The lovely Andrea, full of energy, abundant knowledge and infectious smiles facilitates the ASB financial literacy workshops which, when run in the schools, is best suited to those in Years 10 to 13. The comprehensive course covers a spectrum of financial aspects – from understanding earnings (including sources of income, taxation, deciphering payslips, IRD numbers, and KiwiSaver) to navigating savings, spending, and distinguishing between needs and wants.
As students get older, the course goes into more detail. By Year 13, it delves deeper into topics such as safeguarding against scams and fraud, practical money-saving advice for everyday life, and detailed budgeting techniques. This structured curriculum occurs annually, commencing with Andrea teaching foundational concepts in Years 10, 11, and 12. The pinnacle comes in Year 13, where the material receives a comprehensive treatment across multiple sessions to ensure a thorough understanding.
Andrea recently engaged with the Year 10 students at Waiuku College, expressing her delight in collaborating with them. The students actively interacted, posing insightful questions on initiating their financial journey and navigating the transformations leading to financial stability and independence.
The experience underscored the critical significance of this financial education in preparing our youth for the future – a vital tool enabling them to navigate the evolving financial landscape with confidence and awareness.