Volunteers from the Financial Conduct Authority, HSBC and FT Adviser joined forces this week to deliver financial education sessions to primary school pupils, as part of an initiative led by charity Girls Who Bank.
The programme saw professionals step into classrooms across years one to six, introducing children to key money concepts including saving, spending, budgeting and the value of financial independence.
Each volunteer delivered tailored sessions designed to be age-appropriate, using interactive activities and real-life examples to make financial topics accessible and engaging for younger audiences.
As part of the day, I read from my children’s book, Loose Change, which explores money habits and financial awareness for younger readers.
The reading formed a central part of the sessions, helping to spark conversations about how children think about money and the choices they make.
It was such a fantastic opportunity to be able to spend time with the Year One class and read my book to them.
It was amazing how quickly they picked up on some of the points and how it resonated with their own family lives at home.
Financial education is immensely important to a child’s foundation and Girls Who Bank is brilliant at helping to push this.
Wider initiative
The volunteering initiative is part of Girls Who Bank’s wider mission to improve financial literacy from an early age, particularly by connecting industry professionals with schools.
Michael Langan, non-executive director at Girls Who Bank and senior associate at the FCA, said: “It is wonderful to be able to provide these valuable finance lessons to children.
“I look around at our wonderful volunteers who support our events with their in-depth knowledge of the finance sector who would likely not have received these lessons at that age.
“At Girls Who Bank, as well as encouraging young women to pursue careers in finance, we want to provide all children with crucial financial education to help them in the future.
“By bringing volunteers directly into classrooms, the programme aims to demystify financial services and encourage confidence around money from a young age.”
Teachers welcomed the sessions, noting the importance of introducing financial education early, while volunteers highlighted the value of giving back and helping to build essential life skills.
With financial capability increasingly recognised as a core life skill, initiatives like this reflect growing collaboration between industry and education to better prepare the next generation.
sonia.rach@ft.com
