Financial Education Youth Ambassadors Programme |18 August 2023

Guests and delegates in a souvenir photo (Photo: Contributed)

CBS marks completion of first programme

 Members of the first cohort of the Central Bank of Seychelles’ Youth for Youth Financial Education Youth Ambassadors Programme have been presented with their certificates in a hybrid event.

The 40 young men and women aged between 16 and 30 years old received their certificates from Central Bank of Seychelles (CBS) governor Caroline Abel in a short ceremony held at the bank’s premises in Victoria yesterday afternoon, in the presence of staff and invited guests.

The aim of the programme is to encourage peer-to-peer learning and advocacy on financial education amongst the youth. Initially planned for one year, the first programme launched virtually in February 2021 was extended to 2023 to allow the youth ambassadors to complete their projects which were delayed, particularly due to the Covid-19 pandemic.

In her remarks, governor Abel acknowledged the commitment of the youth ambassadors to navigate through the challenges to accomplish the objectives of the programme.

“Your accomplishments are evident in the different initiatives and projects that you have conceptualised, which have impacted not only the youth but all segments of the population,” said Ms Abel, who encouraged the group to use the knowledge gained to display and advocate for responsible financial behaviour in all their encounters and endeavours.

The programme was in two main segments – a knowledge programme to introduce the youngsters to Seychelles’ financial system as well as a skills programme to help them develop soft skills, such as effective communications and peer counselling.

The youngsters also received help from the national financial education secretariat to develop and implement ideas and projects aimed at enhancing financial literacy in their communities.

During the ceremony those who took part actively in CBS-organised initiatives and activities also received appreciation certificates.Representatives of four groups of ambassadors who joined together to undertake financial education projects also showcased their initiatives and were presented with recognition certificates.

The projects include a comic series on various financial-related topics by the ‘Buddy Saves the Day’ group, awareness materials on several aspects of personal financial management such as savings, budgeting and investment, as well as a piggy bank design competition by the ‘Moneywise’ group – all of which have been well received by the different target groups.

The ceremony also saw the presentation of two recently completed projects. Charlotte Rabat, representative of the ‘Youthonomics’ group, presented copies of a financial education booklet to the commissioner of prison, Raymond St. Ange and a representative of the division for the elderly and disabled, Marylou Wirtz.

The booklet has been produced with the aim of promoting inclusivity among vulnerable groups by simplifying some of the main financial education topics.

A short film in Creole entitled ‘Larzan Callie’ conceptualised by the ‘Dreams for today, Live for tomorrow’ group was also premiered. The film advocates several key messages, such as the importance of people knowing their priorities and saving to achieve their goals, as well as responsible spending.

Some of the delegates who talked to the press said the programme was very interesting and beneficial to them. They said other than acquiring financial skills and knowledge to share with the community, they are also in a better position to manage their budget – spending and savings.

“I have learned a lot with regards to savings, which is not a culture among Seychellois, and as a youth it has helped me to concentrate more on the aspect of saving for the future. I also got to learn about investment opportunities available in the country and I will encourage the youth to join the next programme and to learn about financial education which they can later share with the community and also for their own benefit,”  said Sarah Marie who was part of the promotional film making project.

“Although I come from a financial institution and have some financial knowledge, the programme has given me the opportunity to interact more with other personnel and policy makers in the sector which has broadened my scope in the sector. I think for young people who aspire to join the financial sector, the financial education programme provides the perfect opportunity for them,” said Keith Mondon who was part of the ‘Buddy saves the day’, a comic series to educate youth on financial education.

Governor Abel later said she was very satisfied with the running of the first Youth for Youth Financial Education Youth Ambassadors Programme where the youths have been very active. She noted that they are conducting a post mortem prior to launching the second next year.

“I will encourage the youths to join the programme when we make the call for the second edition next year and we will also use delegates from the first cohort to help us market the programme,” governor Abel said.

Patrick Joubert / CBS press release