into a variety of environments in schools and colleges such as PSHE and Business classes, Prince’s Trust initiatives, or as extra curricular options.

See MyBnk in action here

We are currently scouting for interested schools, colleges and teachers to roll out the programme to from September 2008. For more information and to make recommendations, please contact Sharan Jaswal on sharan@mybnk.org or 0207 702 0377. Places are limited to Greater London in 2008, but you can register your regional interest NOW for 2009.

www.mybnk.org

Comments

Tommy Hutchinson

Tuesday, May 27, 2008 04:37 PM

The need for people to manage their money is going to become more important than ever especially during a economic downturn. What you are doing with kids is great!

Usman Imanah

Thursday, June 05, 2008 05:42 PM

Is this program only available in the UK? I wish you could extend it to Africa and other parts of the world.

Sharan Jaswal

Wednesday, June 11, 2008 11:11 AM

Hi Usman - at the moment it is only London based, but we have big dreams of it going international, so watch this space!